The Board of Directors of the Wheat Foods Council found the dynamic leader they were looking for and are pleased to announce they have hired Marcia Scheideman MS, RD, CFCS, as president, effective April 1, 2005. Scheideman has a strong background in university cooperative extension, nutrition communications, education, and as a spokesperson.

Scheideman holds a bachelor's in home economics education from Carnegie-Mellon University, a master's degree in education from Syracuse University, and is a registered dietitian. In her current position as a Regional Coordinator, Extension and Outreach Programs for Cornell Cooperative Extension, Scheideman trains paraprofessionals, maintains quality nutrition education programs, and develops new training courses. She began her career teaching family life classes for the Syracuse school system and has worked for the National Dairy Council; Libby, McNeill and Libby, Inc.; Hess and Hunt; and MacNeal Hospital, all based in Illinois. In addition, she has instructed dietetic students at several colleges located in Buffalo, N.Y. and has managed a cooking school.

The Council is currently fostering nutrition research to reinforce scientific credibility for grain food messages, and increasing awareness of the health benefits of both whole and fortified grain foods.

"We are so pleased to have found the perfect match for the important role of the WFC president. Marcia's background is extensive and she will enhance Council programs," said Chair Carol Pratt. "She has worked with a wide-variety of people throughout her career and will feel at home in the grain food industry."

The Wheat Foods Council is an industry-wide trade organization that promotes the entire category of wheat-based foods including bread, cereal, crackers, pasta, sweet goods, and tortillas.

Scheideman's twenty-five years of diversified experience will generate new ideas and industry partnerships. She is also a recognized leader in nutrition and family and consumer sciences, which will assist members in making sure these audiences have the nutrition information they need to educate consumers on the essential role of grain foods in a healthful diet.

Scheideman is excited about her new role and said, "Promotion of grains as part of a healthy diet comes naturally to me. I believe in the wide-spread consumption of grain foods and look forward to working with staff, members, and other leaders in the industry."

As president, Scheideman will be responsible for administering the national office and public relations program, and serving as the Council's spokesperson to the media, government, pertinent trade organizations, and the grains industry.

To arrange for an interview, please call Marcia Scheideman at 716-863-2865.

Date: 3/22/05