Leann Saunders: Pioneering Excellence in Agricultural Verification and Certification

Leann Saunders: Pioneering Excellence in Agricultural Verification and Certification

Leann Saunders, the President and COO of Where Food Comes From, Inc., stands as a prominent figure in the agricultural and food verification industry in North America. As a Co-Founder of Where Food Comes From, Inc., she has played a pivotal role in establishing the company as a leader in agricultural and food certification, offering a range of programs and services to meet the diverse needs of food producers.

Professional Journey:
Leann Saunders, alongside her husband John, founded Where Food Comes From, Inc. in 1995, and since then, the company has been at the forefront of providing verification and certification services. The company's subsidiaries, including IMI Global, International Certification Services, Sterling Solutions, Validus Verification Services, Sureharvest Solutions, and Postelsia, cater to tens of thousands of food producers across various commodities, helping them meet market standards, private brand initiatives, and international trade requirements.

Before her time at Where Food Comes From, Inc., Leann worked for PM Beef Holdings, where she made significant contributions by developing the first-ever USDA Process Verified program for beef in the U.S. Her professional journey also includes roles at McDonald’s Corporation and Hudson Foods Corporation.

Industry Contributions:
Leann Saunders has not only excelled in her role at Where Food Comes From, Inc., but she has also been actively involved in industry-related organizations. She has served as the Chair of the United States Meat Export Federation Board of Directors in 2015-2016 and been a part of the Executive Committee for the previous seven years.

Leann's commitment to the industry extends to her involvement with educational institutions. She sits on the Colorado State University Agriculture Sciences Dean's Advisory Council and the University of Nebraska Engler Entrepreneurship Program's Board of Directors. Additionally, Leann is engaged with the International Stockman's Education Foundation Board of Directors.

Personal Involvement:
Despite her busy professional life, Leann remains deeply connected to her family’s ranching and stocker operations. She is also a part owner of the Mayfield Family Ranches, LLC in Playas, New Mexico, showcasing her personal commitment to the agricultural sector.

Accolades and Recognition:
Leann Saunders' contributions have been recognized with the Distinguished Alumni Award from Colorado State University in October 2018. She also received the Leadership Award in the College of Agriculture from Colorado State University in May 1993.

Conclusion:
Leann Saunders, with her extensive experience, dedication, and leadership, continues to be a driving force in the agricultural and food verification industry. Her role at Where Food Comes From, Inc. reflects her commitment to ensuring transparency, quality, and integrity in the food supply chain.

For more information about Where Food Comes From, Inc. and its subsidiaries, interested individuals can visit the company’s websites at www.imiglobal.com, www.ics-intl.com, www.validusservices.com, www.sureharvest.com, and www.wherefoodcomesfrom.com.