A key component of CFAES’s future facilities master plan and anticipated success will be building partnerships with the public and private sectors. More specifically, we believe that there is great opportunity to continue building on the outstanding work being done in departments and units to further engage our corporate partners in support of teaching, research and outreach efforts.
To help accelerate and/or build the relationships and work with faculty and college leaders, we have hired Greg West to serve as director of food systems and industry relations. Many of you know Greg through his contributions and service to OSU Extension 4-H Youth Development, his teaching and guest lecturing, and his volunteer service helping connect our college to the private sector. Greg began his new role June 1 and will report to the vice president and dean as the college continues to identify and solidify its path to a comprehensive and coordinated effort focusing on private-sector engagement across disciplines.
Greg has 28 years of experience in the food system in various leadership capacities with some of the most recognizable and successful brand names. Most recently, he served as vice president of Product Innovation and Consumer Insights for Bob Evans Restaurants. Before that, he was director of Food Innovation and Technology for YUM! Brands/KFC in Louisville, Kentucky. Additionally, Greg has worked for Frito-Lay, PepsiCo and Kraft General Foods in various leadership capacities.
We look forward to Greg working across the college to help each of you and your faculty strategically engage with the private sector and build upon our already strong teaching, research and outreach programs.—Ron Hendrick and Ryan Schmiesing