WASHINGTON DC — The Grain Foods Foundation (GFF) has announced that its board of directors named Erin E. Ball as the foundation’s new acting executive director.
Ball assumes the position after serving as GFF’s director of public relations and science for nearly 10 years. In this role, she succeeds Christine Cochran, who is departing GFF to become president and CEO of SNAC International. Ball will lead the Grain Foods Foundation while the board conducts a search to identify a permanent CEO.
“When the position first became available, we quickly agreed that there was really no one more ready to fill the role,” said Kirk Stehr, GFF board co-chair and Grain Craft’s senior VP of sales. “Erin is deeply familiar with the industry and has been at the forefront of GFF’s most successful research and public outreach campaigns. As we move forward in our leadership transition at GFF, we know that the organization is in highly competent hands.”
“I am eager to start this new chapter with GFF and excited to build on GFF's successes.” —Erin Ball | acting executive director | Grain Foods Foundation
Since joining GFF in February 2013, Ball has become a top leader and strategist in the organization. She has successfully forwarded science-based messaging to health and nutrition communicators and consumers. She has also expanded GFF’s Scientific Advisory Board to include several top nutrition experts, partnered with many registered dietitians to elevate the foundation as an industry thought leader, and presided over the implementation of multi-year research and programming initiatives.
“I am eager to start this new chapter with GFF and excited to build on GFF’s successes,” Ball. “GFF’s work in science-based nutrition messaging has led to an incredible scope of positive conversation surrounding the health benefits of grain foods. I look forward to continuing the work of magnifying the message that every American needs grain foods to maintain a healthy, nutrient-rich diet.”
For more information about the Grain Foods Foundation and its research findings, visit www.GrainFoodsFoundation.org.
