I’m excited to share a deeper look into my professional journey across food safety, regulatory science, analytical chemistry, and industry leadership. From leading research collaborations with the FDA to guiding scientific strategy at Starbucks and now serving as Executive Director of IFSH at Illinois Tech, my career has been driven by a passion for advancing public health through science and integrity. Here is my biography.

I am excited to share my executive biography, which reflects my journey across the food and consumer packaged goods industry. From my beginnings in product development to my current role leading R&D at Barilla Americas and serving on the board of Naturally Chicago, my career has been defined by innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to values-driven leadership.

After over 15 years in the CPG industry, I’ve had the privilege of leading innovation, quality, and growth in organizations ranging from startups to mid-size enterprises. I’m passionate about helping companies scale, mentoring leadership teams, and delivering real impact through strategy and execution. Here is my biography.

Mike Chapter is a visionary culinary executive and food product strategist with over 30 years of experience driving innovation across foodservice, CPG, and grocery retail. As Executive Director at Food IQ, LLC, and owner of Hands On Gourmet, Mike has led the development of award-winning food products, created culinary training programs for Fortune 500 companies, and guided startups through product launches and co-manufacturing partnerships. A Certified Master Taster® and former Kraft Foods corporate chef, he blends deep food science expertise with creative culinary leadership to help brands elevate quality, scale production, and delight customers. Mike now brings his strategic insight to advisory and board roles, supporting companies looking to grow through innovation, operational excellence, and consumer-centric product development.

Renée Hazlet is a seasoned food safety expert, U.S. Army veteran, and creative entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in regulatory compliance, public health, and process improvement. With a longstanding career at USDA-FSIS and a background in food science, she brings deep expertise in HACCP, GMP, and food manufacturing oversight. Renée is also the founder of RenaissanceTinkerDork L.L.C., where she expresses her passion for stained glass and digital art. A proud transgender woman and advocate for equity and inclusion, Renée seeks board opportunities where she can use her technical knowledge, collaborative mindset, and lived experience to make systems better and more inclusive for all.

I’m excited to share my executive biography, highlighting my journey in the food and beverage industry, my passion for ingredient innovation, and my strategic leadership in commercializing new technologies. With 40+ years of experience across global markets, I look forward to continuing to drive growth and innovation in the sector.

Throughout my 40-year journey as a chef, restaurateur, and food innovator, I've focused on creating culinary experiences that nourish the body and soul while championing sustainability and nutrition. From award-winning restaurants to groundbreaking product development, my mission is to innovate food that "loves you back."