President, Chief Operating Officer
Petra Schennach has over 15 years experience in corporate leadership and management. As COO, Schennach is responsible for day-to-day operations as well as oversight of Training Services, marketing, membership, finance and administration. Prior to joining GFTC as vice-president, Training Services, she was the senior continuing education manager with the University of Guelph, where she led the university’s extension activities for industry. At the University of Guelph, Petra led the development, marketing and implementation of the MBA in Agriculture executive program in the Faculty of Management.
President, Chief Technical Officer
Frank Schreurs has over 25 years experience in quality management, training, auditing and consulting specifically in the food and packaging industry. As CTO, Frank is responsible for the Technical Services including Auditing Services, Food Safety and Quality Services, and Sustainability Consulting business units. Prior to joining GFTC, Frank ran his own consulting business and served as a quality systems manager at Kellogg Canada Inc. Frank is a director of the Canadian Supply Chain Food Safety Coalition and is a member of the Canadian National Committee on Food Safety and ASQ.
Certifications:
Certified Quality Auditor(ASQ), Certified HACCP Auditor (ASQ), Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (ASQ), SQF and BRC trained Auditor, BRC Approved Training Provider, Lead HACCP Trainer (IHA)
Audit Services | Food Safety Consulting Services | Marketing | Membership Services | Sustainability | Technical Services | Packaging and Labelling | Pilot Plant | Product Development | Training Services | Administration |
Audit Services
Audit Services Administrator
Stephanie's primary responsibility is to provide administrative support to the SQF and BRC certification programs with a focus on the contracts stage of the process. She also assists with the CanadaGAP program and non-GFSI audit administration.
Audit Services Administrator
Linda is GFTC's iCIX database expert in Audit Services. She works closely with clients and auditors to ensure timely release of reports and certificates and to ensure seamless integration of audit results to iCIX. Linda is also the main contact person for our French-speaking clients and auditors.
Audit Services Administration Manager
Cindy provides leadership and process improvement insight to the department. She brings 15 years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical research and development with Johnson and Johnson, where she provided technical expertise, mentoring, management and process leadership. Her role at GFTC is to oversee the administrative aspects of the non-GFSI audit program and to ensure Audit Services remains compliant to the ISO and the GFSI-recognized standard requirements as a certification body.
Audit Services Administrator
Iris provides administrative support and expertise to the SQF and BRC certification programs with a focus on the post-audit activities including CAR follow-up, report review coordination and certificate issue. She is committed to program compliance and continuous process improvement.
Audit Services Administrator
Soula is the administrative lead for the CanadaGAP certification program. She works closely with on-farm auditors, clients and the Canadian Horticultural Council to ensure smooth delivery of CanadaGAP certification audits from enrolment through to certificate issue.
Senior Project Manager, Food Safety and Quality Specialist
Eva Sanz-Solé is GFTC’s resident expert for on-farm and small food processing clients. The consulting work to her credit includes animal and animal products, fruits and vegetables, packing houses and feed mills. She has been instrumental in the creation of Good Agricultural Practices, Natural Claim and Good Operating Practices programs. Eva’s French and Spanish language skills enable her to offer audit and training services in three languages to GFTC clients.
Certifications:
Feed HACCP, HACCP Auditor (ASQ), SQF Auditor, Food Safety, Safety and Quality Program Documentation, Auditing, On-Farm Food Safety Programs and GAPs, Label Claims
Certification Services Coordinator
Brenda is responsible for conducting all administrative activities associated with the SQF and BRC certification programs. She assists GFTC clients with registrations, applications, reports, certificates and invoices. As GFTC’s longest serving audit services administration employee, Brenda is knowledgeable in all GFTC’s service offerings.
Certification Manager, Audit Services
Rich as over 25 years of agri-food and biotechnology experience in a broad spectrum of industry sectors. His previous work experience includes management & operations, product development and training & education. Rich is responsible for final certification decisions as they related to GFSI benchmarked standards. Coaching, mentoring and management of auditors in the field is also a key part of Rich’s responsibilities.
Certifications:
Certified HACCP Auditor (ASQ), Certified SQF Auditor, Certified BRC Auditor
Senior Project Manager, Food Safety Specialist
In Stefanie’s 15 years of experience in the food industry, she has designed, implemented and maintained HACCP systems from farm to fork. At GFTC, Stefanie is the technical lead for the CanadaGAP program including scoping, auditor training and assignment, report review and certification decision approval. She is also an auditor and consultant who provides expertise in development of sector-specific food safety programs and GAP assessments.
