The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) announced today the addition of Elissa McLerran Gilliam as Senior Director of Public Policy. AFFI advocates on behalf of the $65.1 billion frozen food industry before legislative and regulatory entities, elevates the attributes of frozen foods and drives solutions for innovation by providing opportunities for industry leaders to convene.

“I am pleased to welcome Elissa as the newest member of the AFFI team, bringing with her years of Capitol Hill and trade association experience,” said AFFI President and CEO Alison Bodor. “We look forward to enhancing AFFI’s public policy efforts on Capitol Hill and with the Administration by leveraging Elissa’s understanding of food policy and grassroots activation to share the story of how our member companies ensure Americans have access to a variety of safe, nutritious and easy to prepare frozen foods.”

Gilliam most recently served as legislative director for Rep. James Comer (R-KY). Previously, she held legislative assistant positions for Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-AL) and Jodey Arrington (R-TX). Prior to her stint on Capitol Hill, Gilliam served as the public policy communications manager at the Food Marketing Institute.  

Gilliam, who will join AFFI on March 22, earned her Master of Science in Agricultural Communications from Texas Tech University and a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Business Management from Tennessee Technological University.

In addition, AFFI announced the following promotions:

Adrienne Seiling was promoted to senior vice president of strategic communications. She most recently was vice president of communications. A nine-year veteran of the association, Seiling is responsible for developing and executing AFFI’s public affairs strategy to advance the association’s priorities in line with AFFI’s new strategic plan. She also serves as executive director of AFFI’s Frozen Food Foundation, provides strategic counsel as part of AFFI’s senior leadership team and oversees all aspects of AFFI’s digital communications and market research.

Brian Peteritas was promoted to senior director of marketing and communications. He most recently served as AFFI Director of Marketing and Communications. Peteritas joined AFFI in 2018 and has been instrumental in implementing multichannel marketing strategies to AFFI’s internal and external stakeholders, including the launch of AFFI’s Member Marketing Program.

“The experience and skills of our new, and newly-promoted, team members will aid AFFI’s ability to advance the frozen food and beverage community’s public policy priorities and business needs,” added Bodor.

The American Frozen Food Institute is the member-driven national trade association representing all segments of the frozen food supply chain from manufacturers to suppliers and distributors. AFFI advocates before legislative and regulatory entities on the industry’s behalf, serves as the voice for the industry and convenes industry leadership to create an environment where frozen foods are essential in a dynamic marketplace.