Lori Ernst, a food industry veteran with 20 years’ experience in food operational management, has been appointed vice president of audit services for Food Safety Net Services Certification and Audit (FSNS C&A).

“Lori has been with the certification and audit division of FSNS since 2007, providing her expertise in the audit arena to benefit food manufacturers,” John Bellinger, FSNS CEO, said.  “She was promoted to Director of Auditing Services and now to VP of Audit Services as FSNS C&A expands its services to include more Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) audit schemes as well as meet growing needs of proprietary programs that require audit oversight.”

In her new position, Ernst is responsible for maintaining the integrity of FSNS C&A audit and certification programs including training of new employees.  In addition, she develops and maintains new programs as well as oversees the FSNS C&A certification body.  She also represents FSNS C&A in global conferences such as GFSI as well as industry specific conferences. 

In her 20 years of service to the food industry, Ernst has focused on operational management including experience in steak cutting, marination, fully cooked meat products, processed meat and vegetables, ground beef and beef trimmings and beef cattle slaughter and fabrication. 

In 2006, she received a master’s in business administration from Colorado State University.  Ernst gained her undergraduate degree in business management with a teaching endorsement from Teikyo-Westmar University in LeMars, IA.

As a food industry auditor, Ernst has conducted more than 250 GFSI audits.  Her audit capabilities cover animal welfare (all species), sanitation, food safety/ GMP, customer specific requirements, industry specific needs, and warehouse audits.  She also has audit experience in multiple other areas including bakeries, flour milling, fish, canning, oil refining, dairy, eggs, beverages, produce and snack food items.

Her specific qualifications cover BRC Food third party audits; BRC Storage & Distribution third party audits; BRC-approved training provider (ATP); SQF high risk third party audits; Professional Animal Auditor Certification Organization (PAACO) red meat audits; and PAACO Poultry audits.

Ernst also is trained for Foundation for Food Safety Certification (FSSC) 22000 and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) certification.

“Lori brings unique audit and certification credentials to the vital field of food safety,” Bellinger said.  “Her promotion was earned after many years of service and as a result of valuable contributions to the field of food safety. We are confident she will solidify the FSNS C&A leadership position in audit and certification with increasingly more food processors in the coming years.”