Certifications:
Certified HACCP Auditor (ASQ), CanadaGAP Auditor (CHC), High Risk Auditor (SQF)
Technical Manager, Audit Services
Iain has 30-plus years of experience in food industry in QC, QA, Operations, Consulting, Training and Facilitating. As GFTC's first certification manager he has firsthand experience in the introduction of GFSI-recognized standards in North America. Iain is responsible for the selection, training calibration and ongoing competency assessments of GFTC auditors. He provides technical support for the department staff and auditors and also provides back-up support for audit scoping, audit review and audit certification decisions for the SQF and BRC programs. He also oversees the technical aspects of the non-GFSI audit program, conducts audits and performs training at GFTC.
Certifications:
Quality Auditor-HACCP Certification (ASQ), HACCP Auditor (ASQ), BRC Auditor, BRC ATP (Approved Training Provider)
Food Safety Consulting Services
Senior Project Manager, Food Safety and Quality Specialist
Beth Driscoll’s experience encompasses both the private and public sectors of the food and beverage industry. Her background in the areas if quality assurance, auditing and inspection as well as her education in both nutirtion and public health make her uniquely qualified to develop food safety and quality programs. Her detailed knowledge of regulatory issues and her certification as a HACCP Auditor with ASQ add value to the consulting services GFTC provides.
Certifications:
Diploma in Food Hygiene and Safety (Royal Institute of Public Health and Hygiene), Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety (Ryerson University), Certificate in Business Management (Ryerson University), BASICS.fst™ and ADVANCED.fst™ Trainer (TrainCan), Trainer, National Food Safety Training Program (Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association).
Technical Manager, Food Safety and Quality Services
Michelle Harris-Bailey has an extensive background in the food, beverage, packaging and pharmaceutical industries. At GFTC, she develops robust food safety and quality systems for clients, assists with program implementation, and provides project management support. She is an expert consultant in regulatory and quality management systems including HACCP, Health Canada GMP, FDA cGMP, ISO 9001, and ISO 17025.
Certifications: Manager of Quality and Organizational Excellence (ASQ), HACCP Auditor (ASQ), Project Management Professional (PMP)
Project Manager, Food Safety and Quality Services
Karen designs, implements, validates, audits and troubleshoots food safety and quality systems for food packaging converters and manufacturers. She also conducts training for HACCP courses as well as customized in-house training for clients. Prior to GFTC, she worked for The Packaging Group as QA manager and extrusion manager. This involved lab related functions as well as overseeing the running of a 10-layer extrusion line for making plastic film. She has also worked for Exopack Canada as QA manager and environment manager.
Certifications: Environmental Compliance and Due Diligence (OME), IS0 9000 Internal Auditor (BTI), Train the Trainer (3M), WHMIS, Transport of Dangerous Goods (OME)
Project Manager, Food Safety/Resource Material
Renata is responsible for providing food safety consulting services and for developing, maintaining and upgrading the resource materials and consulting tools used for GFTC consulting projects. Her background is in toxicology and she has extensive experience managing vendor audit programs, implementing a variety of HACCP and food safety programs and managing product testing functions.
Director, Consulting Services
Paul directs and manages all aspects of GFTC’s busy Food Safety and Quality Consulting unit. He also designs, implements, audits, troubleshoots, certifies and accredits food safety and quality systems for the various food sectors. He is a popular speaker and trainer, developing and delivering on-site and public training in food safety and quality to the manufacturing, distribution, food service and retail sectors. He is an expert in the Global Food Safety Initiative and is a Certified Manager of Quality and Organizational Excellence with ASQ.
Certifications: Quality Manager of Quality & Organization Excellence (ASQ), Public Health Inspector (CPHI).
Project Manager, Food Safety and Quality Consulting Services
Gina Paolucci is based in Montreal and oversees the Food Safety and Quality Consulting Services activities of GFTC in Quebec as Regional Sales and Project Manager. Gina has 25 years of experience in the Canadian food industry, namely in quality testing and food safety auditing services, food product development and technical sales of food ingredients. With a passion for food since early childhood, Gina learned culinary art in Italy. She earned a Diploma in Professional Cooking from the Quebec Hotel and Food Institute as well as a Bachelor of Science in Food Science (Honors Program) from the University of Guelph. She has acquired further technical skills through various food industry related courses and seminars.
Certifications: Quality Manager (ASQ), Public Health Inspector (CPHI), National Food Safety Training Program (NFSTP) Trainer (CRFA), BASICS.fst™ and ADVANCED.fst™ Trainer (TrainCan), ServSafe Instructor and Proctor (NRAEF), Trainer, (RSPH)
Sales and Marketing Assistant
Lindsay coordinates business and administrative activities with current and potential clients out of the GFTC office. She fosters partnerships between the clients and consultants to ensure the needs of all are successfully met.
Marketing
Manager, Special Events
Denise is responsible for the excellence with which GFTC events are delivered. Currently she manages and implements symposia, innovation breakfast series, trade shows and other related marketing initiatives, including sponsorships and advertising. Prior to joining GFTC in 2006, Denise worked with several large companies serving human resources, executive administration and corporate event planning functions.
