Mitzi Baum, Chief Executive Officer of Stop Foodborne Illness (STOP), has announced her plan to step down from her role by the end of the year. Baum informed the board of directors of her decision, expressing gratitude for her time at the organization and a commitment to supporting STOP in the future.

Baum joined STOP as CEO in May 2019, bringing more than two decades of experience in food safety from her previous role at Feeding America and her early career in the restaurant industry. With a Master of Science in Food Safety and a certificate in Food Law from Michigan State University, Baum has used her extensive knowledge to advance STOP’s mission of preventing foodborne illness.

“Mitzi’s leadership and collaborative spirit have been invaluable to STOP,” a statement from the board said. “Her tireless efforts have elevated our visibility and solidified our role as a national voice for food safety. We will miss her greatly but wish her all the best in her future endeavors.”

During her tenure, Baum spearheaded several significant initiatives. She forged an alliance with 20 major food companies to strengthen food safety culture across the food system, working closely with STOP constituents and the Food and Drug Administration. Baum also played a crucial role in a coalition advocating for the modernization of USDA’s regulatory standards for Salmonella in poultry.

In addition, Baum co-chaired the Fresh Produce Coalition, which includes major trade associations, consumer groups, and state food safety organizations. The coalition aims to enhance both government and industry efforts to prevent produce-related illnesses. Under Baum’s advocacy, the deadly pathogen Cronobacter sakazakii, found in infant formula, was added to the CDC’s reportable disease list.

Baum has been instrumental in making STOP a more visible and robust organization. She led the development of a new strategic plan, strengthened STOP’s communications program, enhanced its social media presence, and bolstered fundraising efforts, including the annual National Food Safety Education Month fundraiser, STOP 3000.

Reflecting on her time at STOP, Baum said, “It has been an honor and privilege to lead STOP Foodborne Illness. I have accomplished the organizational goals that the board and I had defined when I joined STOP; it is time to identify a successor to build upon the growth of the organization and be the next voice for safe food. It is with sincere gratitude that I thank my team and the board for the past five years. I look forward to continuing to work on these issues on behalf of everyone who eats.”

Before joining STOP, Baum had a distinguished 23-year career at Feeding America, rising to the position of managing director of food safety. Her academic credentials include a bachelor’s of science degree from Bowling Green State University and certificates in Non-Profit Management from the University of Chicago, Quality Management from DePaul University, and Food Safety Management from Cornell University.

Baum’s contributions to the field have been widely recognized. She is the 2021 Joseph Leiter Lecturer of the Medical Library Association and National Library of Medicine, an adjunct faculty member for Michigan State University’s online Food Safety Program, a certified seafood HACCP instructor, and a certified Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI). She also serves as the consumer representative on Council I for the Conference for Food Protection and is a member of the National Restaurant Association’s Food Safety Advisory Council.

As Baum prepares to leave her role, STOP will commence the search for her successor. The board expressed confidence in her continued leadership through the end of the year, ensuring a smooth transition.

For more information, visit STOP’s website.