2026 AEC Conference Presentations

Location: Regency Foyer - 3rd Floor

Location: Regency Foyer - 3rd Floor

Some entrepreneurs won’t get licenses. Whether they’re in the shadows or in full public view, their reasons vary, and some of them are connected to illegal activities. In this panel, hear from two FBI experts about human trafficking and homegrown extremists. Discover what frontline food inspectors should be aware of and looking for, and how local and state food programs can connect with law enforcement partners through state fusion centers. Also, learn how the FBI’s Weapons of Mass Destruction Coordinators are involved in food safety and defense. MODERATOR

• Brad Deacon, Director, Office of Legal Affairs & Emergency Management, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

SPEAKER

• Brock Flint, Special Agent, FBI
• Kayla Hostmeyer, Special Agent, FBI

In this future-looking session, Dr. Evans provides new insights on the Gen Z workforce and imagines how the rise of Generation Alpha – and the technologies, ideals, and perspectives that define them – might impact allthings food and food safety. Download Presentation MODERATOR

• Brad Deacon, Director, Office of Legal Affairs & Emergency Management, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

SPEAKER

• Jason R. Evans, Ph.D, Dean, College of Food Innovation and Technology, Johnson & Wales University

Whether you are experienced or new to your role, this presentation will equip you with tools to maintain control, reduce stress, and build trust during challenging encounters in everyday living. In our demanding lives, we frequently encounter complex situations that require clear communication, sound judgment, and a calm approach. This 90-minute presentation is designed to provide practical guidance on recognizing, responding to, and de-escalating tense or potentially volatile encounters. Participants will learn effective de-escalation techniques tailored to regulatory settings, including strategies for managing confrontational interactions with staff, the public, or other stakeholders. The session will cover verbal and nonverbal communication skills, situational awareness, and the importance of empathy and professionalism. Through interactive scenarios and discussion, attendees will gain confidence in diffusing conflict, protecting personal safety, and fostering positive outcomes during inspections, enforcement actions, and routine operations. MODERATOR

• Tara Paster Cammarata, FMP, CP-FS, President/CEO, Cenza, Inc.

SPEAKER

• Phillip M. Rutherford, Assistant Commander, Advanced Training Unit, Ohio State Highway Patrol Training Academy

Included with Registration. Location: Regency Ballroom - 3rd Floor.

Join us for an overview of regulatory perspectives from states that are navigating these new (and old) laws, including elements such as training requirements, how to navigate these inspections, variations in permitted foods, and tracking these firms to ensure a safe food supply. We will delve into lessons learned from states that have implemented these laws and how they are regulating an industry that doesn’t always want to be regulated. Download Presentation MODERATOR

• Suzanne Pyle, Manufactured Foods Program Specialist, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Division of Food Safety

SPEAKERS

• Alexis Hamilton, Ph.D, Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, Virginia Tech
• Kurt Rueber, Small Food Processing Lead, Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing
• Katherine Simon, Food and Feed Safety Division Director, Minnesota Department of Agriculture
• Tenesha R. Stubblefield, Home Food Processing Program Lead, Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing
• Kendall Vela, Retail Operations Manager - Retail Food Safety Operations, Texas Department of State Health Services

Gain clarity on FDA inspection ratings – Voluntary Action Indicated (VAI) and Official Action Indicated (OAI) – and the differences in Path B and Path C states. FDA experts will explain the distinctions between these ratings, the implications for compliance, and the processes behind determining them. Special emphasis will be placed on helping Path B states understand FDA’s approach and expectations, while offering education on how both ratings impact enforcement and corrective actions. MODERATOR

• Kelly Hughes Thompson, Agricultural Specialist Program Manager, Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry

SPEAKER

• Cynthia White, CDR, Director, Division of Produce and Imports Enforcement, Office of Compliance and Enforcement, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Industry leaders and federal, state, and local regulators come together to discuss common challenges, successes, and lessons learned in managing temporary food events. The session focuses on real-world coordination, food safety, and practical solutions from all sides. MODERATOR

• Kyle Walsh, President, Pennsylvania Environmental Health Association

SPEAKERS

• Matthew R. D'Oyly, Director, Events and Conferences & Sponsorship, The Ohio State University
• Vasanthi (Vas) Hofer, Managing Supervisor, Maricopa County Environmental Services Department
• Adam Inman, Assistant Program Manager, Kansas Department of Agriculture - Food Safety & Lodging Program
• Karin Kasper, EH Division Manager, Franklin County Public Health
• Rachel Scanlan, Senior Lead Advisor, Restaurant Food Safety, Chick-fil-A, Inc.
• Tim Tewksbary, Assistant Chief, Division of Food Safety, Ohio Department of Agriculture
• Carolyn White, MPH, Retail Food Specialist, Office of Retail Food Protection Implementation, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Clean-label and so-called natural formulations are increasingly expected by consumers, yet removing or replacing conventional antimicrobials can fundamentally alter microbial behavior. This session explores how ingredient simplification, use of natural antimicrobials, and process adjustments interact with product chemistry and structure to influence food safety outcomes. Drawing on applied research evaluating Clostridium perfringens and Listeria monocytogenes growth in complex meat matrices, the session highlights why clean-label products cannot be treated as simplified systems. Practical examples will illustrate how natural antimicrobials perform under real processing and storage conditions. Download Presentation MODERATOR

