Florida Ag Commissioner Appoints New Senior Staff Members
March 22, 2012 Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam announced the appointments of Susan Nardizzi as the director of the Division of Marketing and Development, Dr. Tiffiani Onifade as the director of the Division of Food Safety, and Travis Tucker as the director of the Division of Fruit and Vegetables at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).
“Susan’s roots are firmly planted in agriculture with three generations of her family involved in the industry,” Commissioner Putnam said. “Her passion for developing new markets and growing sales of Florida commodities will create great opportunities for our state’s farm fresh produce.”
Over the past 18 years, Nardizzi held senior marking positions at Taco Bell Corp., Shoney’s Inc. and LongHorn Steakhouse, where she led marketing, brand strategy, consumer research and insights, advertising, product development and merchandising. She has also worked at advertising agencies J. Walter Thompson, Ogilvy and Mather, and Foote, Cone and Belding for clients in the foodservice, packaged goods, tourism, hospitality and finance industries. Susan holds a Bachelor of Science from Northwestern University’s School of Communications.
“Dr. Onifade’s expertise and leadership in food safety and outbreak investigation will serve the department well as we work to ensure a safe and quality supply of food,” said Commissioner Putnam. “Her experience will help us enhance Florida’s efforts in evaluating biological, environmental and climatological drivers of food-borne illness, increasing our ability to protect consumers both state and nationwide.”
Dr. Onifade most recently served as the state coordinator for the Florida Department of Health’s Food and Waterborne Disease Outbreak program. She brings experience in epidemiology, emergency preparedness and both public and animal health. Dr. Onifade received her doctorate from Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in comparative medicine and integrative biology. She also earned a Master of Science in environmental health science from the University of Georgia and a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from the University of South Carolina.
“Travis’ broad agricultural knowledge will greatly assist the department as it helps the industry maintain the Fresh From Florida standard,” said Commissioner Putnam. “His experience in the field will assist farmers and growers as they continue to support production of the nation’s food supply.”
Tucker most recently served as an insurance agent for Stallings Crop Insurance Company. He has also worked as a teacher in the Polk County School District and as crop insurance adjuster for Fireman’s Fund Insurance. He holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Florida State University and an Associate in Arts from Polk Community College.
In addition to the appointments of Nardizzi, Dr. Onifade and Tucker as directors at the department, Commissioner Putnam also announced assistant directors for the Divisions of Marketing and Development, Food Safety and Fruit and Vegetables. Gloria Van Treese, who has served the past 14 years as the chief of the Bureau of Food Distribution will assume the role of assistant director in the Division of Marketing and Development. Lee Cornman, former acting director in the Division of Food Safety, will serve as assistant director in the division. Charles Beasley is the assistant director of the Division of Fruit and Vegetables, having previously served as the chief of the Bureau of Inspection for the division.
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