Departing Chief Food Safety Officer Natalie Dyenson transitions to Boar’s Head while Chief Science Officer Max Teplitski leads interim food safety efforts as IFPA launches an immediate search for her successor
International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has announced the imminent departure of its Chief Food Safety & Regulatory Officer, Natalie Dyenson, who will leave on April 30 to assume the position of Chief Food Safety Officer at Boar’s Head.
The organization intends to begin its search for a new Food Safety Officer right away.
In the interim, Chief Science Officer, Max Teplitski, will oversee IFPA’s efforts to maintain and elevate food safety standards.
The transition aims to ensure continuous support for the produce industry’s commitment to safety and regulatory compliance, while building upon the foundation Dyenson helped establish.
“Natalie has contributed so much to IFPA and our global food safety community, notably her perspectives from within the industry which were used to help refine and streamline our food safety offerings, as well as strengthening our engagement with policy and regulatory bodies like Codex. Her greatest legacy will be in the team she built who will continue the great work to strengthen the culture of food safety and advocacy work on behalf of the industry.”
Cathy Burns, IFPA CEO
Throughout her tenure, Dyenson focused on enhancing IFPA’s strategies for responding to emerging issues, facilitating information exchange with international agencies, and supporting member companies in adapting to evolving regulations.
She emphasized collaboration across multiple sectors to protect consumer well-being and instill public confidence in produce safety.
Dyenson’s experience at IFPA placed her at the forefront of policy discussions, partnerships, and research endeavors directed at ensuring safe handling practices from production to distribution.
“It’s been an honor to serve the produce industry at IFPA. I’m proud of the team we’ve assembled at IFPA and I’m confident they will continue to advance the industry’s knowledge and influence in the food safety space. I appreciate the opportunity to work in the produce industry and will take these relationships and the knowledge I’ve gained in my future roles.”
Natalie Dyenson, Chief Food Safety & Regulatory Officer
By spearheading initiatives in contamination prevention, outbreak response, and regulatory advocacy, Dyenson helped the fresh produce community bolster its credibility and effectiveness in navigating increasingly complex global markets.
In anticipation of the change in leadership, Teplitski will collaborate with IFPA’s established Food Safety team, composed of Vice President Food Safety Standards & Regulatory Compliance, Dr. Paul Lewis; Vice President of Food Safety & Quality, Dr. Angie Fraser; Food Safety Manager, Dr. Jorge Quintanilla; and Food Safety & Support Coordinator, Alison Saltzmann.
With these seasoned professionals in place, IFPA aims to maintain seamless operations and continue delivering the resources and guidance necessary for its members worldwide.
IFPA serves the fresh produce and floral supply chain by providing advocacy, connectivity, and technical support for businesses ranging in size from small family farms to large international corporations.
It is recognized as the largest and most diverse international association dedicated to the sector, with a focus on unifying members, anticipating regulatory changes, and offering education that underpins responsible farming, shipping, and retailing.
With an international reach that includes engagement in advocacy efforts and capacity building, the association also maintains partnerships with government entities to ensure relevant, science-based standards.
By integrating various levels of the supply chain from growers and shippers to retailers and distributors IFPA fosters a cohesive global community committed to advancing food safety and consumer trust.
The association’s capacity for shaping industry evolution relies, in part, on the depth of expertise among its leadership and member organizations, who collectively champion a culture of innovation and shared responsibility.
