Leighton named executive director of The Center for Food Integrity

Kelly Leighton is the new executive director of The Center for Food Integrity. Most recently serving as CFI’s vice president of growth and engagement, Leighton brings more than two decades of experience leading strategic marketing, communications and engagement initiatives across the food and agriculture value chain.

As executive director, Leighton will lead the organization’s mission to build trust and confidence in today’s food system by advancing research-based insights, engagement frameworks and strategic solutions that help organizations navigate complex food conversations with credibility and clarity.

“CFI exists to guide organizations as they navigate food-related issues by grounding their work in shared values, sound evidence and real-world context,” Leighton said. “I’m committed to ensuring CFI continues to serve as a strategic, trusted partner — one that turns insight into action to strengthen trust in and across our food system.”

CFI’s strength comes from the diverse perspectives represented by its members and board of directors, who span the food value chain, Leighton said.  

“Trust isn’t built in isolation or within a single sector. It’s built across the food system,” Leighton said. “CFI brings those perspectives together and helps our members and partners translate consumer insights into practical, values-led action.”

Leighton’s connection to food and agriculture is deeply personal. She grew up spending time on her grandparents’ farm and canning operation in South Georgia — an experience that shaped her appreciation for the people and practices behind food production. Throughout her career, she has worked across food and agriculture, helping organizations navigate public expectations, emerging issues and trust-related challenges.

Prior to joining CFI, she developed brand, engagement and issues-management strategies for leading organizations including The Coca-Cola Company, Cargill, Ecolab, SpartanNash, Turner Broadcasting and a wide range of consumer packaged goods and agribusiness brands. She is known for leading complex initiatives, aligning cross-functional teams and designing strategies that humanize organizations while delivering measurable impact. 

“Kelly is a proven leader who brings deep industry experience and a genuine commitment to strengthening trust in food and agriculture,” said Charlie Arnot, CFI CEO. “Her leadership will ensure CFI continues to be a trusted partner at a time when confidence, vision and values-based engagement matter more than ever.”

Leighton holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Georgia and lives near Minneapolis, Minn., with her family.

For more information, visit foodintegrity.org.

— The Center for Food Integrity

NAWG promotes Peña to vice president of policy and communications

The National Association of Wheat Growers announced that Anthony Peña has been promoted to vice president of policy and communications. Peña joined the NAWG team in March 2025 as policy manager, where he has played a key role in advancing the association’s policy priorities and strengthening engagement on behalf of U.S. wheat farmers. In his new role, Peña will lead NAWG’s policy and communications strategy as the organization continues to advocate for a brighter future for wheat farmers and rural America.

Prior to joining NAWG, Peña served as government relations manager at the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association. He also previously worked for U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, serving as a regional district director and representative. A native of Vancouver, Wash., Anthony earned his bachelor of arts degree from Eastern Washington University.

“I’m honored to step into this new role and continue serving our nation’s wheat farmers,” said NAWG Vice President of Policy and Communications Anthony Peña. “Working alongside NAWG members and staff over the past year has been deeply rewarding, and I’m excited to build on that work to ensure wheat farmers’ voices are heard and their priorities are advanced in Washington and beyond.”

“We are thrilled to have Anthony step into this leadership role,” said NAWG CEO Sam Kieffer. “He has done an excellent job as our policy manager, and we look forward to continuing to work with him as we advance NAWG’s mission of building a better future for wheat growers and rural America.”

— National Association of Wheat Growers