Midwest Food Products Association names new president

Midwest Food Products Association (MWFA) has named a new president. Nick Novak has spent more than a decade with Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC), the combined state chamber and manufacturers’ association.

Novak succeeds Jason Culotta, who led the organization for six years.

MWFPA, established in 1905 as the Wisconsin Canners Association, advocates on behalf of food processing companies and affiliated industries in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

With WMC, Novak led a team that oversaw media relations, event promotions and execution, and membership communications. He also worked closely with WMC’s government relations team.

“We are thrilled to have Nick join our association,” Rusty Schieber, incoming MWFPA board chair, said in a news release. “His experience working closely with lawmakers on issues that impact our membership mixed with his understanding of how to grow a trade association will serve the food industry well.”

Novak, who begins his new role on Jan. 6, will oversee day-to-day operations and be responsible for the strategic direction of MWFPA.

“Having spent the last eight years working on behalf of the manufacturing community, I cannot think of a better place to join than MWFPA,” Novak said. “The food manufacturing industry is such a critical component of the Midwest’s economy. I am humbled and honored to have the opportunity to lead such an impactful organization.”