Expanding their legal resources, FMI brings on a skilled legal professional.
New Director of Legal Operations Joins FMI
Jessica Tanner has joined FMI - The Food Industry Association as the Director of Legal Operations, effective from July 2025. Based in Arlington, Va., FMI represents a wide range of members across the value chain in the food industry, including retailers, producers, and companies providing critical services.
Tanner brings a wealth of experience to her new role. Prior to joining FMI, she served as senior counsel for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), where she managed legal issues related to vaccine donation initiatives. Before that, she worked as an attorney for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and served as a law clerk for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, the Virginia Supreme Court, and the Alexandria Circuit Court.
Tanner's extensive experience working in government on complex legal issues will undoubtedly bring a deep knowledge to FMI's work on regulatory and legal matters. Stepanie Harris, FMI's chief regulatory officer and general counsel, expressed her excitement about Tanner's arrival, stating that her expertise will be invaluable in advising the association on legal operations, regulatory strategy, and policy.
Tanner's appointment comes as FMI continues to proactively advocate on regulatory developments important to the food industry. The aim of FMI is to amplify the collective work of the industry, and Tanner will be contributing to this mission by overseeing and optimizing the legal department's workflows, managing budgets, strategic planning, and enhancing legal service delivery.
Tanner holds a bachelor of arts from Harvard University and a juris doctorate from Washington & Lee University. In addition to her work at USAID, Tanner also handled Office of Inspector General and Congressional oversight inquiries. The food industry association has welcomed Tanner to its legal and regulatory affairs team, and her arrival is sure to strengthen FMI's ability to navigate the complex legal landscape of the food industry.
- Tanner's expertise, garnered from her diverse career in government, will be instrumental in providing private label guidance to FMI, contributing to the association's overall effectiveness in the competitive food industry.
- As FMI strives to maintain its position in the industry, Tanner's role in optimizing business operations, managing finances, and enhancing legal service delivery is expected to play a crucial part in ensuring the association's success.
