MANHATTAN, KAS. — Stephanie Lopez has been named vice-president of food safety education at AIB International. She succeeds Bill Pursley, who recently retired.

Ms. Lopez will report to Maureen Olewnik, who was promoted to senior vice-president from vice-president.

In her new role, Ms. Lopez will focus on exploring new and innovative ways to share information with the industry; the use of technology to enhance both distance and face-to-face education; and on providing timely information on F.S.M.A. updates, and on GFSI, GMPs, prerequisites, and food defense training.

“Stephanie comes to this new role with a strong and balanced understanding of regulatory and technical issues, and is a proven field auditor and food safety training presenter,” said James Munyon, president and chief executive officer of the AIB. “As an AIB staff member, she has a solid understanding of our mission and goals and she also brings industry insight from experience working with Mission Foods, Kerry Food & Beverage, and Elite Spice, Inc.”

Ms. Lopez received a degree in cell and molecular biology from California State University, Northridge. She has professional experience in food safety management, education, and training, is a qualified auditor for HACCP, FSSC 22000, BRQ, SQF, AQS Lead Auditor, and is a trainer for SFQ, BRC, and HACCP. In addition to holding numerous auditing certifications, she has authored multiple food safety publications.

She initially came to AIB in 2000 as a food safety auditor and later became the HACCP coordinator.

“Following in the footsteps of food safety legend Bill Pursley is a great honor,” Ms. Lopez said. “Fortunately, AIB, with its wealth of knowledgeable and talented people, will provide me excellent support in my new role. With recent changes to regulations and technologies, this is an exciting time to be in the food industry, and I am looking forward to playing an integral role in food protection through AIB’s renowned educational offerings.”