New AFDO Board President Deacon Talks Training, Partnerships, and AI in New Video
In a new video, 2026-2027 AFDO Board of Directors President Brad Deacon shares his outlook on the year ahead, highlighting the need to strengthen training, expand partnerships, and support the evolving needs of the food regulatory community, including addressing emerging challenges like artificial intelligence.
Watch it here.
AFDO Produce Safety Committee and CEA Alliance Collab on Industry Panel
Managing food safety hazards and risks in controlled environment agriculture (CEA) production systems presents a relatively new set of challenges and opportunities for industry members. AFDO’s Produce Safety Committee and the CEA Alliance will host an online industry panel discussion July 20, noon to 1 p.m. ET, to respond to regulator questions that remain regarding the science, production, and post-harvest handling practices — along with regulatory and audit interpretation for these unique systems.
Register here.
FDA Seeking Senior Investigator II (Produce) Positions
FDA’s Office of Inspections and Investigations is seeking Senior Investigator II (Produce) professionals. There are four openings available for this full-time position.
This position serves as a senior-level field investigator specializing in fresh produce safety. The incumbent plans, conducts, and directs complex inspections and investigations related to the growing, harvesting, packing, and holding of fresh produce in compliance with FDA’s Produce Safety Rule (PSR).
Application deadline: June 30, 2026
Apply here.
AFDO.org Pro Tips
AFDO’s AI Chatbot Wiley
In this regularly updated eNews section, AFDO staffers will share their pro tips on how to get the most from afdo.org. Director of Communications Jason Brill offers pro tips on how to use AFDO’s new AI chatbot, Wiley.
“AFDO added the Wiley chatbot to afdo.org to make it easier for users to find answers quickly, especially while in the field where they might only have access to a phone or tablet. It’s there to support the work public health professionals do by finding training, guidance, or contact info for public officials, subject matter experts, and more. It can be an everyday tool that saves time and helps afdo.org users get what they need faster.”
Pro Tip: Beyond finding subject matter experts, public officials, or guidance documents, Wiley can help you craft emails or checklists, draft SOPs, devise training plans for new hires, summarize an AFDO webinar, create an action plan, and more. Check out Brill’s recent appearance on the HS GovTech USA Beyond Data Management podcast with Cameron Garrison for a demo and more.
ICYMI: Worth Another Look
2026 Award and Scholarship Winners
The AFDO Conference is always the right time and place to recognize members of the food safety community with awards and scholarships.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of the Wiley Award during the Monday awards luncheon of the same name. Ellen Buchanan, FDA, was honored for overall achievement in the food safety field.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Food & Feed Safety Division (FFSD) was honored with the Elliot O. Grosvenor Food Safety Award. Their program turned stakeholder-driven reform and continuous improvement into faster service, stronger partnerships, and measurable public health impact.
The Industry Member Award was presented to Dr. Jay Ellingson of Kwik Trip.
The Joseph Corby Achievement Award was presented to Nickolas Lynn, Senior Sanitation & Safety Specialist, Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
The George M. Burditt/Betsy B. Woodward/Denise C. Rooney $2,500 Scholarships for students in their third year of higher education study who are planning to pursue a career in food safety were awarded to:
- Emerie McCann, University of Texas Austin
- Matthew Shue, the Pennsylvania State University
- Grace Williams, Johnson & Wales University
Several Recognized for Efforts in 2025-26 at AFDO AEC
In addition to the annual awards presented at the AFDO AEC, several people and efforts were recognized with President’s Awards. Congratulations to the following:
- Krystal Reed, AFDO
- Jeremy Ayers, Alaska
- Carol Brady, Alaska
- Deanna Martinez (Copeland), AFDO
- Carrie Rigdon, AFDO
During the Tuesday Wiley Awards Luncheon, 2025-2026 President Kim Stryker concluded her presidency by passing the gavel to Brad Deacon, 2026-2027 President. The following people will serve on the executive committee this coming year:
- President-Elect – Joseph Graham, Washington Department of Health
- Vice President – Jodi Taylor, Ohio Department of Agriculture
- Secretary/Treasurer – Pamela Miles, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Many thanks to all those who serve on the AFDO Board or act as board advisors.
