BRIDGEWATER, N.J. — Janet Carver, Culinology group leader for National Starch Food Innovation, has been elected president of the Research Chefs Association. Her election marks the first time a representative from a specialty starch supplier has held the position and the first time a women has been R.C.A. president since the organization was formed in 1996.

Ms. Carver joined the R.C.A. in 1999. She was elected to the board of directors in 2006 and also has held the roles of vice-president and treasurer.