• 
  

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Industry News

CMA Selects New Vice President, Scientific Affairs

Former Executive Director for Biotech Committee at CropLife America to Lead CMA's Scientific and Regulatory Programs

Vienna, VA - The Chocolate Manufacturers Association has named Leah L. Porter, Ph.D. as Vice President of Scientific Affairs. Porter will direct the scientific and regulatory programs for CMA and the American Cocoa Research Institute (ACRI).

Porter has served most recently as Executive Director of CropLife America's Biotechnology Committee, where she took an active role in working with governmental agencies, other key stakeholders in the "agri-food" chain, leaders in the scientific community and the public. Dr. Porter has served as scientific manager of the Health and Environmental Science Institute under the auspices of the International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI). Her experience also includes tenure as a panel manager with the Chemical Manufacturers Association (now American Chemistry Council) and manager of international projects and biotechnology for Glahé International.

"We're extremely pleased have Dr. Porter on the staff of CMA," said CMA Chairman and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Blommer Chocolate Company, Hank Blommer. "Her experience in the agriculture industry, combined with her knowledge of government agencies and policies will serve the industry well. CMA is developing a strong team to support our revitalized organization and our President, Lynn Bragg.

Porter has a Ph.D. in plant pathology with minors in plant breeding and agricultural economics from Cornell University. Her B.S. degree in botany is from the University of Maryland, College Park. She is seeking board certification in toxicology from the American Board of Toxicology.

The Chocolate Manufacturers Association has served as the premiere trade group for manufacturers and marketers of cocoa and chocolate products in the United States since 1923. The association was founded to fund and administer research, promote chocolate to the general public and serve as an advocate of the industry before Congress and government agencies. CMA's mission is to serve as the voice of the American chocolate industry and through research, education and public information, strives to ensure a sustainable supply of cocoa and consumption of high value and quality chocolate products for the American people. CMA members represent more than 90 percent of the chocolate processed in the United States.

# # #