The North American Renderers Association (NARA) has named Jennifer Dorick, Ph.D., as the association’s new vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs. In this role, Dorick will also serve as director of research for the Fats and Proteins Research Foundation (FPRF), the rendering industry’s research organization. Dorick will assume her new roles on October 15.
The position of vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs serves as an adviser to the North American rendering industry on science, animal disease and feed safety issues, and oversees animal food safety research, training and policy. As FPRF research director, Dorick will lead the foundation’s research efforts, support FPRF members, and play an active role in FPRF-funded research programs.
Dorick will represent the rendering industry before regulatory agencies, academia and partner organizations on scientific and regulatory issues affecting the industry. She will also provide technical guidance to NARA members, lead scientific and regulatory initiatives, and direct the Animal Protein Producers Industry (APPI) program.
“I am incredibly honored to join NARA as the VP of scientific and regulatory affairs and research director for FPRF,” said Dorick. “My experience as corporate product safety manager has given me a deep understanding of the rendering process and regulatory challenges our facilities face. I look forward to leading NARA’s scientific and regulatory initiatives, supporting innovative research, directing the APPI program, and collaborating with our members to drive the rendering industry forward.”
Prior to joining NARA, Dorick served as corporate product safety manager for Darling Ingredients, where she oversaw product safety and regulatory compliance across rendering and bakery feeds facilities. In this role, she directed food safety plans, developed innovative sanitation programs, and led numerous process validations. Her extensive industry experience brings practical knowledge of rendering operations, food safety, regulatory compliance and process improvement to her new role at NARA and FPRF.
Dorick holds a Ph.D. in food science and technology from the University of Georgia, an M.S. in poultry science from Auburn University, and a B.S. in food science and technology from Virginia Tech.
“We are excited to welcome Jennifer to the NARA and FPRF team,” said Kent Swisher, president and CEO of NARA and FPRF. “Her hands-on experience in today’s rendering industry, combined with her strong scientific background and regulatory expertise, brings a valuable perspective to this role. We look forward to the fresh perspective and forward-looking approach she will bring to our members, our research efforts, and the industry as a whole.”
