Technical expertise alone is no longer enough to drive organizational success. This three-part series equips food scientists with the strategic thinking, decision-making, and leadership skills needed to influence business outcomes and lead effectively in a rapidly evolving food system. Through practical frameworks and insights from industry leaders, learners will gain the tools to connect scientific expertise with organizational strategy and drive meaningful impact.
This learning bundle includes three IFT professional development courses:
Learner Outcomes
After completing this product, learners will be able to:
- Apply strategic thinking principles to complex food industry challenges.
- Evaluate business opportunities, risks, and trade-offs using structured decision-making frameworks.
- Align scientific expertise with organizational priorities and strategic goals.
- Lead cross-functional initiatives from concept through execution and measurable impact.
Speakers
Brendan Niemira, PhD
Chief Science & Technology Officer, Institute of Food Technologists (IFT)
Dr. Niemira serves as IFT's Chief Science & Technology Officer, providing scientific leadership across the organization. Prior to joining IFT, he spent more than 25 years as a research microbiologist and lead scientist with the USDA Agricultural Research Service. He is an IFT Fellow, former IFT Board member, and past Chair of the Biotechnology Division. Throughout his career, he has contributed extensively to food science research, scientific communication, and professional leadership development.
Jeff Varcoe, PhD
Vice President, Quality Assurance & Food Safety, The J.M. Smucker Company
Dr. Varcoe is Vice President of Quality Assurance & Food Safety at The J.M. Smucker Co. In this role, he oversees quality systems, food safety programs, and regulatory excellence across a large consumer packaged goods portfolio. He joins the series to provide practical perspectives on strategic thinking, decision-making, and leadership within complex food organizations.
Sean Leighton
Global Vice President, Food Safety, Quality & Regulatory, Cargill
Sean Leighton serves as Global Vice President of Food Safety, Quality & Regulatory at Cargill, leading efforts to ensure the safety, quality, and integrity of the global food supply. He is a longtime leader within the food science profession, having served as IFT President and currently as IFT Treasurer. His experience spans global operations, strategic leadership, risk management, and organizational transformation.
Upon completion of any online course, you will be able to view and print a personalized Certificate of Completion. You will have access to this course for one year from the date of purchase.
Technical expertise alone is no longer enough to drive organizational success. This three-part series equips food scientists with the strategic thinking, decision-making, and leadership skills needed to influence business outcomes and lead effectively in a rapidly evolving food system. Through practical frameworks and insights from industry leaders, learners will gain the tools to connect scientific expertise with organizational strategy and drive meaningful impact.
This learning bundle includes three IFT professional development courses:
Learner Outcomes
After completing this product, learners will be able to:
- Apply strategic thinking principles to complex food industry challenges.
- Evaluate business opportunities, risks, and trade-offs using structured decision-making frameworks.
- Align scientific expertise with organizational priorities and strategic goals.
- Lead cross-functional initiatives from concept through execution and measurable impact.
Speakers
Brendan Niemira, PhD
Chief Science & Technology Officer, Institute of Food Technologists (IFT)
Dr. Niemira serves as IFT's Chief Science & Technology Officer, providing scientific leadership across the organization. Prior to joining IFT, he spent more than 25 years as a research microbiologist and lead scientist with the USDA Agricultural Research Service. He is an IFT Fellow, former IFT Board member, and past Chair of the Biotechnology Division. Throughout his career, he has contributed extensively to food science research, scientific communication, and professional leadership development.
Jeff Varcoe, PhD
Vice President, Quality Assurance & Food Safety, The J.M. Smucker Company
Dr. Varcoe is Vice President of Quality Assurance & Food Safety at The J.M. Smucker Co. In this role, he oversees quality systems, food safety programs, and regulatory excellence across a large consumer packaged goods portfolio. He joins the series to provide practical perspectives on strategic thinking, decision-making, and leadership within complex food organizations.
Sean Leighton
Global Vice President, Food Safety, Quality & Regulatory, Cargill
Sean Leighton serves as Global Vice President of Food Safety, Quality & Regulatory at Cargill, leading efforts to ensure the safety, quality, and integrity of the global food supply. He is a longtime leader within the food science profession, having served as IFT President and currently as IFT Treasurer. His experience spans global operations, strategic leadership, risk management, and organizational transformation.
Upon completion of any online course, you will be able to view and print a personalized Certificate of Completion. You will have access to this course for one year from the date of purchase.
