Officer Bios

 

 

 

President: Kanae Lee

Kanae is a Specialist Product Developer at Nestlé, where she brings new infant and toddler foods to life for the Gerber brand by blending food science, regulatory requirements, and manufacturing expertise. In her day-to-day role, she works hands-on with ingredients, recipes, factory partners, and cross‑functional commercial teams to launch innovative products, support clean‑label initiatives, and ensure every product meets Gerber’s high standards for safety, quality, and nutrition. Kanae’s involvement with IFT began as a student, competing in two IFT College Bowls, and has since grown into a passion for volunteering to strengthen and connect the food science community. Through her work with IFT, she helps create spaces where students and professionals can learn, collaborate, and stay inspired in support of advancing the science of food. A recent accomplishment she is especially proud of is leading the 2026 Food Policy Impact event as President of the DC IFT Section—an experience that pushed her beyond product development into the world of policy and regulation. Outside of work, Kanae loves sushi, with her favorite being bioluminescent firefly squid (hotaru ika) from her mother’s hometown of Toyama, Japan.

Past President: Allie Graham

 

Incoming President: Sarvenaz Vandyousefi, PhD, MS, RD, LD

Sarvenaz Vandyousefi, PhD, MS, RD, LD is a Senior Managing Food and Nutrition Scientist Consultant at J.S. Held and a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. She earned her undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees in Nutritional Sciences and completed a three‑year fellowship in pediatric and adult obesity at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Dr. Vandyousefi currently serves as President‑Elect of the Washington, DC Institute of Food Technologists (DC IFT) Section and previously served as Member‑at‑Large. She is actively engaged in advancing dialogue at the intersection of food science, nutrition, and regulatory policy through professional leadership and collaboration.

Treasurer: Ray DeVirgiliis

Secretary: Olivia Waysack

Digital Coordinator: Kimberly Baxley

Kimberly Baxley is an Associate Product Developer at Nestlé USA and a Digital Coordinator with the Washington, DC IFT Section. At Nestlé, Kimberly supports the Toll House refrigerated cookie dough portfolio, working to bring new and seasonal products to life while ensuring high standards for quality, safety, and performance. Through her role with IFT, she supports digital communications and engagement for the DC Section, helping promote events, programs, and resources for members. Kimberly is involved in IFT to stay connected to the food science community and contribute to initiatives that highlight innovation across the food and beverage industry. She lives in Arlington, VA, and enjoys crafting projects, beach days, and life with her four cats.

Member-at-Large: Alexis Settineri

Alexis Settineri is a Senior Food Policy Manager at Food Directions and a Member-at-Large with the Washington, DC IFT Section. At Food Directions, Alexis helps clients at major trade associations and multinational companies understand and navigate the evolving food policy landscape at the state, federal, and global levels. She previously served as Manager of Communications at the American Frozen Food Institute. Alexis earned her undergraduate degrees in Nutritional Sciences and Spanish from The Pennsylvania State University and currently lives in DC, where she enjoys exploring new walking paths in her neighborhood in Glover Park. 

Member-at-Large: Janine Cubello

Member-at-Large: Allison Cooke

Allison Cooke is the Senior Vice President of Public Affairs at Kellen, an association management company representing dozens of trade associations and professional societies. In her role, she oversees and executes on regulatory and legislative priorities for Kellen’s food and nutrition trade associations. Allison has been engaged with the Washington DC IFT Board since 2018, previously serving as Secretary, President-Elect, President, and Immediate Past President prior to her position as Member-at-Large. She is involved in IFT to network with other professionals in the food science space and learn more about the important and interesting innovations taking place in the food and beverage industry. Allison has been involved in planning the Washington DC IFT Section’s Food Policy Impact for several years and is proud of how the event has grown during recent years.