ALEXANDRIA, VA. — The North American Renderers Association (NARA) announced the appointment of Jennifer Dorick, Ph.D., to the role of vice president of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs. She 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 Oct. 15.

In her new role for NARA, Dorick will serve as an advisor to the North American rendering industry on science, animal disease, and feed safety issues and oversees animal food safety research, training and policy. As research director for FPRF, she 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 vice president of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs and research director for FPRF,” Dorick said. “My experience… 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 roles.

Dorick holds a Ph.D. in Food Science and Technology from the University of Georgia, a master’s degree in Poultry Science from Auburn University and a bachelor’s degree 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 chief executive officer 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.”

Read more about personnel changes throughout the industry.