ARLINGTON, VA. – FMI – The Food Industry Association announced two staff changes that will enhance the association’s federal, state and local government advocacy efforts on issues of critical importance to the food industry.  

Christine Pollack has joined FMI as the association’s new vice president, government relations. Pollack will lead FMI’s federal legislative advocacy efforts on a range of key policy areas critical to the food industry.  

Additionally, FMI senior director, state government relations, Elizabeth Tansing has been promoted to vice president, state government relations. In this capacity, Tansing will oversee the association’s state issue management as well as the resources and support for member companies and state association executives on the wide range of state public policy challenges that impact the food industry. 

Prior to joining FMI, Pollack founded Pollack Consulting, a full-service government affairs, advocacy and communications consulting agency providing strategic advice on a range of issues including international trade, health care, tax, retail commerce and the supply chain and workforce. She also served as vice president for Horizon Government Affairs, and before that as vice president, government affairs at the Retail Industry Leaders Association. Additionally, her career includes congressional experience, having worked as legislative director for Rep. E. Clay Shaw, Jr. (R-FL) and as senior legislative assistant for Rep. Jim Nussle (R-IA). 

“Christine is an accomplished professional who brings a deep understanding of the policy issues and political landscape on key issues for the food and retail industry,” said Jennifer Hatcher, FMI chief public policy officer and senior vice president. "We look forward to leveraging the knowledge and insights Christine brings to FMI to effectively advocate for policies that support our industry’s efforts to continue being a destination for health and well-being for all Americans.”  

Tansing has a long history of working in the food and retail industries. She joined FMI in 1997 as manager, state government relations. Since then, she has been promoted to director and then senior director, state government relations. During her tenure, she has led FMI’s efforts on dozens of state legislative and regulatory issues of concern to the grocery industry.  

“Elizabeth’s experience and passion for local and state issues has made her a well-known resource with FMI members and within every state retail and grocer association across the country,” said Hatcher, “It is often her connections to the state associations and insights into their legislative priorities that allows FMI to forecast federal legislative issues. We’re thrilled to recognize Elizabeth’s accomplishments and contributions to FMI over the years through this well-deserved promotion, and we know she will continue to elevate FMI’s state and local contributions in her new role.” 

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