Catching up with Natalie Adan

Natalie Adan was a member of Cohort I (2010-2011). At that time, Natalie was the Food Processing Program Manager, overseeing a team of 5 inspectors of the newly developed program, with the Georgia Department of Agriculture.

Since completing the Fellowship, Natalie has taken on additional responsibilities and is now the Director for the Food Safety Division with the Georgia Department of Agriculture. She is the current President of the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO), she is Past President of the Association of Food and Drug Officials of the Southern States (AFDOSS) and is currently on the International Food Protection Training Institute (IFPTI) Board. In 2017, Natalie received the IFPTI Fellowship Alumni of the Year Award and was awarded the Eugene H. Holeman Award by AFDOSS. In 2018, the Georgia Department of Agriculture received the Elliot O. Grosvenor Food Safety Award.

“The IFPTI Fellowship in Food Protection allowed me the opportunity to expand my knowledge outside of my agency to see the bigger picture, which was pivotal in advancing my career. Our Cohort is like family, and it has been exciting to watch everyone grow and change in their roles. Each Cohort adds to this community and grows our resources even further. The IFPTI Fellowship provided historical perspective, mentorship, and a platform to help drive my passion in food safety and the desire to make a larger impact.” - Natalie Adan