IFDA Welcomes Three Strategic Leadership Hires
McLEAN, Va – July 08, 2025 – The International Foodservice Distributors Association announced the appointment of three key hires as the organization enters a transformative period marked by the retirement of long-tenured staff members. The new leadership brings fresh perspectives and extensive industry experience to advance IFDA’s mission of serving the foodservice distribution industry.
Sara Miller has joined IFDA as director of membership, effective June 2. Miller assumes leadership of the membership portfolio from Heidi Weiss, who retired after 13 years of dedicated service to IFDA’s membership growth and engagement initiatives. Miller brings more than 20 years of nonprofit and association membership experience to her new role. Most recently, she led the membership team at the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology for more than six years, where she developed comprehensive member engagement strategies and drove significant membership growth.
Kristen Petersen has been appointed vice president of marketing and communications, also effective June 2. With nearly 20 years of marketing and communications experience primarily in the nonprofit and association sectors, Petersen brings proven expertise in strategic communications and brand management. She joins IFDA from the National Institute of Building Sciences, where she successfully built and led a marketing and communications team through multiple organizational transitions, demonstrating her ability to navigate change while maintaining operational effectiveness.
Trey Lawrence joined IFDA as vice president of finance and administration on July 7, taking over responsibilities from Theresa Kessler, who is retiring after a 36-year tenure with the organization. Kessler guided IFDA through its incorporation and provided steady financial leadership for more than three decades. Lawrence brings nearly 20 years of finance industry experience, most recently serving as vice president of finance at the National Restaurant Association, where he managed complex financial operations and strategic planning initiatives.
“This is an exciting and pivotal moment for IFDA as we welcome exceptional talent while honoring the incredible contributions of our retiring team members,” said Mark S. Allen, President & CEO of IFDA. “Sara, Kristen, and Trey each bring unique expertise and fresh perspectives that will help us build on our strong foundation while innovating for the future. Their combined experience positions IFDA to provide even greater impact for our members and advance the foodservice distribution industry.”
The leadership transitions reflect IFDA’s commitment to organizational continuity and growth during a period of significant change. The new team members will work closely with existing staff to ensure seamless transitions while bringing innovative approaches to membership development, marketing and communications strategy, and financial management.
About The International Foodservice Distributors Association
The International Foodservice Distributors Association is the premier trade association serving the $400 billion foodservice distribution industry, representing companies that deliver food and food-related products to restaurants, healthcare facilities, schools, and other foodservice operations across the United States.
