Potter will join the IFDA staff on May 3 and succeeds Mark Allen, who was recently named president and chief executive officer of IFDA.
In his new role, Potter will lead the organization's research and education efforts. "We are very pleased to have an industry executive of Steve's caliber and experience join our staff," said Allen. "As we work to develop new, innovative products and services for the foodservice distribution industry, Steve's insight and experience will prove invaluable."
Potter entered the foodservice distribution industry in July 1982, departing retail grocery company Hannaford Bros. to join PYA/Monarch of Greenville, SC. At PYA/Monarch, he served in a number of positions with increasing responsibilities including corporate director of traffic and transportation and corporate director of operations.
In 1991, he joined Atlantic Food Services, Inc., of Manassas, VA, as vice president of operations. After Atlantic was acquired by Alliant Foodservice, Potter transferred to the Atlanta division as senior vice president and general manager. In March 1999, Potter was appointed executive vice president, operations, at U.S. Foodservice in Severn, MD.
Since September 2000, he has worked as a food distribution industry consultant at his firm Operational Excellence, LLC, and as co-founder and executive vice president of Tech-Source 1, Inc., a technical staffing and consulting company.
Potter has also provided leadership to several industry associations-including IFDA-serving as chairman of planning and executive committees, as a board member, and as a speaker at industry events.
"There are many unique and emerging challenges that foodservice distributors face each and every day," said Potter. "I look forward to using my deep knowledge of the foodservice industry and my knowledge of trade organizations to add value for IFDA's many stakeholders."
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