Database Administrator
Kim’s background in IT and computer programming serves her well in her multi-faceted responsibilities at the centre. Database administration, IT support, website development and updates, and report design and development for the CRM and Audit Services databases enable her to provide consistently up-to-date and accurate information and can expertly assist you in touring the GFTC website to help you find just what you need.
Manager, Marketing & Communications Lise oversees the communication and marketing activities for GFTC. She provides support to the various business units and GFTC corporate. Lise brings over 20 years in the public and private sector food industry with a focus on health and nutrition.
Membership Services
Administrative and Membership Coordinator
Christine lends her efficient and competent expertise in reception, office coordination and other administrative duties at GFTC. She is responsible for membership services, processing applications, renewals and payments and is also secretary for the GFTC’s board of directors. Christine has over 20 years of experience in office management.
Sustainability Consulting
Business Coordinator
Scott is well versed in the area of environmental management and stakeholder engagement and brings that knowledge to project coordination within the sustainability team. Prior to joining GFTC, Scott worked in industry as an ISO 14001 specialist and most recently, was actively involved as a volunteer with Sustainable Waterloo’s Greenhouse Gas Services team.
Senior Project Manager
Maria Klimas manages projects within the Sustainability Services business unit. Prior to joining GFTC, Maria worked at the George Morris Centre as a Research Associate and Project Manager for environmental research. Her areas of expertise include agri-food regulatory policy as well as environmental impacts and opportunities in the Canadian agri-food sector.
Project Manager and Analyst, Sustainability Consulting
Brad Spielmacher is a project manager and analyst within the Sustainability Consulting business unit. Prior to joining GFTC, Brad spent four years with Maple Leaf Foods in the Operations Management Trainee Program. Specifically he held positions as a Production Supervisor, Energy Conservation Coordinator and Environmental Coordinator.
Technical Services
Packaging Laboratory Technologist
Chris has extensive knowledge in packaging testing methods that include plastic closure testing and barrier materials testing. He works in our pilot plant to support packaging testing and is responsible for maintenance and calibration of testing instrumentation. Chris complements his activities with company safety responsibilities and is a member of the joint health and safety committee.
Certifications: member of JHSC
Senior Project Manager, Food Labelling Services
Daina Rye has been working with the Guelph Food Technology Centre since August 2003. In her current role, she is responsible for providing Canadian Food Labelling compliance for GFTC clients. This activity includes nutrition labelling, regulatory checks for food labels to be sold in Canada and advising clients within the manufacturing and food service industries on health claims and nutrient content claims. Daina has also worked in the Product Development Department at the GFTC which led to the successful development of products from concept to market launch.
Prior to joining GFTC, Daina worked over five years in the food industry as a Senior Product Development Specialist with two leading food companies: ConAgra Grocery Products and Unifine Richardson (now H.J. Heinz Company of Canada). Daina has a degree in Food Science from the University of Guelph.
Manager, Packaging and Nutrition Food Labelling Services
Carol has experience in quality assurance, testing laboratories and R & D in the packaging field. She is knowledgeable in plastic packaging testing, shelf-life evaluation and has provided training in those areas. Her unique background allows her to help both packaging companies and food and beverage processors by recommending suitable packaging, trouble-shooting packaging issues, performing shelf-life studies and consulting in sustainable packaging options. She is a board member for IOPP Ontario (Institute of Packaging Professionals), and a corporate member of PAC (The Packaging Association).
Certifications: CPP (Certified Packaging Professional)
Project Manager, Food Labelling Services
Erin Taraborrelli is a Project Manager within the Nutritional Labelling business unit, providing Canadian Food Labelling compliance for GFTC clients. This activity includes nutrition labelling, regulatory checks for food labels to be sold in Canada and advising clients within the manufacturing and food service industries on health claims and nutrient content claims. She brings over 10 years of regulatory experience with foods and nutraceuticals in the Natural Health Product industry, and has a degree in Nutritional and Nutraceutical Science from the University of Guelph.
Senior Project Manager
Xin provides project coordination activities for GFTC client’s in the areas of new product and process development. With his proficiency in the areas of process engineering, technology transfer, product commercialization, drying and separation techniques as well as fruits and vegetable processing, Xin is an excellent resource for clients. Xin’s food engineering background is invaluable for support of technology application investigations.
Manager
Allen coordinates and manages all activities within the pilot plant business unit. He brings extensive industry experience in the application of technology to support product and process development. He also brings knowledge of such topics as membrane separation and thermal processing in dairy, beverage, cultured and fermented products. His in-plant and hands-on knowledge of food processing systems combined with his insight into client’s business challenges provides development of appropriate project focus and design.
