Bryan Malenius named CFI board president
Food industry leaders elected to 2026 officer slate
18 February 2026
2 minute read
By: Bryan Malenius has been named president of The Center for Food Integrity Board of Directors, according to a press release from the Center for Food Integrity (CFI).
Malenius serves as director of reputation strategy for public affairs at Chick-fil-A and previously held the role of vice president on the CFI board. He has been a board member since 2021.
“Food and agriculture are facing a period of unprecedented scrutiny and complexity,” said Malenius. “In this environment, trust is essential. I’m honored to serve as board president to support CFI’s strategic initiatives as it partners with industry leaders to navigate these challenges with credibility, transparency and a deeper understanding of the values shaping public expectations.”
Charlie Arnot, CEO of CFI, said Malenius brings experience and insight to the role. “Bryan understands the expectations of today’s public and the realities facing food and agriculture,” said Arnot. “His expertise and leadership will be invaluable as we advance key initiatives to help organizations earn and sustain public trust in an increasingly dynamic environment.”
The board also elected Nathan Capps as vice president. Capps is science and technical director for Bush Brothers & Company. Jill Manata, senior vice president of sustainability affairs for Dairy Management, Inc., was elected secretary-treasurer. Sara Payne, chief marketing and communications officer for the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, was elected at-large executive committee member.
The CFI board includes representatives from across the food and agriculture value chain, including leaders from production, food processing, retail, finance and commodity organizations. David Fikes, executive director of the FMI Foundation and immediate past CFI board president, will continue to serve as a voting member.
CFI also named its 2026 emeritus members: Doug Buhler of Michigan State University; Jason Clay of World Wildlife Fund; Craig Wilson of IEH Laboratories and Consulting Group; Ian Reece, former managing director and senior credit officer for food and agribusiness at Rabobank International and chairman of CFI’s Foundation for Food Integrity; and Monica Massey of the American Cider Association.
Arnot continues as CEO, a role he has held since CFI’s inception. Kelly Leighton was named executive director in January after serving as vice president of growth and engagement.
“CFI exists to help the food system earn trust - especially when the public conversation gets harder,” said Leighton. “This board reflects the full food and agriculture value chain and brings the leadership needed to move from polarization to progress. In 2026, CFI will continue to serve as a trusted, neutral table where research, values and real-world decision-making come together to drive credible action.”
Now in its 19th year, CFI is a not-for-profit organization focused on building trust in today’s food system through collaboration across the food and agriculture value chain.
