Ensuring that the food we eat every day is safe and of high quality is a task that takes an incredible amount of commitment and effort. Dedicated food safety auditors and practitioners work tirelessly to protect the global food supply chain and further the mission of the SQF Program.
The SQF Excellence Awards, presented by Exemplar Global, celebrate SQF professionals who have shown exemplary work and dedication within the food safety industry. Nominees for these awards have been submitted in two categories: Excellence in SQF Auditing and SQF Practitioner Leadership.
The Excellence in SQF Auditing Award goes to a credentialed SQF auditor who demonstrates exceptional performance through high-quality audits, professional development activities, leadership and mentorship skills, and promotion of food safety culture.
The Excellence in SQF Practitioner Leadership Award goes to an SQF practitioner who demonstrates extraordinary leadership and promotion of food safety at their current site.
This year, we have six remarkable finalists representing the pinnacle of food safety professionals. The winner of each award will be announced at the SQF Unites Award ceremony in Orlando, Florida, on Tuesday, November 8, 2022.
Jose Contreras - Safe Food Certifications
Angela Tellez-Lance - AIB International
Joe Wieland - EAGLE Certification Group
David Franks - ONE Brands
Emma Sigmund - Rise Baking Company
Karen Vanegas - The Hershey Company
Presented by Exemplar Global
With the release of Edition 10, SQF Unites 2026 is the perfect place for the food safety community to collaborate, ask questions, and learn from the experts who shaped the Code.
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.
In early March, SQFI will release the SQF Edition 10 Code, marking an important evolution of the program shaped by extensive industry input.