Midwest Food Products Association Selects Nick Novak as Next President

Madison, Wis. - The Board of Directors of the Midwest Food Products Association (MWFPA) has selected Nick Novak to serve as the organization's 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) – 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.

In nearly a decade with WMC, Novak progressively took on more responsibility and 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, including roles in the Wisconsin State Capitol, several political campaigns and with a construction industry group.

“We are thrilled to have Nick join our association,” said 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 Monday, January 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,” added 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.

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