TOLEDO — Rebecca A. Singer has been named president and CEO of the Center for Innovative Food Technology (CIFT), the northwest Ohio affiliate of the Ohio Manufacturing Extension Partnership, effective Jan. 1.
Singer joined the organization in 2001, and becomes the third president and CEO in the history of CIFT.
She succeeds current CIFT president and CEO Dave Beck, who announced his retirement in August. Beck has been with the organization since its inception in 1995.
“Rebecca is the perfect choice to lead CIFT on its continued path of success,” stated William J. Hirzel, chairman of the board, CIFT. “Rebecca recognizes the importance of the manufacturing sector to our region, and understands the tools that can be used to help it grow.”
One of the senior staff members at CIFT, Singer has identified and evaluated numerous strategies to advance emerging technologies, provided direction to many small business initiatives, and helped to establish a network of regional partners to represent the Ohio MEP throughout the 19 counties of northwest Ohio.
Background
Prior to joining CIFT in 2001, she worked with the Ohio Department of Agriculture as the OHIO PROUD coordinator and direct marketing specialist.
A graduate of Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, Singer holds a bachelor’s degree in agribusiness and applied economics. In 2007, the college recognized her with its Young Professional Achievement Award, given by The Alumni Society.
A graduate of the Ohio Leadership Education and Development program, Singer participated in tours of various statewide and international businesses. In 2006, she traveled to Israel at the invitation of the Negev Foundation, touring various agricultural and food technology facilities.
She has also attended many professional development programs in Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, manufacturing quality systems, food safety programs, and has served on several planning and advisory boards.
The Center for Innovative Food Technology works with the food processing, agribusiness, and agricultural sectors, assisting with technical innovations and economic development.
