In recognition of National Food Safety Education Month, the Food Safety Summit (FSS) has announced the members of its 2026 Educational Advisory Board (EAB), who will lead the development of educational programming for the 2026 Food Safety Summit, scheduled for May 11–14 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL.

The EAB includes leaders from food manufacturing, retail, foodservice, distribution, regulatory agencies, academia, produce, and advisory services. Together, they will identify key issues, shape session content, and deliver insights for food safety professionals across the supply chain.

“It’s an honor to lead such a passionate and experienced group of professionals on the Educational Advisory Board,” says Gillian Kelleher, CEO of Kelleher Consultants LLC and chair of the FSS EAB. “Together, we are identifying critical topics, engaging dynamic speakers, and crafting a robust program that addresses today’s most urgent food safety challenges. The 2026 Summit will be an invaluable opportunity for learning, collaboration, and advancing the future of our industry.”

The 2026 FFSS EAB includes:

Foodservice

• Al Baroudi, The Cheesecake Factory Inc.
• Jorge Hernandez, The Wendy’s Company
• Matt Jenkins, McDonald's
• Sabrina Terada, Yum! Brands
• Steven Lyons, Chick-fil-A Inc.

Retail

• Glenn Stolowski, H-E-B
• Jeremy Zenlea, EG America
• Kathleen O’Donnell, Wegmans Food Markets Inc.
• Liz Duffy, Walmart
• Michael Wood, Kroger
• Robin Forgey, Costco Wholesale
• Suzette Stalker, Target Corporation

Manufacturing/Distribution/Produce

• Caitlin Boon, Mars
• Chitsanzo Chiko Kachaje, Home Market Foods
• Deb Kane, J&J Snack Foods Corp.
• Drew McDonald, Taylor Farms
• Joan Menke-Schaenzer, Van Drunen Farms/FutureCeuticals
• Julie Kuruc, PepsiCo
• Monica Khoury, Nestlé
• Nickolas Waters, Sysco
• Olamide Afolayan, Kellanova
• Sharon Birkett, OSI Group LLC
• Spir Marinakis, Maple Leaf Foods

Regulatory

• Laura Gieraltowski, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Laurie Farmer, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
• Steven Mandernach, Association of Food and Drug Officials
• Tim Jackson, U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Academia

• Alvin Lee, Institute for Food Safety and Health
• Ben Chapman, North Carolina State University
• John Spink, Michigan State University Food Fraud Initiative
• Matthew Stasiewicz, University of Illinois

General/Advisory

• Adrienne Blume, Food Safety Magazine
• Brendan Niemira, Institute of Food Technologists
• Cindy Jiang, food safety consultant
• Donna Schaffner, food safety and training consultant
• Gillian Kelleher, Kelleher Consultants LLC
• Larry Keener, International Product Safety Consultants LLC
• Lone Jespersen, Cultivate SA
• Oscar Garrison, United Egg Producers
• Sara Mortimore, Sara Mortimore LLC
• Sharon Beals, SKKB LLC
• Shawn Stevens, Food Industry Counsel LLC
• William Lachowsky, food safety consultant

The 28th Annual Food Safety Summit will feature a comprehensive conference program, interactive exhibit hall, and collaborative opportunities designed to advance food safety across all sectors.

Registration is now open. Register by September 30 using code LEARN to save $100 per person. For sponsorship or exhibiting inquiries, contact Kim Hansen at hansenk@bnpmedia.com. For event updates, visit foodsafetysummit.com.

The Food Safety Summit is owned and produced by Food Safety Magazine and BNP Media.

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