2026 AEC Conference Presentations

Location: Delaware, Franklin and Union ABC - 2nd Floor

Building an effective professional network is essential for career success. Whether you're expanding your connections or strengthening existing relationships, the AEC is the perfect opportunity. Join this high-energy, interactive session and develop practical networking skills you can use immediately – and long after the conference ends. You will learn how to: • Recognize the value of an advisor/advocate network for guidance, mentorship, and career opportunities. • Identify key people to connect with and develop a strategic networking plan. • Craft a compelling elevator pitch that sparks meaningful conversations. • Practice and refine your pitch with peers and receive constructive feedback. • Handle rejection with professionalism and confidence. • Organize and categorize your new connections using a simple, proven system. • Follow up effectively with templates for post-conference outreach. • Apply the 24-48-7 follow-up method to maintain momentum after AFDO AEC and keep connections alive after the meeting. Come ready to connect, practice, and leave with actionable strategies to build a network that advances your career! SPEAKERS

• Nancy Singer, JD, LLM, Adjunct Associate Professor, University of Southern California
• Kimberly Stryker, Program Manager, Food Safety and Sanitation Program Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (Retired)

Invitation only Location: Union ABC - 2nd Floor

This session will provide an introduction to Food Safety School, a science-based food safety training aimed at equipping beginning, small, and growing food producers to comply with the Preventive Controls for Human Food Rule. Learn about the structure of the course, an overview of the content, how it's preparing food producers, and strategies for bringing the course to your state. SPEAKER

• Alexis Hamilton, Ph.D, Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, Virginia Tech

Change is a constant in regulatory and public service work—new policies, new systems, and evolving expectations. The rise of AI represents a different kind of change, not because of the technology itself, but because of how quickly it is reshaping daily work, decision-making, and communication. This interactive session focuses on AI as a change management challenge, not a technical training. Designed for inspectors, program staff, supervisors, and office-based professionals alike, the session explores how AI is influencing roles, workflows, and professional judgment—and why managing the human side of change is essential. Participants will examine common reactions to change, including uncertainty, resistance, and skill anxiety, and learn practical strategies for adapting while maintaining consistency, fairness, and public trust. Download Presentation SPEAKER

• Richard Todd, Chief Data Officer, City of Boulder

Invitation only. Location: Union ABC - 2nd Floor.

The "Don’t Eat Poop!” podcast blends humor and expert insights to tackle the serious topic of foodborne illness. Co-hosts share real stories and practical tips to educate and engage listeners on staying safe in the food world. It’s an entertaining yet informative show that makes food safety accessible to everyone. SPEAKERS

• Matt Regusci, CEO, Ellipse Analytics
• Francine L. Shaw, Founder, Savvy Food Safety, Inc.

Pre-Registration Required. Location: Harrison - 1st Floor.

Download presentation MODERATOR

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

SPEAKERS

• Wendy Campbell, Director of the Division of Partnerships, Investments, and Agreements, Office of Partnerships, Office of Regulatory Affairs, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• Michael (Mick) Dutcher, Deputy Associate Commissioner for Food Products, Office of Inspections and Investigations, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• Erik Mettler, Assistant Commissioner for Integrated Food Safety Systems in the FDA’s Human Foods Program (HFP), Office of Integrated Food Safety System Partnerships (OIFSSP), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• Timothy Mueller, Director, Office of Domestic Partnerships, Office of Integrated Food Safety System Partnerships, Human Foods Program, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• Michelle Motsinger, Division Director, Division of Partnerships Coordination and Integration, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Office of Domestic Partnerships
• Brooke Mullican, Director of the Office of Training, Education, and Development (OTED), Office of Inspections and Investigations (OII), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• Daniel Osei, Division Director, Office of Training, Education and Development (OTED), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

AFDO considers first-time attendees to be VIPs at the Annual AFDO Conference. If this is your first AFDO meeting, you're invited to attend a First-Timers Meet & Greet. During the session, you'll have the opportunity to meet AFDO alumni, fellows, and other first-time attendees; learn about AFDO and its affiliate organizations; and find out about the exciting events taking place during the 2026 conference.

Introductory Remarks and Welcomes

MODERATOR

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

SPEAKER

• Brian Baldridge, Director, Ohio Department of Agriculture

President's Address

MODERATOR

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

SPEAKER

• Kimberly Stryker, Program Manager, Food Safety and Sanitation Program, Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (Retired)

Glenn W. Kilpatrick Memorial Conversation - FSMA @ 15

The Food Safety Modernization Act was signed into law on January 4, 2011. FSMA resulted from a collaboration among industry, consumer groups, and government and was the most sweeping modernization of the food program since the 1930s. This session will discuss the vision, what has been accomplished so far, what remains to be accomplished, and whether the vision of FSMA has been realized. MODERATOR

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

SPEAKERS

• De Ann Davis, PhD, SVP of Science, Western Growers, California, United States
• Joe Reardon, Senior Director of Food Safety Programs, NASDA
• Brian Ronholm, Director of Food Policy, Consumer Reports
• Kelly Stevens, Director, Global Food Safety and Regulatory Compliance, General Mills
• Roberta F. Wagner, SVP Regulatory and Scientific Affairs, International Dairy Foods Association

Live Band Karaoke supporting the AFDO Endowment. Sing your heart out for a good cause. Warm up your vocal cords and get ready to sing the night away! If you’ve never tried karaoke before, here is your chance. We’ll have a live band with a playlist of songs – both the latest hits and older classics. So, step into the spotlight and sing! Make a donation to choose your song and perform alongside live musicians for a fun, unforgettable experience — all while supporting a great cause.