The Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI) is proud to recognize six outstanding professionals as finalists for the 2026 SQF Excellence Awards, with our presenting partner, Exemplar Global. 
Each year, these awards celebrate individuals who go above and beyond to strengthen food safety culture, elevate audit integrity, and advance the SQF program across the global supply chain. Winners will be announced live on Tuesday, March 10, at 8:30 a.m. EST during SQF Unites 2026 in St. Louis.
Excellence in Auditing
The Excellence in SQF Auditing award is presented to a credentialed SQF auditor who demonstrates exceptional performance and dedication to the SQF program through high-quality audits, professional development activities, leadership and mentorship skills, and promotion of food safety culture.
The three finalists for the Excellence in SQF Auditing Award are:
Steve McAllister, SQF lead auditor at AIB International
Praveena Munukuru, SQF auditor and consultant at TÜV SÜD
Brian Shelton, SQF auditor at EAGLE Certification Group
Excellence in Practitioner Leadership
The award for Excellence in SQF Practitioner Leadership is given to an SQF practitioner within an SQF-certified site who demonstrates extraordinary leadership and promotion of food safety at their workplace.
This year’s finalists include:
Aurea M. Martinez Velazquez, compliance manager at Pasteleria Cidrines, US Baking Operations
Kathryn McKewen, quality manager at LidWorks
Emily Wagner, FSQA manager at Landmark Snacks
2026 SQF Excellence Awards at SQF Unites
The winners of the SQF Excellence Awards will be announced at SQF Unites on Monday, March 3 at 8:30 a.m. EST. During this ceremony, SQFI will also celebrate the recipients of the FMI Foundation Food Safety Auditing Scholarships, given to students currently enrolled in food and agricultural science majors with expressed interest in the field of accredited food safety auditing.
For more information about the 2026 SQF Excellence Awards finalists, please click the button below.
