Carrie Rigdon, MPH, PhD, is the Research Director at the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO). With a focus on innovation and collaboration, she spearheads efforts in research question development, effective data collection, detailed data analysis, and the dissemination of findings that enhance food safety. Before joining AFDO, Dr. Rigdon spent 13 years with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Food and Feed Safety Division, helping develop the state’s Food Emergency Rapid Response Team and serving as Interim Assistant Division Director. She holds an MPH in Epidemiology from San Diego State University and a PhD in Environmental Health from the University of Minnesota, with a focus in foodborne illness.