SQF Excellence Awards

The SQF Excellence Awards celebrate the accomplishments and dedication of SQF auditors and practitioners. These awards recognize individuals for their outstanding performance and contributions to furthering the mission of the SQF program and promoting food safety. 

Join us on Monday, March 3, at 8:30 a.m. EST for the SQFI Awards Ceremony at SQF Unites in Orlando. The winners of the SQF Excellence Awards in SQF Auditing and SQF Practitioner Leadership will be announced at this time. 

Congratulations to all six finalists for representing the pinnacle of food safety professionals and thank you for continuing to inspire and motivate the next generation of food safety leaders. Learn more about our six finalists below!

SQF Excellence Crystal Awards

2025 SQF Excellence Awards Finalists

Excellence in SQF Auditing Finalists

Stacey Brown headshot

Stacey Brown

ASI Food Safety

Stacey Brown is a highly respected SQF Consultant and Certified Lead Auditor at ASI Food Safety, known for her unwavering commitment to food safety and excellence in auditing. With over 15 years in the food industry—including roles at household brands like Pepperidge Farm, King’s Hawaiian, and Nestlé—Stacey transitioned from product development to food safety auditing, bringing a unique and insightful perspective to the field. Her expertise extends beyond auditing; she is a dedicated mentor within the SQF Auditing community, consistently guiding new auditors and sharing her deep industry knowledge. Stacey’s contributions continue to shape the future of food safety auditing, ensuring safer, higher-quality food for all.

John Paul Headshot

John “JP” Paul

Intertek SAI Global

John "JP" Paul is a dedicated SQF Auditor and Food Safety Consultant with a passion for continuous improvement in food safety and quality. As a key member of Intertek Alchemy, JP shares his expertise with clients, helping them strengthen their food safety management systems and quality management systems. Known for his thorough and value-added audits, he is frequently requested by clients and serves as a mentor to new auditors in the industry. JP actively contributes to best practices discussions, internal workshops, and industry webinars, always seeking new knowledge to benefit the food safety community. His unwavering commitment to excellence makes him a leader in the field and a trusted resource for both clients and colleagues.

John Paul Headshot

Joshua Porbeni

Intertek SAI Global

Joshua Porbeni is a highly respected SQF Lead Auditor with Intertek SAI Global, known for his dedication to excellence and commitment to food safety. Since earning his SQF Lead Auditor qualification in 2018, he has conducted audits across six Food Safety Categories and the Quality Standard, ensuring compliance and continuous improvement for his clients. A trusted mentor and team player, Joshua provides guidance and support to fellow auditors while consistently meeting and exceeding industry requirements. His timeliness, accuracy in reporting, and deep knowledge of SQF standards make him a go-to expert within Intertek and among his clients. With an unwavering commitment to upholding the SQF and Intertek brand, Joshua continues to set the standard for excellence in food safety auditing.

 

Excellence in SQF Practitioner Leadership Finalists

John Paul Headshot

Nadine Francis

Salada Foods Jamaica Limited

Nadine Francis is a dedicated Quality Assurance Manager and SQF Practitioner with over 20 years of experience in food safety. Since joining Salada Foods in 2019, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s SQF compliance and quality culture. Nadine established and leads a cross-functional SQF team, ensuring continuous improvement through monthly reviews, policy evaluations, and action-driven accountability. She also spearheaded Safe and Sound Week, a dynamic company-wide initiative featuring expert-led safety sessions and interactive competitions to engage staff at all levels. Under her leadership, Salada Foods achieved a 98% score on its 2024 unannounced SQF audit, a testament to her commitment to excellence and fostering a culture where quality is everyone’s responsibility.

John Paul Headshot

Renee McVey

Redbarn Pet Products

 

Renee McVey is a dedicated SQF Practitioner whose leadership has significantly enhanced food safety, compliance, and operational efficiency at Redbarn. Under her guidance, the company has successfully passed multiple SQF audits with minimal non-conformities, while implementing new food safety protocols that improve overall efficiency. She skillfully balances the need for compliance with the practical demands of production, ensuring that safety protocols are followed while meeting production targets and company objectives. Her proactive, hands-on leadership style empowers employees to take ownership of their roles, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence. Through her expertise, dedication, and ability to unify teams, Renee has made a lasting impact on Redbarn’s food safety and quality programs.

John Paul Headshot

Kim Raczka

The Wenger Group

 

 

Kim Raczka is a dedicated food safety professional and Head of Food Safety for The Wenger Group, where she has been instrumental in establishing a robust SQF program that ensures compliance and prevents potential issues before they arise. Her expertise spans quality assurance, risk management, and regulatory compliance, making her an invaluable asset to the organization. She is committed to continuous learning and knowledge-sharing, regularly hosting SQF certification classes and monthly food safety meetings to educate and guide her team. Kim’s proactive leadership was pivotal in The Wenger Group’s Spring Glen Mill facility achieving a perfect 100% SQF certification score, a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence. Kim consistently goes beyond expectations to uphold the company’s core values, setting a high standard for food safety and quality within the industry.

SQF Excellence Awards Sponsor