About
The course is designed to provide insight into key knowledge points that food program managers need to effectively implement their programs. Topics during the course include media relations, emergency response, integrated food safety systems, budgeting, human resources, legal and regulatory authorities, compliance, enforcement, and more.
Note: By application only. Please email pkennelly@afdo.org for more information or to express your interest.
Sessions
- January 6, 2026 – 4 hours (VIRTUAL) 11:00 – 3:30 p.m. EST
- March 12, 2026 – 4 hours (VIRTUAL) 11:00 – 3:30 p.m. EST
- May 5, 2026 – 4 hours (VIRTUAL) 11:00 – 3:30 p.m. EST
- June 5, 2026 – 8 hours (IN-PERSON) at AFDO Annual Educational Conference in Columbus, Ohio
Who Should Attend
New, existing, and future program leaders currently employed by federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial agencies
Location
Three virtual sessions and one in-person session in Columbus, Ohio.
Travel
Course Length
Seat Limit
24 spots available (can expand up to 30)
Who You Will Learn From
Patrick Kennelly
AFDO
Patrick Kennelly is Program Director at the Association of Food and Drug Officials, supporting food regulatory programs and leading training in retail and manufactured food safety, and leadership. He previously directed the Food Safety Program at the California Department of Public Health, served as WAFDO President, and held Advisory Board roles with the Western Institute for Food Safety and Security (WIFSS), Center for Produce Safety, and California Organic Products Advisory Board. He also managed California’s food emergency response team (CalFERT) which was responsible for foodborne illness outbreak investigation.
Joe Corby
AFDO
Brenda Morris
AFDO
Brenda Morris is the Produce Safety Director at the Association of Food and Drug Officials, supporting food regulatory produce safety programs and developing and leading training in produce safety, retail, and manufactured food safety, leadership, and instructor skills training. She has more than 10 years of food inspection experience in three states, and more than 10 years as Bureau Chief and Assistant Director for retail and manufactured food programs at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Morris served as the AFDOSS President and AFDO Vice President.
Steve Mandernach
AFDO
Steve Mandernach is the Executive Director for the Association of Food and Drug Officials. He is a former Bureau Chief for the Iowa Department of Inspections Food And Consumer Safety Division where he led the manufactured food regulatory program. He is a past AFDO president.
Got membership questions? Learn more at afdo.org/join!
Got questions? Contact Pat Kennelly at afdo@afdo.org