Senior Project Manager
Robert has an extensive background in the food, beverage, dairy and canned food industries. He has expertise in the areas of product and process development, technology transfer, product commercialization, as well as in food quality and regulatory practises. He works with clients to develop both bench top and proven scaled up prototype products in a wide range of food categories.
Project Manager, Product Development Services
Nadia is an expert in creating great tasting food products that exceed client expectations with over 10 years of experience in product development. Her knowledge in the areas of sauces, dressings, condiments, frozen food entrees, fried food, beverages, bakery, fruits and vegetables as well as functional foods, nutraceuticals and natural health products, make Nadia a knowledgeable and valuable member of the team.
Manager, Product Development Services
Karen has over 14 years of product development experience in the food industry. Her knowledge base includes such diverse areas as functional food and nutraceuticals, natural health products, sauces, dressings and dairy products, as well as beverage, bakery and frozen food entrees. She provides direction and guidance to help GFTC’s clients achieve their product development goals and objectives.
Project Manager, Product Development Services
Sarah’s technical skills and creativity help GFTC’s clients develop novel food products. She has over nine years of experience in food research and development. Sarah’s confident and optimistic approach solves technical and product development challenges for GFTC’s clients.
Training Services
Registrar, Training Services
Annette manages the online registration process. If you’ve taken any of our courses, you’ve probably seen her about, coordinating all aspects of training delivery. Annette takes care of the printing, production, distribution and archiving of all our course materials. She’s the one who makes sure that you have everything you need for a successful course experience.
Business and Operations Coordinator, Customized Training Services
With specializations in project management, human resources, research methods, and financial analysis, Robin is responsible for the design and maintenance of the business management systems to support the Customized Training Services business area. She handles business development and trainer support components for the unit, as well as coordination of project activities, administration, and assistance for the successful execution of training projects.
Manager, Program Development
Marie is a professional writer and editor with a specialization in information design. She makes sure that the information you need is delivered to you in the clearest and most relevant manner possible. Her key area of responsibility is in the customized training area, where she collaborates with content specialists in program development. Her sharp communications skills enable her to provide GFTC clients with top notch training experiences in their facility.
Customized Training Services Manager
Jennifer is a seasoned and experienced trainer on all topics and aspects related to Food Safety specifically HACCP, SQF and GMP’s. She is also a Certified HACCP Auditor. As the Manager of Customized Training Services, Jennifer is your point person for all customized training solutions. She tailors and delivers courses in employee hygiene and food safety, sanitation, quality assurance, allergen prevention, SQF and supply chain management. She is also our lead trainer and a certified food safety auditor, with a wealth of hands-on experience in the food and beverage industry. Jennifer joined GFTC after working with Corporate Foods and Gay Lea Foods Ltd.
Certifications:
ASQ Certified HACCP Auditor, SQF Certified Trainer, BRC ATP (Approved Training Provider)
Manager, Operations, Training Services
Erin is responsible for managing the coordination and delivery of public training programs, including program logistics, contracting and liaising with course trainers, program facilitation and maintenance, website administration and reconciliation of related expenses. Erin comes to GFTC from Open Learning at the University of Guelph, where she coordinated program logistics for six years.
Manager, Public Training
Leigh manages the public training business unit at GFTC. In addition to her management responsibilities, her background in nutrition, food science and adult learning principles enables her to excel at developing courses and programs specific to meet your learning needs. Whether it’s core competency training or a look at new advances in our industry, Leigh delivers the perfect blend of topics and perspectives and keeps GFTC’s course offerings at the leading edge of food industry training.
Administration
Manager, Administrative Services
Alistair manages administrative and operational functions of GFTC and ensures optimal level of support in the areas of Human Resources, Information & Communication Technology and Office and Facility Services.
Accounts Receiveable Assistant
Diane provides accounting support in the accounts receivable area of the GFTC business. She liaises with GFTC personnel, GFTC internal and external consultants, GFTC clients and service suppliers on issues relating to accounting.
Manager, Finance & Accounting
Janice joined GFTC in May 2001 as the Manager, Finance and Accounting. Janice is responsible for overseeing GFTC’s accounting and financial processes and leads the accounting team in supporting the financial operations of the organization. In addition, Janice coordinates and reports financial information and data to the Board of Directors and manages the annual external financial audit of GFTC.
Janice has over 20 years of professional experience in financial management. Janice holds the professional designation of Certified General Accountant.
Assistant to the Finance Manager
Ruth joined GFTC in 1999 and has seen the GFTC grow from a young company into internationally recognized consultants for the food industry. During her years of service Ruth has been responsible for all facets of accounting but currently is responsible for project invoicing, accounts payable, project reports for staff and other accounting work as required. Ruth has 35 years of experience in accounting.