The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) has announced that Jennifer Cleveland McEntire will take over as the organization’s new vice president of science operations beginning March 3rd.

McEntire currently serves as The Acheson Group’s vice president and chief science officer, focusing on supply chain risks and mitigation in the changing regulatory landscape and global food safety system. Before then, she was a senior staff scientist and director and science and technology projects with the Institute of Food Technologists. This work allowed her to partner with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

“Product safety is the number one priority for GMA and its member companies, and Jennifer’s appointment is part of our continued commitment to strengthen our world class food safety practice,” says Leon Bruner, GMA’s chief science officer. “Her considerable expertise and experience will no doubt strengthen our scientific and technical capabilities as well.”

McEntire earned her Bachelor of Science (magna cum laude) in food science from the University of Delaware. This was followed by a Doctor of Philosophy from Rutgers University where she was also a USDA National Needs Fellow in Food Safety. Her academic research focused on Listeria monocytogenes.

“It is an honor and pleasure to join GMA, whose accomplishments and leadership in food safety are widely recognized,” McEntire said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues at GMA and its member companies to further strengthen the safety of our food supply chain, both here at home and abroad.”