By Esther Haviland
Michigan State University Master of Science in Food Safety (MSFS) alum Jennifer Pulcipher was recently appointed to the International Fresh Produce Association’s (IFPA) Board of Directors and nominated as chair of IFPA’s Food Safety Council.
“Being nominated and named chair of IFPA’s Food Safety Council and being appointed to the IFPA Board of Directors is truly an honor,” says Pulcipher. “I have attended and participated in the association’s meetings since the beginning of my career. It’s a great opportunity to be surrounded by like-minded individuals in the industry, all coming together to provide safe produce to consumers.”
Pulcipher is currently the director of Food Safety and Compliance for North Bay Produce, Inc. in Traverse City. In this role, she oversees North Bay’s international and domestic food safety programs. She graduated with a bachelor’s in Agribusiness Management, and later, while working for North Bay, she obtained her master’s in Food Safety, both from MSU.
“With the support from my employer and the education I received from the Food Safety Program, many opportunities have opened,” says Pulcipher. “North Bay has invested in both my personal and professional development. And I’ve been able to immediately implement what I’ve learned in the master’s program.”
Growing up on her family’s cherry farm in Northern Michigan spurred Pulcipher’s passion for agriculture. She spent every spring and summer of high school and college as her father’s apprentice.
I look forward to networking with others in the food safety community and broader produce industry . . .
— Dr. Jennifer Pulcipher
“I am proud to have been part of my family’s legacy. I have always loved working outdoors and experiencing the gratification of a hard day’s work. Continuing my path working in the produce industry has since been a natural fit.”
Pulcipher’s devotion to agriculture and food safety is evident in her accomplishments. Along with her new acting roles with IFPA, she is involved with the Canadian Produce Marketing Association Food Safety Committee, GLOBALGAP Technical Committee for Fruits and Vegetables, and the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) US-Canada Local Group. Pulcipher is currently a fellow in the premiere Class of the US Highbush Blueberry Council Leadership Program. She was a previous fellow of the 25th Class of the United Fresh Produce Association’s Produce Industry Leadership Program. Pulcipher also received the high honor of being a rising star in the Produce Business Magazine’s annual 40-Under-Forty Class of 2021.
Pulcipher will continue to make her mark on the food industry in these new IFPA positions.
“I look forward to networking with others in the food safety community and broader produce industry,” says Pulcipher. “You can learn so much from what others share about their experiences. This council has so many brilliant minds who voluntarily offer their knowledge and expertise to provide safe fruits and vegetables to our consumers.” 
