David Fikes grew up in Arkansas, graduated with a B.A. from the University of Arkansas, and has a Master of Divinity from Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.  He currently serves as the Executive Director of the FMI Foundation, which has the mission of supporting the food industry with research, resources, guidance, and support in the areas of food safety,  health and wellbeing. and social responsibility.  Formerly, David served FMI – the Food Industry Association as Vice President for Communication and Consumer/Community Relations and before joining FMI he was the Director of Communication for the American Frozen Food Institute. Prior to entering the world of food trade associations, Fikes worked for 20 years as an Episcopal priest, serving parishes in Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas. He and his wife are the proud parents of eleven-year-old daughter, a five-year veteran of MYS soccer programs.