AFDO Director at Large Vacancy
The 2026-2027 Director at Large position on the AFDO Board of Directors is open. If you would like to nominate a candidate, please contact Krystal Reed at kreed@afdo.org. The AFDO Board of Directors will review nominations and appoint this position, by majority vote, for one year.
AFDO AEC Focuses on Innovation, Best Practices, Networking, and More
Nearly 400 people attended this year’s AFDO Annual Educational Conference June 5-9, 2029, in Columbus, Ohio. Representatives from 35 states along with 70 industry professionals took part in workshops, general informational sessions, and track offerings for food, retail, and produce. Sprinkled throughout were networking and award events.
Friday’s pre-conference workshop, Data & AI in Food Safety, featured speakers such as Cameron Garrison, HS GovTech; Jorge A. Hernandez, The Wendy’s Company; Andrew Kennedy, iFoodDS; Barbara Kowalcyk, George Washington University; Patrick Quade, Iwaspoisoned.com and Dinesafe.com; Brendan Ring, Creme Global; Christine Schindler, PathSpot Technologies; and Richard Todd, City of Boulder. The workshop included expert presentations, case studies, and interactive sessions designed to provide practical insights and actionable strategies for industry and regulatory professionals.
On Sunday, more than 140 first-time attendees checked in for the AEC, resulting in an interactive first-time attendee and mentor event.
Sunday’s Opening Session included the release of AFDO’s 2025-2026 Annual Report (watch it here) and an address by outgoing AFDO Board of Directors President Kim Stryker. The evening was capped off with the Glenn W. Kilpatrick Memorial Conversation moderated by AFDO Executive Director Steven Mandernach looking back at the last 15 years since the passage of the Food Safety Modernization Act. Speakers included De Ann Davis, Western Growers; Joe Reardon, NASDA; Brian Ronholm, Consumer Reports; Kelly Stevens, General Mills; and Roberta F. Wagner, International Dairy Foods Association.
AFDO also announced the launch of Wiley, a large language model chatbot trained only on AFDO’s resources, webinars, directories, and more, which can help users get to the information they need faster. The wise owl, who serves as the inspiration for Wiley’s logo, even made an appearance. Go to afdo.org/askwiley to try it out, or head to AFDO’s YouTube to listen to Wiley’s new jingle!
Sunday’s general session included highly anticipated sessions on decision making, food safety culture, and a conversation with the CEO of Kwik Trip on how executive leadership can shape food safety.
Sunday afternoon included sessions offering a look at new food safety technologies, while Monday morning kicked off with a session from AFDO AEC favorite Jason Evans, Johnson & Wales University, on new insights on the Gen Z workforce and how the rise of Generation Alpha might impact all things food and food safety.
During Monday’s Wiley Awards Luncheon, FDA’s Ellen Buchanan was honored with the Harvey W. Wiley Award, AFDO’s most prestigious award, which is presented to a regular or honorary member for exceptional service to the state or nation in the performance of duties.
From the Saturday opening session to the closing events on Tuesday, the conference had something for everyone.
Attend FDA Food Protection Seminar in Philadelphia This September
Join stakeholders from state, local, territorial, and tribal regulatory agencies, industry, federal partners, and academia to focus on current and emerging issues in retail food protection at the annual FDA Food Protection Seminar. Hear critical updates on the Retail Food Regulatory Program Standards, Food Code revisions, and FDA initiatives in a collaborative forum.
Attendance is required at the event for all FDA standardized Retail Food Safety Inspection Officers.
Learn more about the three-day seminar (September 16-18) in Philadelphia and register here.
Updated: Welcome Stryker, Lowin, and Zearing to the AFDO Team
AFDO would like to introduce three new members of our staff. Kim Stryker, Assistant Program Manager, served for more than 26 years in the Food Safety & Sanitation Program for the State of Alaska, most recently serving as manager, where she led manufactured food, retail and food service, and molluscan shellfish programs.
Nikki Lowin, Instructional Designer, worked for 20-plus years in a community college setting and at the Department of War, where she taught adult learners, developed curriculum, designed instruction, administered LMS platforms, and created training materials.
Michaela Zehring, Special Projects Assistant, joins AFDO from Foot Locker’s Supply Chain division, where she supported senior leadership and assisted with project coordination, event planning, employee engagement initiatives, and administrative operations.
Welcome, Kim, Nikki and Michaela!
