ARLINGTON, VA. — Hilary S. Thesmar, Ph.D., R.D., has been named vice-president of food safety programs at the Food Marketing Institute, effective in mid-June. Dr. Thesmar most recently was senior director of scientific and regulatory affairs at the National Turkey Federation.

In her new position, Dr. Thesmar will be responsible for supervising all programs and activities related to food safety, food defense and food quality systems. She also will serve F.M.I. member companies as their adviser and representative before governmental, scientific, consumer and industry audiences on issues related to food safety.


“I am pleased to welcome Hilary to the F.M.I. staff,” said Leslie G. Sarasin, president and chief executive officer of the F.M.I. “Her strong academic background in food technology and human nutrition creates a unique blend of perspectives, combining food safety expertise with the practical considerations of a registered dietitian. Her stellar scientific credentials and her food industry experience will help us take our exceptional F.M.I. food safety programs to the next level.”

Prior to working at the N.T.F., Dr. Thesmar was the director of the Egg Safety Center in Washington, and she also worked with the Egg Nutrition Center. In these roles, she directed the American Egg Board food safety research program, worked with government and private agencies involved in food safety, served as a spokesperson for the industry and provided technical expertise to the egg industry on food safety and nutrition issues.

She received a bachelor’s degree in food science from Clemson, a master’s degree in human nutrition from Winthrop University, and a doctorate in food technology from Clemson.

She is a member of the Institute of Food Technologists, the American Dietetic Association, the International Association for Food Protection, and the U.S. Animal Health Association.