Yvonne Masters, PhD Food Safety & Quality Policy Director Yvonne Masters is a distinguished leader in food safety and quality, with nearly two decades of experience spanning global food manufacturing, technical auditing, and strategic policy development. She holds a PhD in Food Science from Cornell University, with research concentrations in food safety, microbiology, and dairy science. Currently serving as Food Safety & Quality Policy Director at John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc., Dr. Masters oversees corporate food safety culture, leads quality initiatives, and manages comprehensive food safety programs for a leading processor and distributor of nuts and snacks. Her expertise encompasses FDA FSMA, HACCP, food safety validations, supply chain controls, and food defense, with a proven track record in both internal and supplier audits. Dr. Masters is recognized for her food industry impact, having received the prestigious Harold Barnum Industry Award from the International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) and the John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc. Vision Award, honoring her alignment with the company’s mission to deliver unmatched experiences and trusted partnerships. She was named one of “The Food Safety Set: 21 People Who Have Shaped the Last 30 Years of Food Safety” by Quality Assurance & Food Safety Magazine. A technical committee member for the Peanut and Tree Nut Processors Association (PTNPA), Dr. Masters leads food safety chapter updates for the Industry Handbook for Safe Processing of Nuts, a key resource for food safety standards in the nut industry. Her commitment to excellence is further demonstrated through multiple Values in Action and Manager’s Awards, as well as her contributions to scientific publications on Listeria monocytogenes. Dr. Masters is dedicated to advancing food safety, mentoring future leaders, and fostering inclusive, high-performing teams.