IFPA names vice president of technical services
IFPA names vice president of technical services
A former vice president of the National Food Processors Association and scientist with Campbell Soup Co. and Kraft Foods has joined the Alexandria, VA-based International Fresh-cut Produce Association as its new vice president for technical services.
David Gombas, who holds a doctorate in food microbiology from the University of Massachusetts, fills the position at IFPA formerly held by Jim Gorny in an expanded role that will include directing IFPA's technical, food-safety, regulatory, public policy and training programs. He brings extensive association and corporate experience to IFPA, in addition to strong academic and research credentials.
Dr. Gombas spent 10 years with NFPA, now the Food Products Association, overseeing research, quality assurance and food safety programs. He headed the association's National Food Laboratory for five years, leading efforts on food microbiology, processing chemistry, packaging and claims investigations. He also directed NFPA's Supplier Audits for Food Excellence program, overseeing all technical, audit quality assurance, auditor training, marketing and P&L. He grew the program 400 percent in audits and $150,000 net revenue per year.
"David brings to IFPA a high level of hands-on experience and knowledge about the food processing industry and food safety-related issues," said IFPA Chairman Bob Whitaker, vice president of product development and food safety at NewStar Fresh Foods LLC in Salinas, CA. "With his extensive experience and contacts within the key regulatory agencies, and his strong corporate and association expertise, he is a perfect match for this critical position.
Prior to joining NFPA, Dr. Gombas worked as a manager of microbiology and food safety at Kraft General Foods, heading a staff of 12 responsible for assuring microbiological safety and stability of all new and existing shelf-stable, refrigerated and frozen products for Kraft USA. He began his career at Campbell Soup Co. as a group research scientist in microbiology research, where he worked for six years developing and executing microbiological research programs related to food safety and shelf-life extension.
"We are thrilled to welcome David as a veteran food-safety specialist who can bolster IFPAs already strong technical, regulatory and food safety programs, said IFPA President Jerry Welcome. "I'm looking forward to working with David to expand the scope of our technical services and to bring new value-added programs and services to our member companies.
Dr. Gombas' most recent position was as president of Integrity Food & Drug Consulting, which provides consultation and auditing services to the food and pharmaceutical industries in areas of product safety, microbiology, good manufacturing practices and regulatory compliance.
In addition to his doctorate, Dr. Gombas earned a bachelor's degree in food science from Rutgers University and a master's degree in food microbiology from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He has published research on a wide-range of technical and food safety topics, including foodborne pathogens, microbiology and HACCP. Dr. Gombas will start his new position on July 20 and will work out of IFPA headquarters in Alexandria, VA.
David Gombas, who holds a doctorate in food microbiology from the University of Massachusetts, fills the position at IFPA formerly held by Jim Gorny in an expanded role that will include directing IFPA's technical, food-safety, regulatory, public policy and training programs. He brings extensive association and corporate experience to IFPA, in addition to strong academic and research credentials.
Dr. Gombas spent 10 years with NFPA, now the Food Products Association, overseeing research, quality assurance and food safety programs. He headed the association's National Food Laboratory for five years, leading efforts on food microbiology, processing chemistry, packaging and claims investigations. He also directed NFPA's Supplier Audits for Food Excellence program, overseeing all technical, audit quality assurance, auditor training, marketing and P&L. He grew the program 400 percent in audits and $150,000 net revenue per year.
"David brings to IFPA a high level of hands-on experience and knowledge about the food processing industry and food safety-related issues," said IFPA Chairman Bob Whitaker, vice president of product development and food safety at NewStar Fresh Foods LLC in Salinas, CA. "With his extensive experience and contacts within the key regulatory agencies, and his strong corporate and association expertise, he is a perfect match for this critical position.
Prior to joining NFPA, Dr. Gombas worked as a manager of microbiology and food safety at Kraft General Foods, heading a staff of 12 responsible for assuring microbiological safety and stability of all new and existing shelf-stable, refrigerated and frozen products for Kraft USA. He began his career at Campbell Soup Co. as a group research scientist in microbiology research, where he worked for six years developing and executing microbiological research programs related to food safety and shelf-life extension.
"We are thrilled to welcome David as a veteran food-safety specialist who can bolster IFPAs already strong technical, regulatory and food safety programs, said IFPA President Jerry Welcome. "I'm looking forward to working with David to expand the scope of our technical services and to bring new value-added programs and services to our member companies.
Dr. Gombas' most recent position was as president of Integrity Food & Drug Consulting, which provides consultation and auditing services to the food and pharmaceutical industries in areas of product safety, microbiology, good manufacturing practices and regulatory compliance.
In addition to his doctorate, Dr. Gombas earned a bachelor's degree in food science from Rutgers University and a master's degree in food microbiology from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He has published research on a wide-range of technical and food safety topics, including foodborne pathogens, microbiology and HACCP. Dr. Gombas will start his new position on July 20 and will work out of IFPA headquarters in Alexandria, VA.
