FARGO, N.D. – David H. Hahn is joining the North Crops Institute in Fargo as director of technical and business development. Dr. Hahn, who is the 2012-13 president of AACC International, will assume his new position March 6.

Dr. Hahn has more than 30 years of experience in the food industry, holding a number of positions in research, manufacturing, product development and technical support. He has experience working with bread, pasta, tortillas, mixes, confectionery, sauces, milk drinks and pudding products.

He began his career in 1984 with Hershey Foods Corp., spending 10 years in product development before he was named senior staff scientist. When the pasta business of Hershey was acquired by New World Pasta Co., he moved to the new business where he was director of research and technical service until 2008. He joined Flowers Foods, Inc. in June of that year as vice-president of research and development product innovation. In that post he was responsible for the new product program at the company.

Since 2011, Dr. Hahn has served as a consultant for Doherty Food Advisory in Thomasville, Ga.

In addition to product development work, Dr. Hahn has experience providing technical support for manufacturing, troubleshooting, process optimization, cost reduction, and ingredient development/optimization.

“(Dr. Hahn’s) long experience in the private sector will provide invaluable expertise to our programs,” said Mark Weber, N.C.I. director. “He will also be able to provide excellent mentoring to our team of food and cereal scientists, while working closely with the N.D.S.U. (North Dakota State University) faculty and scientists.”

Dr. Hahn also has experience with N.C.I., serving as a member of the pasta course faculty for 10 years.

In addition to serving as president of AACC International, Dr. Hahn is an active member of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) and American Society of Baking.  He holds a master’s degree and a doctorate in Food Science from A&M University, College Station, Texas.