FMI, NAMI, IDDBA, IDFA induct new officers, and more

ASSOCIATIONS/ORGANIZATIONS:
Food Marketing Institute (FMI), Arlington, Va.
Steven Markenson joined to lead research efforts, specifically the study design, survey fielding and efforts with outside knowledge partners and FMI subject matter experts, and will also lead the discovery process on the latest industry trends and operational insights. Previously, he was president of WBA Research, where he oversaw more than 30 full-time professionals, along with a part-time staff of more than 100 telephone interviewers, field interviewers and support staff. Markenson’s WBA clients included healthcare, transportation, travel and tourism, financial services, higher education, associations and non-profits as well as partnerships with advertising/marketing agencies and consulting firms. Earlier in his career, Markenson worked at Snyder Communications, where he directed all aspects of more than 90 annual market research studies for the company’s unique marketing programs for clients such as Dow Brands, General Mills, Gerber, Kellogg’s, Kraft, Mead Johnson, Nabisco and SmithKline Beecham.  Markenson began his career at Opinion Research Corp., where he focused on financial services for clients such as Merrill Lynch, Moody’s Investors Service, Chase Manhattan Bank, PNC Corp. and Discover Card.

North American Meat Institute (NAMI), Washington, D.C.
John Vatri, vice president of operations at Cardinal Meat Specialists Ltd., will serve as chairman of the board of directors, while Joe Maas, co-owner and vice president of operations at JTM Provisions, was elected vice chairman. Warren Panico, president and CEO of Bar-S Foods Co., will serve as treasurer, and Brad McDowell, president of AB Foods LLC, was elected secretary. Mike Townsley, president of Bob Evans Farms, Inc., becomes immediate past chairman.