A true driving force in Canada's food and beverage sector, Jennefer Griffith is widely recognized for her visionary leadership in workforce development. As Executive Director of Food Processing Skills Canada, she has spearheaded transformative initiatives, consistently empowering businesses with cutting-edge programs and providing individuals with the essential resources to not just advance, but truly excel in their careers.

Chair - Food Processing Skills Canada

Mike Timani is a native of Lebanon and was born in Venezuela. He arrived in Toronto during the Lebanese civil war. He is president and CEO of Fancy Pokket Corporation in Moncton which was established in June 1989 in a 1,000 sq foot facility with three employees. Today, the bakery consists of 45,000 sq. ft. and employs 80 people. Fancy Pokket is the largest producer of pita bread, bagels, tortilla wraps and flatbread in Atlantic Canada. Mike constructed a 58,000 sq. ft. dedicated Gluten Free facility in Lancaster County, South Carolina which produces a variety of gluten free products. The new facility began operations in August 2019.

National Program Manager – FoodAbility

Deanna enjoys her senior role at Food Processing Skills Canada, where she champions inclusion in workforce development. Her dedication to excellence and skills development resonates throughout her professional endeavours, earning her respect in both industry and education circles. In addition to her national influence, Deanna is actively involved in global business development and strategic partnerships. She provides international training and creates eLearning content, amplifying her impact on a global scale.

Cristian Salazar is a recognized advisor in the agri-food industry, supporting companies in optimizing food processing operations, safety standards, and value chain performance. With experience in industrial coaching and strategic planning through CSM Groupe Conseil, he helps organizations integrate productivity, innovation, and sustainability. As a professor at Collège de Maisonneuve, he has trained future industry professionals in food safety, conservation, and quality assurance, ensuring alignment with regulatory and operational best practices. His approach combines technical knowledge, strategic insight, and strong leadership to drive resilient and competitive agri-food systems.

FoodAbility Inclusion Coordinator

Francine Drisdelle-Mercuri is a valued contributor to the Food Processing Skills Canada (FPSC) team. As a Human Resources professional with over 25 years of experience in leadership, recruitment, learning and development, and employee relations. She excels at designing and implementing innovative HR strategies that align with organizational goals across numerous sectors. Francine demonstrates her HR and inclusion expertise in supporting both English and Francophone employers across Canada