CHICAGO — The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) announced Christopher Daubert, PhD, as its 85th president. Dr. Daubert previously served as the vice chancellor and dean of the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources.
Prior to joining the University of Missouri in 2017, Dr. Daubert spent over 20 years at North Carolina State University where he served as head of the Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences department and director of the Food Rheology Laboratory. He earned his PhD in agricultural engineering and food science from Michigan State University.
“IFT brings together all of my professional interests: educating excellent students; creating healthy, safe and sustainable food products; and advocating for the importance and impact of the field of food science,” Dr. Daubert said. “I am humbled and grateful to take over as president of such an outstanding organization, and I look forward to leading with energy, integrity, and excitement for IFT’s future.”
“Chris is deeply respected for his commitment to drive meaningful change in food through science as well as preparing our next generation of food leaders for the challenges to come.” — Christie Tarantino-Dean | CEO | Institute of Food Technologists
Daubert previously served as chair of the Food Engineering division for IFT as well as being a member of IFT’s Dogwood section in NC.
“I am thrilled to officially welcome Chris Daubert as IFT’s 85th President as he joins a very prestigious list of renowned global food leaders,” said Christie Tarantino-Dean, CEO of IFT. “Throughout his career, Chris has done an exceptional job shaping the future of food as both a food science leader across multiple prominent universities and as a longtime member of IFT. He is deeply respected for his commitment to drive meaningful change in food through science as well as preparing our next generation of food leaders for the challenges to come.”
Peggy Poole, PhD, has assumed the role of president-elect and will become IFT President on September 1, 2025, when her one-year term starts. Dr. Poole has over 40 years of experience in the food industry with companies such as Leprino Foods, HP Hood LLC, Kraft Foods and Haagen-Dazs, serving in various leadership positions in research and development, quality assurance and regulatory affairs.
“I am honored and excited about the opportunity to continue to serve IFT, an organization that has had a tremendous impact on my career and is special to me in so many ways,” Dr. Poole said. “As a member, I have gained so many benefits including information sharing that fuels innovation and problem solving to continual learning opportunities.”
