How CIFST is Governed

Board of Directors

CIFST is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors elected by the members.  The Board of Directors is empowered, through the By-laws of CIFST, to act on behalf of members in order to carry out the goals of CIFST.

The Board of Directors is comprised of:

• President (also Chair of Executive Committee)
• President Elect (member of Executive Committee)
• Past President (Member of Executive Committee)
• Director - Section Advisory Council Liaison
• Director - Subject Interest Division Advisory Council Liaison
• Director - Committee or Special Projects Liaison
• Director - Committee or Special Projects Liaison
• Executive Director (ex officio, non-voting member)

Executive Director

National activities of CIFST are managed by the Executive Director.  The Executive Director's responsibilities include providing governance support to the Board of Directors, the Executive Committee and Sections, as well as the coordination of National Committees, membership, communications and office operations.

National Committees

CIFST has a number of committees that help guide the activities of the Institute.  These committees provide volunteer opportunities for members, as well as influence the direction of CIFST.

National Committees of CIFST:

• National Symposium Committee
• Conference
• International Liaison
• Membership
• Awards
• Nominations

Regional Sections

Regional Sections (chapters) of CIFST provide local programs, activites and networking for  members, including scientific and technical meetings, table top exhibits, plant tours, symposia, and social functions.  All Sections are governed by a volunteer management committee.  In additon, some Sections have a local staff co-ordinator.  

Sections of CIFST:

• Atlantic
• Province of Québec
• Toronto
• Guelph
• Manitoba
• Alberta
• British Columbia

Subject Interest Divisions

Subject Interest Divisions (SIDs) provide members in Canada and internationally with the option to share ideas and information with peers.  SIDs are chaired by a volunteer of CIFST.

Subject Interest Divisions of CIFST: 

• Food Process Engineering
• Functional Foods
• Government & Regulatory Affairs
• Microbiology
• Nutrition
• Packaging
• Sensory Evaluation
   

International Connections

CIFST has many international members and maintains an active liaison with a variety of international and scientific organizations, including:

• International Union of Food Science & Technology (IUFoST)
• Australian Institute of Food Science & Technology (AIFST)
• Institute of Food Science & Technology (IFST), UK
• Institute of Food Technologists (IFT)
• New Zealand Institute of Food Science & Technology 
• South Africa Association for Food Science and Technology