Susan A. Ferenc, DVM, Ph.D., an expert in biological, health and environmental risk assessment has been named Vice President, Scientific and Regulatory Policy at the Grocery Manufacturers of America.Dr. Ferenc, who served as a risk scientist for USDA's Office of Risk Assessment and Cost Benefit Analysis from 1996 to 1998, most recently was a Senior Scientist at the International Life Science Institute's (ILSI) Risk Science Institute in Washington, DC. At GMA, she will develop and coordinate implementation of scientific and regulatory programs in areas including nutrition and labeling, food safety, biotechnology, functional foods, pesticides and international regulation of food. "The addition of Dr. Ferenc strengthens the GMA team and will help us pursue our scientific and regulatory mission with vigor," said C. Manly Molpus, President and CEO of GMA. "Her strong experience in risk assessment and in international scientific issues will be valuable in shaping GMA policy and communicating our members' positions to key audiences." Dr. Ferenc earned her doctorate in Food and Resource Economics from the University of Florida and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Michigan State University. At the ILSI Risk Science Institute, she coordinated international conferences on food safety and participated in Food and Agriculture Organization/World health Organization expert consultations. "Dr. Ferenc has earned a solid reputation as a thoughtful and articulate advocate for risk analysis, food safety and environmental health in speaking with international organizations," noted Molpus. Dr. Ferenc has spoken and has been extensively published on issues ranging from risk perception and communication in decision making to ecological risks and impacts. She will join GMA on December 4, 2000.