ARLINGTON, Va. — Food Marketing Institute here is implementing a staff reorganization that will eliminate five positions but calls for the addition of several more, Leslie Sarasin, president and chief executive officer, told SN last week.
“The FMI board brought me in with the charge of revitalizing FMI and trying to put us back on a path of stability, with a view toward growth,” she said. “This reorganization is intended to fulfill that commitment to the board. What we are trying to do is ensure we have the talent available and the resources for the future that will help us fulfill the directive of the strategic plan that the directors approved in January.”
Among those whose positions were eliminated were Claudia Peters, group vice president of communications, marketing and social responsibility, and Bill Greer, director of communications. Other positions eliminated included director of legislative and political affairs, director of wellness and public affairs, and manager of legal and regulatory affairs.
In addition, 14 staffers were promoted, including five senior members:
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Jennifer Hatcher was named senior vice president, government and public affairs. She had been group vice president, government and public affairs.
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Pat Walsh was named senior vice president, industry relations and education/research. He had been vice president, industry collaboration and education.
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Toni Mascaro was named vice president, convention and exhibit services. She had been senior director, convention services.
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Kathleen Thomas was named director of media relations. She had been manager of communications.
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Matt Grizzard was named director of membership. He had been manager of membership.
The changes come about a year and a half after Sarasin joined the association.
“In a very real sense, this is a beefing up across the board,” she said, noting that 21 positions will be created or filled through the process.
She said the reorganization is designed to channel more resources toward government relations, activities related to collaboration with trading partners, and operations assistance to retailer members.
