TFPA Conference 2023 - Speaker Bios
Keynote Speaker
BACKGROUND
Vickie L. Kloeris retired from NASA where she worked in space food systems for 34
years. For 29 of those years, she served as the NASA manager of first the Shuttle and
then the International Space Station food systems. She has authored and co-authored
numerous scientific publications and has received several awards including NASA’s
highest award, the NASA Distinguished Service Medal in 2019. During her career, she
was twice awarded the NASA Exceptional Service Medal and received the Johnson
Space Center Director’s Commendation Award. In 2017, she was given an Outstanding
Alumni Award by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at her alma mater, Texas
A&M University.
Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Highlights
Vickie has been a member of IFT, the professional organization for food scientists, since
1978 and has received their designation of Certified Food Scientist. She has served in
multiple IFT volunteer roles at the section and division level. At the national level she
has served on the Annual Meeting Scientific Program Advisory Panel; the Continuing
Education Program Committee; the Teaching and Learning Work Group; numerous
award juries and is an IFT Food Science Communicator. She served on the IFT Board
of Directors from Sept 2017- Aug 2020 and in March 2020 was elected to the position of
President Elect. She served as President of IFT from September 1, 2021 until August
31, 2022. She is currently the Immediate Past President of IFT.
Vickie L. Kloeris retired from NASA where she worked in space food systems for 34
years. For 29 of those years, she served as the NASA manager of first the Shuttle and
then the International Space Station food systems. She has authored and co-authored
numerous scientific publications and has received several awards including NASA’s
highest award, the NASA Distinguished Service Medal in 2019. During her career, she
was twice awarded the NASA Exceptional Service Medal and received the Johnson
Space Center Director’s Commendation Award. In 2017, she was given an Outstanding
Alumni Award by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at her alma mater, Texas
A&M University.
Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Highlights
Vickie has been a member of IFT, the professional organization for food scientists, since
1978 and has received their designation of Certified Food Scientist. She has served in
multiple IFT volunteer roles at the section and division level. At the national level she
has served on the Annual Meeting Scientific Program Advisory Panel; the Continuing
Education Program Committee; the Teaching and Learning Work Group; numerous
award juries and is an IFT Food Science Communicator. She served on the IFT Board
of Directors from Sept 2017- Aug 2020 and in March 2020 was elected to the position of
President Elect. She served as President of IFT from September 1, 2021 until August
31, 2022. She is currently the Immediate Past President of IFT.
Other Speakers
With 30 years of experience in the transportation and logistics industry, Randy has rightfully earned the term "veteran". With a track record that proves customer service is top priority, Randy prides himself on providing a positive customer experience from start to end. In an ever-changing world of supply chain fluctuations and challenges, it is good to know who your people are. When all is said and done, transportation is a people business and Randy is the right "people" to have on your team.
5C Custom Logistics is a family owned and operated, third-party logistics provider. We are dedicated to improving how businesses ship freight while gaining control and visibility of their supply chain. Through our technology-driven logistics solutions, industry expertise, and extensive carrier relationships across all modes of transportation, 5C Custom Logistics provides the solutions, savings and competitive advantage that enables shippers to respond to customer demands at the speed of business.
5C Custom Logistics is a family owned and operated, third-party logistics provider. We are dedicated to improving how businesses ship freight while gaining control and visibility of their supply chain. Through our technology-driven logistics solutions, industry expertise, and extensive carrier relationships across all modes of transportation, 5C Custom Logistics provides the solutions, savings and competitive advantage that enables shippers to respond to customer demands at the speed of business.
Rick Alaniz has been at the forefront of labor and employment law for over forty years representing employers
in a variety of industries. Rick Alaniz began his legal career in the Office of the Solicitor of the U.S. Department of
Labor, served on the President’s Cost of Living Council during the Nixon Administration and also held prominent
posts within the National Labor Relations Board, first in Washington D.C. and later in Minneapolis where he was
active in the NLRB’s enforcement actions in a five-state Midwestern region.
