The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) has hired Lisa Van Doren as chief of government affairs, effective March 16.
Van Doren will lead the association’s legislative and regulatory strategy on behalf of the frozen food industry. In the role, Van Doren will also manage congressional and federal agency engagement, oversee coalitions and political activities, and direct grassroots advocacy efforts. She will also serve as a senior advisor to AFFI leadership.
Van Doren brings more than two decades of government affairs experience to the position. Most recently, she served as VP and chief of staff for government affairs at the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, where she led advocacy initiatives, managed congressional relationships and served as lead lobbyist on priority agricultural policy issues. She has also held senior roles with the National Corn Growers Association and served on Capitol Hill, including time on the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture.
Van Doren said the current policy environment makes the timing of the role particularly significant.
“I am thrilled to join AFFI at a time when food policy conversations are more important than ever,” Van Doren said.
“Frozen foods play a critical role in meeting nutrition needs in communities across the country – providing affordable and accessible quality foods to all Americans. I look forward to working with AFFI’s members and partners to elevate that story and lead a strong, proactive advocacy agenda for the frozen food industry.”
AFFI President and CEO Alison Bodor said Van Doren’s Capitol Hill credibility was central to the hire.
“Lisa is a proven, strategic advocate with deep credibility on Capitol Hill and across the broader agriculture and food policy community,” Bodor said. “I am excited to work with her to strengthen AFFI’s advocacy capabilities and trusted presence in Washington.”
[RELATED: AFFI Promotes Seiling To COO, Head Of Strategic Initiatives]