Donna Garren Joins FDA Produce Team
Dr. Donna Garren will direct the HFP’s Office of Produce Safety within the Office of Microbiology Food Safety effective June 29, 2026. Most recently, she was the Executive Vice President for Government Affairs at the American Frozen Foods Institute; she’s also held leadership positions encompassing regulatory affairs, policy development, and government-industry collaboration at NSF International, Consumer Goods Forum, National Restaurant Association, and United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association.
AFDO Remembers Laurel “Laurie” Corby
AFDO is saddened to share that Laurel “Laurie” Corby, wife of former AFDO Executive Director Joseph Corby, died peacefully on Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Saratoga Springs, New York, with her family by her side after a long illness.
Laurie was a friend to many in the AFDO community. In sharing the news, Joe described Laurie as his partner, best friend, and the love of his life for more than 50 years. Laurie attended many AFDO conferences. Recently, many AFDO videos included humorous comments about Laurie’s desire to keep Joe on the road, which was far from accurate.
AFDO extends its heartfelt condolences to Joe and the entire Corby family during this difficult time. You can read the full obituary here.
Nara Organics Recalls Its Infant Formula After Multistate Botulism Outbreak
FDA is in the early stages of investigating a multistate outbreak of three confirmed or suspected infant botulism illnesses in California, Pennsylvania, and Washington. The California Department of Public Health reported three toxin type A infections among infants consuming Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Powdered Infant Formula with illness onset between April and May 2026. Testing results are expected in the coming weeks.
On June 13, 2026, Nara Organics agreed to recall all of its Whole Milk Organic Powdered Infant Formula, which is manufactured in Europe. Read the full update here.
FoodSHIELD IFSS 2026-2027 Proposal Submissions Accepted Until July 14
AFDO and FoodSHIELD IT developers are seeking high-impact proposals for new projects and enhancements that strengthen the FoodSHIELD collaborative platform. Submissions are now open and will be accepted through July 14.After review later this summer, projects chosen to advance IFSS priorities, influence platform improvements, and support public health impact will kick off in September 2026.
Submit proposals here.
Finalized 2025 Resource Survey Summary Report Posted on AFDO Website
AFDO’s 2025 State Food Program Resource Survey is now live. The survey represents a quantitative view of the food safety efforts performed by state and local regulatory agencies during a 12-month period. The survey helps AFDO in its representation of state food safety programs during testimony in the nation’s capitol, while assessing proposed legislation for federal food safety, and providing information to federal legislators and their staff members who are actively pursuing this legislation. Dig into all the data collected from state manufactured food, retail food, grade-A milk, shellfish, meat and poultry, produce, and laboratory programs across the country here.
Walk Through FoodSHIELD’s New Interface With Free, Live Training
Make the most of FoodSHIELD’s updated new look and features with live training, recordings, and step-by-step guides beginning June 6 and running through November 6, 2026. Half-hour sessions starting at 2 p.m. ET every Tuesday and Friday help users discover ways to make the most of the new interface by covering arrival, connection, collaboration, learning, administration, and mastery.
To participate, visit the FoodSHIELD v2026 workgroup and submit a request to join.
Regional Affiliate News
Join NEFDOA in Massachusetts for Its Annual Conference This October
Registration is now open for the Northeast Food and Drug Officials Association Annual Conference in historic Northampton, Massachusetts, October 22-23, 2026. Find registration, hotel, and agenda Information at nefdoa.org/events. You can renew NEFDOA membership during the registration process, and interested exhibitors or sponsors can find additional details.
AFDOSS AEC Registration Open
Association of Food and Drug Officials of the Southern States (AFDOSS) is hosting this year’s AEC back in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, August 23-26. Register here. If you’re interested in sponsoring the conference or donating items for raffles, gift bags, etc., contact AFDOSS Treasurer Craig Nielsen at afdoss.craig@gmail.com.
2026 Mega AEC Has Mega Opportunities
The Colorado Environmental Health Association, in partnership with the Western Association of Food and Drug Officials and the Rocky Mountain Food Safety Conference, hosts the Mega Annual Education Conference, September 21-24, 2026, in Lakewood, Colorado, at the Sheraton Denver West Hotel.
“Better Together” is the theme for this year’s meeting, training, education, and networking with environmental health professionals from across Colorado and the western United States.
To read more about the conference, register, or submit an abstract, click here.