A Partner and Senior Partner in private practice since 1977, his experience has only deepened Rick’s
enthusiasm for labor and employment law and his drive for continued excellence in the field. He is Board Certified
in Labor and Employment Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, is a member of four state bar
associations, and has represented clients in every state of the Union as well as Puerto Rico.
Consistent with his “preventative maintenance” approach in this era of hyper-regulation of the workplace, Rick
Alaniz has long been actively involved in preparing and presenting supervisory and managerial training programs
for his clients as well as for business groups. He firmly believes that educating managers and supervisors about the
legal pitfalls in the workplace is critical. Such programs are the cornerstone of his philosophy that “a lawsuit
avoided is better than a lawsuit won”. Rick Alaniz contributes dozens of articles per year on labor and employment
law to trade journals and conducts numerous seminars each month for client companies and trade associations
across the country.
in a variety of industries. Rick Alaniz began his legal career in the Office of the Solicitor of the U.S. Department of
Labor, served on the President’s Cost of Living Council during the Nixon Administration and also held prominent
posts within the National Labor Relations Board, first in Washington D.C. and later in Minneapolis where he was
active in the NLRB’s enforcement actions in a five-state Midwestern region.
A Partner and Senior Partner in private practice since 1977, his experience has only deepened Rick’s
enthusiasm for labor and employment law and his drive for continued excellence in the field. He is Board Certified
in Labor and Employment Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, is a member of four state bar
associations, and has represented clients in every state of the Union as well as Puerto Rico.
Consistent with his “preventative maintenance” approach in this era of hyper-regulation of the workplace, Rick
Alaniz has long been actively involved in preparing and presenting supervisory and managerial training programs
for his clients as well as for business groups. He firmly believes that educating managers and supervisors about the
legal pitfalls in the workplace is critical. Such programs are the cornerstone of his philosophy that “a lawsuit
avoided is better than a lawsuit won”. Rick Alaniz contributes dozens of articles per year on labor and employment
law to trade journals and conducts numerous seminars each month for client companies and trade associations
across the country.
Gary leads the Food & Beverage Packaging channel for SupplyOne. The $400M division is the largest market
segment for SupplyOne, a national packaging company with 2022 revenues of $1.4 billion. Gary is a graduate of
Michigan State University’s School of Packaging Engineering, with emphasis on material science and food science.
He has contributed to multiple start-up ventures in the food packaging channel for 30 years, including starting the
Food & Beverage division of SupplyOne 16 years ago. Gary is happily married to Mary, has two children, Jack and
Maddie, and a dog named Wilson. He enjoys the outdoors, coaching and cooking.
segment for SupplyOne, a national packaging company with 2022 revenues of $1.4 billion. Gary is a graduate of
Michigan State University’s School of Packaging Engineering, with emphasis on material science and food science.
He has contributed to multiple start-up ventures in the food packaging channel for 30 years, including starting the
Food & Beverage division of SupplyOne 16 years ago. Gary is happily married to Mary, has two children, Jack and
Maddie, and a dog named Wilson. He enjoys the outdoors, coaching and cooking.
Well known to TFPA members, Ron Dobbs is retired from United Salt where he worked as a territory sales
manager for 28 years. Prior to that, he was in animal agriculture sales for 21 years. He is currently engaged in a
new venture of teaching and coaching. It is his goal to “inspire to dream and empower to achieve dreams.”
Ron graduated from Texas A&M in 1972 with a degree in Animal Science. He has served on the board of
directors for Texas Food Processors Association and has served on TFPA’s Scholarship Foundation board. He has
served on the board of directors for the Texas Water Quality Association, including a term as president, and has
been awarded a honorary lifetime membership. He is also a member of the Longhorn Food Technology Assn., the
Alamo Food Technology Assn., and Texas Grain and Feed Assn.
manager for 28 years. Prior to that, he was in animal agriculture sales for 21 years. He is currently engaged in a
new venture of teaching and coaching. It is his goal to “inspire to dream and empower to achieve dreams.”
