Lisa Hovey has been appointed Executive Director of the International Association for Food Protection (IAFP). She replaces David Tharp, who will officially retire on April 26, 2023, after 30 years with the Association.

Lisa joined IAFP in 1997 as Director of Finance and Administration and was promoted to Assistant Director in 1999. In addition to collaborating with the Tharp to sustain, promote, and grow IAFP’s programs and member services, Hovey helped transition IAFP’s Journal of Food Protection to an open-access publication and currently acts as the association’s liaison for its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council.

“Having had the privilege of knowing and working with Lisa for more than 20 years, I have seen firsthand the passion, knowledge, and expertise she brings to IAFP,” said Jeff Farber, Director, Canadian Research Institute for Food Safety; Adjunct Professor, the University of Guelph; and former IAFP President. “Lisa’s great professionalism, attention to detail, financial acumen, infectious personality, and commitment to the mission and vision of IAFP will help to ensure a smooth transition, and I am confident she will excel in her new role as the Executive Director.”

Hovey earned a bachelor’s in Accounting from the University of Northern Iowa. She holds the Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential through the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE).