The Midwest Food Products Association has selected Nick Novak as its next president. He will succeed Jason Culotta, who has successfully led the organization for nearly six years.
Novak most recently served as Vice President of Communications and Marketing at Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce. WMC is the combined state chamber and manufacturers’ association. In this role, he led a team that oversaw media relations, event promotions and execution, and membership communications. Novak also worked closely with WMC’s government relations team to advance probusiness policies with state legislators.
Novak spent nearly a decade with WMC. He spent the last five years as a trusted member of the executive team charged with organizational strategy and growth. In addition to time with WMC, he spent his career focused on public policy and advocacy. This has included roles in the Wisconsin State Capitol, several political campaigns, and with a construction industry group.
“We are thrilled to have Nick join our association,” says Rusty Schieber, incoming chairman of the MWFPA Board of Directors. “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 will oversee day-to-day operations and be responsible for the strategic direction of MWFPA. He
will assume the role on Jan. 6.
“Having spent the last eight years working on behalf of the manufacturing community, I cannot think of a better place to join than MWFPA,” says Novak. “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.”
MWFPA advocates on behalf of food processing companies and affiliated industries in Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Established in 1905 as the Wisconsin Canners Association, today the association represents a more diverse group of food processors on a variety of food issues.
