TheAmerican Frozen Food Institute(AFFI), McLean, Va., saidRobert Garfieldassumed the role of interim president at AFFI. He succeeds Leslie Sarasin who resigned to become president and CEO at the Food Marketing Institute.
A 16-year AFFI veteran, Garfield most recently served as senior vice president of public policy and international affairs. In this role, Garfield managed all facets of public advocacy including AFFI's work as industry liaison to regulatory agencies, legislative offices and media. Prior to joining AFFI in 1992, Garfield was director of technical services at the International Dairy Foods Association. He also has held plant manager posts for Richfood Inc. and Dairylea Inc. He earned a business degree from the University of Cincinnati and a master's degree in agricultural sciences from California State University, Fresno, Calif.
AFFI Chairman Jim Matthews said AFFI's board of directors has formed a search comittee to recruit candidates for permanent leadership.
"We at AFFI are fortunate to have someone with Bob's level of experience to step into this leadership role," Matthews noted. "His familiarity with the AFFI membership and broad knowledge of the issues currently facing the industry will help ensure a smooth transition as we identify a permanent successor."