Ron graduated from Texas A&M in 1972 with a degree in Animal Science. He has served on the board of
directors for Texas Food Processors Association and has served on TFPA’s Scholarship Foundation board. He has
served on the board of directors for the Texas Water Quality Association, including a term as president, and has
been awarded a honorary lifetime membership. He is also a member of the Longhorn Food Technology Assn., the
Alamo Food Technology Assn., and Texas Grain and Feed Assn.
Martin Hahn uses his background in food technology and his comprehensive understanding of the laws governing the food industry to help clients navigate through the countless regulatory and business issues impacting the industry from farm to table. He recognizes the demands clients face and finds innovative and creative solutions, particularly when responding to observations raised by regulators during inspections. Whether the issue involves obtaining the authorization of a new food or dietary ingredient, complying with manufacturing requirements, labeling or advertising, product recalls, or enforcement, Martin serves as an effective adviser and advocate. Martin has handled almost every issue impacting the food industry. He has a comprehensive understanding of the laws affecting the labeling and advertising of foods, dietary supplements, infant formulas, medical foods, foods for special dietary use, and hemp extracts when positioned as a food or dietary supplements. He helps anticipate new trends and develops the data needed to distinguish a client's products from others on the market. Martin uses his understanding of science and technology in the food industry to provide assistance in obtaining regulatory authorizations to market new food ingredients, food packaging materials, and dietary ingredients. He holds a J.D. from Northwestern University.
Dr. Susanne Talcott received her Ph.D. in Nutrition from the University of Florida, Gainesville, FL in 2004,
followed by postdoctoral studies in Pharmaceutics at the University of Florida until 2006. In 2006, Dr. Talcott
joined Texas A&M University as Assistant Research Scientist in the Department of Veterinary Physiology and
Pharmacology. In 2008, she joined the Nutrition and Food Science Department as Assistant Professor. Currently,
she is an Associate Professor in the Department of Food Science and Technology where she teaches graduate and
undergraduate courses in the areas of food analysis, functional foods and pharmacometrics of food components as
well as study abroad courses to students in food science and technology. Dr. Talcott's research focuses on applied
translational applied investigation of absorption, intestinal microbial metabolism, and efficacy of botanical
compounds in foods and dietary supplements. She has received over $7 million in funding from federal, national,
and corporate sources. Dr. Talcott has written 100 peer-reviewed journal articles, 5 book chapters and gave over
25 invited presentations at national and international conferences. She has been serving on 38 graduate
committees as member, and chaired or co-chaired 8 MS- and 18 doctoral student committees. Dr. Talcott works
with food industry in the area of functional food ingredients and FDA and FTC compliance.
Susanne Talcott, Ph.D.,Assoc. Professor of Nutrition, Food Science and Technology Department, Texas A&M
University, 1500 Research Parkway, Bldg. A, 220K, College Station, TX 77845.
followed by postdoctoral studies in Pharmaceutics at the University of Florida until 2006. In 2006, Dr. Talcott
joined Texas A&M University as Assistant Research Scientist in the Department of Veterinary Physiology and
Pharmacology. In 2008, she joined the Nutrition and Food Science Department as Assistant Professor. Currently,
she is an Associate Professor in the Department of Food Science and Technology where she teaches graduate and
undergraduate courses in the areas of food analysis, functional foods and pharmacometrics of food components as
well as study abroad courses to students in food science and technology. Dr. Talcott's research focuses on applied
translational applied investigation of absorption, intestinal microbial metabolism, and efficacy of botanical
compounds in foods and dietary supplements. She has received over $7 million in funding from federal, national,
and corporate sources. Dr. Talcott has written 100 peer-reviewed journal articles, 5 book chapters and gave over
25 invited presentations at national and international conferences. She has been serving on 38 graduate
committees as member, and chaired or co-chaired 8 MS- and 18 doctoral student committees. Dr. Talcott works
with food industry in the area of functional food ingredients and FDA and FTC compliance.
Susanne Talcott, Ph.D.,Assoc. Professor of Nutrition, Food Science and Technology Department, Texas A&M
University, 1500 Research Parkway, Bldg. A, 220K, College Station, TX 77845.