Bell Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. (Bell) is proud to announce its Vice President of Marketing & Industry Affairs, Kelli Heinz, as the Flavour Extract Manufacturers Association of the United States (FEMA) President for the 2025–2026 calendar year.
Kelli brings nearly 20 years of extensive experience in the flavour and fragrance industry, having been an esteemed member of FEMA since her early days at Bell. She chaired the FEMA Programme Committee from 2013 to 2019 before stepping into her senior leadership role on the FEMA Board of Governors in 2019.
Beyond FEMA, Kelli has dedicated over a decade of service to the industry. She has served 13 years on the Board of Directors for the Women in Flavour & Fragrance Commerce’s Chicago Chapter and currently serves as Chapter President and member of the national board. Since 2018, she has also been a Board Member of the Fragrance Creators Association and the Harvard Business School Club of Chicago.
Kelli’s family legacy within FEMA is notable. Her grandfather, Edward N. Heinz, served as FEMA President from 1958 to 1960 during the pivotal passage of the 1958 Food Additives Amendment. Her father, James H. Heinz, followed in his footsteps as FEMA President from 1995 to 1996.
She was officially appointed FEMA President at the 2025 FEMA Annual Leadership Conference, held in St. Petersburg, FL from 5–7 May 2025, and assumed the role on 7 May following recognition by association members and outgoing President, Paul Graham.
In her new role, Kelli is committed to advancing FEMA’s comprehensive strategic plan built around five core pillars: Awareness, Advocacy, Science, Education, and Intellectual Property Protection. These principles reflect both the association’s long-standing values and its renewed commitment to protecting and advancing the flavour industry.
Kelli shared:
“The challenges facing our sector are real, but so are the opportunities. Now is the time for all of us to use our voices, stay informed, and advocate together for the future of flavour. Both FEMA and our industry are strongest when we are united and engaged.”
Bell congratulates Kelli on this pivotal career milestone and looks forward to the future of the flavour industry under her guidance. The global flavours and fragrances company proudly supports FEMA through the active membership and leadership of its flavour experts.
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Editor, International Confectionery
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