Newswise — Food scientist Dennis R. Heldman, principal of the food science consultancy Heldman Associates of San Marcos, Calif, and professor emeritus at University of Missouri, has been named President-elect of the international not-for-profit scientific society Institute of Food Technologists as determined by a vote of its members.
Heldman succeeds Margaret Lawson as IFT President-elect. Lawson, of T. Hasegawa Flavor and Fragrances Company, assumed the responsibilities of the IFT presidency on September 1, at the conclusion of Herbert Stone's one-year term. Heldman will follow Lawson as IFT President beginning September 1, 2006.
Named an IFT Fellow in 1981 for distinguished contributions to food science and technology during his career, Heldman is an active member within IFT sections and divisions and has served on the IFT Executive Committee, and others.
During his campaign, Heldman championed the development of future leaders, calling for programming to promote meaningful involvement of young members in IFT activities.
"I would strive for a balanced perspective on the future of IFT, and emphasize organizational attributes that respond to the expectations of the diverse membership," he said.
"I have participated in the evolution of IFT into one of the world's largest organizations of food professionals (and) would be honored to serve and continue traditions that have made IFT the leading source of information on the food sciences," he said.
Heldman earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in dairy technology from Ohio State University, and his doctorate in agricultural engineering from Michigan State University.
As the society for food science and technology, IFT brings the scientific perspective to the public discussion of food issues. Its food science and technology exposition is annually the largest of its kind in the world, attracting up to 20,000 attendees. The 2006 Annual Meeting + FOOD EXPO®, June 24-28, in Orlando will be Heldman's first opportunity as President-elect to address publicly the assembled IFT membership. A photo is available upon request.
Founded in 1939, the Institute of Food Technologists is a non-profit scientific society with 22,000 members working in food science, technology and related professions in industry, academia and government. As the society for food science and technology, IFT brings sound science to the public discussion of food issues. IFT World Headquarters are located in Chicago, Illinois, USA. For more on IFT, see http://www.ift.org.
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