• Steven Mandernach, Executive Director, Association of Food and Drug Officials

SPEAKER

• Byron D. Chaves, PhD, Associate Professor/Extension Specialist, Department of Food Science, Rutgers University

Explore how FDA’s Coordinated Outbreak Response and Evaluation (CORE) leads foodborne illness investigations, collaborates with state and local partners, and protects public health through examples from a real-world case study. Download Presentation MODERATOR

• Kelly Hughes Thompson, Agricultural Specialist Program Manager, Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry

SPEAKER

• Alvin Crosby, Supervisory Consumer Safety Officer, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

After the Diamond Shroomz recalls and amid the rising use of kava and other emerging herbal remedies, join us as we look at the effects and safety of these smoke shop snacks. Download Presentation MODERATOR

• Kyle Walsh, President, Pennsylvania Environmental Health Association

SPEAKER

• Natashia Swalve, Associate Professor of Neuroscience, Grand Valley State University

This interactive session is designed to strengthen cooperation between FDA and state produce programs by fostering open dialogue and mutual understanding. The focus will be on identifying state-specific needs, challenges, and obstacles that impact regulatory activities and public health initiatives. FDA representatives will have the opportunity to ask and answer questions, listen to state perspectives, and explore collaborative solutions that enhance efficiency and consistency. MODERATOR

• Kelly Hughes Thompson, Agricultural Specialist Program Manager, Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry

SPEAKERS

• Alex Goodman, Produce Safety Expert, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• Travis Goodman, Acting Branch Chief, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• Ben Marshall, Produce Program Specialist, Consumer Safety Officer, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Is food safety one size fits all? Hear directly from operators as we unpack findings from a national survey of small retail food businesses. Explore how training, risk factor control, and reliance on regulators compare with large brands – and what this means for smarter, risk‑based food safety oversight. Download Presentation MODERATOR

• Autumn Schuck, Assistant Program Director, Association of Food and Drug Officials

SPEAKERS

• Deanna E. Copeland, Retail Food Safety Director, Association of Food and Drug Officials
• Carrie Rigdon, Research Director, Association of Food and Drug Officials

 

The ByHeart infant formula recall highlighted important opportunities to strengthen how we communicate and act during rapidly evolving events. As information emerged and guidance expanded, families and frontline teams needed clearer, faster alignment. The presence of recalled product on shelves emphasized that there are opportunities to further strengthen prioritization and readiness across the system. This session focuses on practical, solutions‑oriented actions to build a stronger recall response: accelerating information flow across partners, maintaining clear and consistent public messaging as guidance evolves, and reinforcing disciplined recall execution at the point of sale and across online marketplaces. Attendees will leave with concrete insights and strategies for enhancing coordination, confidence, and effectiveness when recall response matters most. MODERATOR

• Ellen Buchanan, Acting Office Director, Quality Assessment and Management, Human Foods Program, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

SPEAKERS

• William Kingsley Hallman, PhD, Distinguished Professor, Department of Human Ecology, Rutgers University
• Nichole Martz, Assistant Bureau Director, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Bureau of Food Safety & Laboratory Services
• Donald A. Prater, DVM, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Food, Human Foods Program, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• Summer Williams, Food Safety Division Deputy Director, Georgia Department of Agriculture

 

Mobile food operations continue to expand nationwide, reshaping the retail food/food service landscape and presenting distinct regulatory and operational challenges. This multidisciplinary panel brings together regulators and industry leaders to examine jurisdictional oversight, infrastructure constraints, inspection trends, and risk factors unique to mobile operations. Panelists across jurisdictions and practical strategies that promote compliance while supporting innovation. Attendees will gain insight into collaborative approaches that strengthen public health protection in an increasingly mobile marketplace. MODERATOR

• Chris Peasley, Retail Food Program Manager, Food Safety Division, Georgia Department of Agriculture

SPEAKERS

• Ashley Andrews, Assistant Administrator, Cleveland Department of Public Health
• Madison Aldrich, Program Manager, REHS, Marion Public Health
• Jamie Higley, Food Safety Program Manager, Ohio Department of Health
• Amy Hoover, Retail Food Deputy Program Manager, Georgia Department of Agriculture
• Rob Lill, Owner, Riverside Ice Cream

Hear the most current and informative updates from NASDA as they relate to the state produce programs. MODERATOR

• Kelly Hughes Thompson, Agricultural Specialist Program Manager Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry

SPEAKER

• Joe Reardon, Senior Director of Food Safety Programs, NASDA