FoodMinds Appoints Former USDA Executive Dr. Robert C. Post As Chief Science Officer

CHICAGO, Oct. 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- FoodMinds, a food and nutrition consulting and communications agency, is pleased to announce that Robert C. Post, Ph.D., MEd., MSc., formerly the Associate Executive Director of USDA's Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP), is joining FoodMinds as its first Chief Science Officer.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131016/CG98750)

In his new role, Post will work closely with FoodMinds partners and co-founders Bill Layden, Laura Cubillos, RD, and Susan Pitman, MA, RD, to advise clients on the critical science and evidentiary issues facing the food, beverage, nutrition, health and wellness industries today. He also will help co-lead counsel on changes in the nutrition affairs environment, including dietary guidance, marketing, and food labeling, to achieve client and public health objectives. Additionally, he and Pitman will spearhead the opening of a FoodMinds office in Washington, D.C. to provide a focal point for client interests in Washington, D.C. food and nutrition matters.

"Rob's experience and knowledge on public health and food and nutrition policies, coupled with his insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the food and nutrition industry today will be a tremendous asset to our clients and our talented team members," said Bill Layden, FoodMinds co-founder. "We are thrilled he chose to begin his next professional chapter with the FoodMinds team."

Post, whose illustrious career includes appointed and career executive positions at USDA's CNPP and the Food Safety Inspection Service Office of Policy, where he set national nutrition policies and implemented programs to improve the health of all Americans. He led the development of the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the creation of the USDA Nutrition Evidence Library, and directed the evolution of the food pyramid into the next generation MyPlate, leading the phenomenally successful multi-faceted consumer communications campaign.

Post has been a key figure in advising on nutrition and health communications matters for the White House Let's Move! initiative since its inception. Before CNPP, his accomplishments include establishing USDA's nutrition and food labeling program. He has more than 30 years of experience in food and agriculture public policy, food processing, nutritional science, food marketing and public health communications, media, and education. He plans to continue his adjunct professor role at the University of Maryland.

He joins the FoodMinds team of 24 employees and more than 40 experts across the U.S. and globally, including eight registered dietitians on staff – all of who specialize in harnessing science, communications and nutrition affairs to tell a better story for their clients.  FoodMinds solely focuses on the food and nutrition industry.

"I've worked closely with the FoodMinds team for many years and have always been impressed by their science-based knowledge and strategies they bring forward for their clients," said Post. "I'm looking forward to shaping key programs that will continue my professional ability to have a positive impact on public health."  

FoodMinds continues its growth trajectory in 2013, also having recently hired John Musolino, Chief Operating Officer; Sarah Ladden, MS, RD, Senior Account Supervisor; John Thompson, Assistant Account Executive; Alex Kumar, Controller; Cory Kemp, Staff Accountant; and Anna Franzo, Administrative Assistant.

ABOUT FOODMINDS
Founded in 2006, FoodMinds is a food and nutrition consulting company that harnesses science, public affairs and communications to help its clients tell a better story that makes a difference.  The winner of the 2013 Holmes Report Boutique Agency of the Year and the 2012 Gold Sabre award in the public affairs category, FoodMinds is also ranked in the top 10 U.S. independent food and beverage public relations firm by O'Dwyer's.  FoodMinds works with more than 30 leading food, beverage and nutrition companies, commodities and associations in the U.S. and around the world, and is actively involved in the dialogue on major food and nutrition topics.

SOURCE FoodMinds