Jun 8, 2023

Jennifer Hatcher and Heather Garlich Assume Expanded Roles at FMI

ARLINGTON, VA – FMI – The Food Industry Association today announces that Dagmar Farr, senior vice president, member services, will be transitioning into a consulting role on June 30 after more than 40 years of service at FMI across various positions ranging from consumer affairs and government relations to her current responsibilities associated with delivering on member value and education.

FMI President and CEO Leslie Sarasin marked Farr’s tenure and service at FMI saying, “The matriarch of consumer affairs in the food industry, Esther Peterson, concluded in her memoir, Restless, ‘Look around you, at your companions on this journey, and choose to lift them up.’ It’s difficult to identify one who has implemented Peterson’s directive more than FMI’s Dagmar Farr. Now it is our turn to lift her up for all she has done for FMI and for the food industry. After giving us more than 40 years of immeasurable service, Dagmar is yet again transitioning her talents at FMI, this time from full-time employment to a consulting role. I am grateful for her willingness to remain attached so that we can continue to draw upon her wealth of knowledge, experience, and industry insight.”

Farr will primarily focus on an FMI program that she created and nurtured, the FMI Share Group model, and today, the program boasts more than 10 share groups and 15+ sub-share groups that allow independent operators and regional chains to assemble and share strategies and tactics with similar companies in a non-competitive format. Farr brings a passion for learning and networking to these meetings, and she helps FMI members solve their business challenges.

To help meet expectations and retain FMI’s focus, the following staff changes will also take effect on June 30: 

Jennifer Hatcher will add to her government relations playbook and take on membership services duties.  

 

 




Heather Garlich will assume education and events under her responsibilities for communications, marketing and research and insights. 

 

 

Sarasin said, “Dagmar is a connector. We will continue to keep her engaged, and we are grateful for her friendship, positive spirit, and loyal service."