Flavor Extract Manufacturers Association names president
Kelli Heinz, VP of marketing & industry affairs at Bell Flavors & Fragrances, has been appointed as 2025-2026 Flavor Extract Manufacturers Association president.
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 Flavors & Fragrances. She chaired the FEMA Program Committee from 2013 to 2019 before stepping into her senior leadership role on the FEMA board of governors in 2019.
In addition to her FEMA involvement, she has served 13 years on the board of directors for the Women in Flavor & Fragrance Commerce’s Chicago Chapter and currently represents the Chapter as president as a member of the national board. Since 2018, Kelli has sat on the board of directors for the Fragrance Creators Association and the Harvard Business School Club of Chicago.
Her family’s history with FEMA runs deep. Kelli’s grandfather, Edward N. Heinz, served as FEMA’s president from 1958 to 1960 during the pivotal passage of the 1958 Food Additives Amendment. Additionally, her father, James H. Heinz, served as FEMA president from 1995 to 1996.
Kelli was appointed FEMA president during the 2025 FEMA Annual Leadership Conference which took place in St. Petersburg, FL from May 5-7, 2025. She officially assumed the role on May 7, 2025 following recognition by association members and current president, Paul Graham.
In her new role, Kelli is committed to building upon the comprehensive strategic plan developed by her predecessor, Paul, and the board of governors. This plan focuses on five core pillars: awareness, advocacy, science, education, and intellectual property protection, and not only represents FEMA’s longstanding values, but the organisation’s renewed commitment to protecting and advancing the industry’s interests.
Bell congratulates Kelli on this pivotal career milestone and looks forward to where the flavour industry is headed under her guidance and leadership. The global flavours and fragrances company is proud to support the association via membership from its flavour experts.
As FEMA’s new president, Kelli shares: “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.”
