Friday, December 12, 2008

USDA's Revolving Door In Full Swing

USDA’s Revolving Door In Full Swing

Elizabeth Johnson, M.S. R.D., Acting Undersecretary for Food Safety at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has joined the National Restaurant Association (NRA) as Executive Vice President for Public Affairs. In her new position, Johnson will oversee government affairs, public policy and communications for the NRA.

Before joining the USDA (along with a wave of other industry lobbyists) in 2002, she worked at Fleishman-Hillard, Inc., an international PR firm, where she was a vice president with clients in the food and agribusiness practice group.

Before that, she was the Associate Director for Food Policy for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the nation’s largest beef lobbyist.

I trust Ms. Johnson will feel at home once again in industry. Please try not to let the door hit you on the way out.