Charlie Arnot is recognized as a thought leader in food and agriculture. He is highly regarded as both a writer and sought-after speaker who engages audiences across the globe. Charlie has more than 25 years of experience working in communications, public relations and issues management within the food system. He serves as CEO of the Center for Food Integrity, a international non-profit organization dedicated to building consumer trust and confidence in today’s food system.

Kelly Leighton is Executive Director of The Center for Food Integrity (CFI), an association dedicated to building trust in the food system through research, strategy and stakeholder engagement. With more than 25 years of experience in strategic marketing, communications and business development, she has partnered with leading organizations across food and agriculture—including The Coca-Cola Company, General Mills, Cargill, Ecolab, Corteva Agriscience, Elanco, Mars, Chick-fil-A and FMI – The Food Industry Association.

At CFI, Kelly leads the organization’s mission to advance transparency, collaboration and trust across the food system. Her leadership integrates research, insights and strategic partnerships that help companies align practices with consumer expectations and strengthen confidence in food and agriculture.

Bryan Malenius is the director of reputation strategy for public affairs at Chick-fil-A, Inc., where he leads Issues Management across organization. He is also responsible for external stakeholder engagement and reputation-based storytelling. Prior to his time at Chick-fil-A, Bryan served as executive director of corporate communications for Advent Health, one of America’s largest faith-based health care organizations. He also previously lived in China where he led international communication for Disney Parks in Asia. Bryan Malenius is the senior principal program lead for Public Affairs at Chick-fil-A, Inc., where he leads Issues Management across organization. He is also responsible for external stakeholder engagement and reputation-based storytelling. Prior to his time at Chick-fil-A, Bryan served as executive director of corporate communications for Advent Health, one of America’s largest faith-based health care organizations. He also previously lived in China where he led international communication for Disney Parks in Asia.

Nathan is the Science & Technical Director for Bush Brothers & Company, makers of Bush’s Best® Beans and family-owned since 1908. His areas of responsibility at Bush’s include the Regulatory, Research & Development, Sensory, Quality, and Food Safety functions. Prior to his work with Bush Brothers & Co., Nathan spent more than 14 years in the beverage industry, most recently as Global Quality Director for Beam Suntory where he was involved with several industry groups, including the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS). Nathan’s background includes a number of environmental, sustainability, and risk management endeavors.

Jill is the Senior Vice President of Sustainability Affairs, leading strategy for sustainability communications and external engagement for Dairy Management, Inc. Jill is a seasoned executive, specializing in reputational trust and stakeholder engagement. With a proven ability to transform contentious issues into constructive dialogue, Jill brings over two decades of expertise, including 16 years at McDonald’s, where she established public affairs programs focused on supply chain sustainability, labor compliance and anticipatory issues management. Over her career, she has advised senior leadership and engaged stakeholders on critical topics such as environment, health and nutrition, ingredients, human rights, animal welfare, antibiotic use, safety and security, and responsible marketing.

Sara Payne is Chief Marketing and Communications Officer for the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF), the state’s largest grassroots farm organization. She oversees the strategic communications and marketing efforts of a talented team through public relations, digital marketing, news services and branding efforts to build trust and understanding in IFBF, Iowa farmers and agriculture. Payne, who joined IFBF in 2003, also oversees the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF), a group she helped spearhead in 2004 to assist livestock farm families in responsibly growing their farms through hands on help interpreting regulations and building neighbor and community relations.