Newswise — The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) announced today that William Fisher has been named Vice President of Science and Policy Initiatives. In this Washington D.C. based position, he is charged with overseeing all scientific, technical and government activities at the international not-for-profit food science society.
As the lead executive in charge of science and policy initiatives, Fisher will identify, analyze and prioritize emerging food issues, recommend appropriate IFT action and oversee development of programs addressing issues with a sound science perspective, and provide leadership and implementation of science and technology grants and contracts. He will also oversee the development of timely and effective science reports, positions and policy-oriented documents, ensuring they appropriately reflect IFT's scientific and policy views.
"IFT recognizes Will's ability to build on our successful science and policy initiatives," said Barbara Byrd Keenan, Executive Vice President at IFT. "Likewise, he'll be raising IFT's global visibility and scientific and professional profile on food-related issues."
Fisher is a seasoned executive who brings a unique mix of food science, public policy and business expertise to IFT. His extensive food industry background includes experience in regulatory affairs, packaged foods, foodservice, and public health and safety. Most recently, Fisher was Vice President at NSF International, an independent, not-for-profit organization that develops standards and certifies food, water and consumer goods. In that role, he was responsible for regulatory affairs and association programs and overall integrated marketing communications for this global provider of public health and risk management solutions. Under his leadership, NSF expanded its presence with a range of government officials, non-allied organizations, and the media.
Prior to NSF, Fisher was President of Choice Picks, a restaurant holdings company, where he had responsibility for overall executive management of two restaurant chains. He was also Vice President of Technical Business Development for Hardee's Food Systems, an important role responsible for innovative new product concepts, product optimizations, technical engineering advancements and the continual development of Total Quality Management systems. At Arby's, he built and led the R&D and quality assurance departments as Vice President of technical services for the global brand. A key part of his work with Arby's involved oversight of scientific and regulatory affairs and its impact on the company. Fisher also served in R&D capacities for Pillsbury's and Kraft General Foods, where he created numerous new products and received two patents.
Fisher is a Chicago, IL native and currently resides in both Raleigh, NC and Washington, D.C. He received both his master's and bachelor's degrees from the University of Illinois with a focus on agriculture and nutrition.
About IFT Founded in 1939, the Institute of Food Technologists is a nonprofit scientific society with more than 20,000 individual members working in food science, food technology, and related professions in industry, academia, and government. IFT serves as a conduit for multidisciplinary science thought leadership, championing the use of sound science through knowledge sharing, education, and advocacy. For more information on IFT, visit www.ift.org.
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