Sommer
Dairy Management Inc., Rosemont, Ill.-Dean Sommer joins as cheese and food technologist. As part of an expanded technical support team at the Wisconsin Center for Dairy Research, will serve as a critical resource for cheese manufacturers and end users interested in expanding the use of cheese, particularly as an ingredient. Sommer regards this latest engagement as a homecoming of sorts. He received both his undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Wisconsin (Stevens Point and Madison, respectively). Sommer spent 18 years with Wisconsin-based Alto Dairy Cooperative where he started as laboratory/quality assurance (QA) manager and eventually took on the role of vice president of technical services. Most recently, Sommer served as vice president of Alto's operations, overseeing cheese and whey manufacturing; engineering and maintenance; purchasing and warehousing; regulatory affairs; quality assurance; laboratory services; and R&D.

Gilinsky
David Michael & Co., Philadelphia-Diane Gilinsky was recently named the Women in Flavor and Fragrance Commerce's Honoree of 2003 at the group's 21st Annual Open Dinner Meeting. The WFFC's Board of Directors selected Gilinsky for her past and present achievements, as well as her professionalism within the flavor industry, which she has been a part of for 18 years. Gilinsky began her career as a quality control technician for David Michael & Co. and was recently promoted to v.p., technical services & regulatory affairs for the company.

Johanna Foods, Flemington, N.J.-Don Sporn, senior v.p., retired effective December 31. Sporn began his career with Johanna Farms (predecessor to Johanna Foods), in October 1967 at the County Fair Farms Milk Distribution Depot in Hawthorne, N.J., and has, over the years, held many key management positions. Throughout his career, Sporn has held leadership positions in many national and local organizations, including past president of the National Juice Products Association, and U.S. representative to the International Fruit Juice Union.

Orion Packaging Systems Inc., Collierville, Tenn.-Mark Collins promoted to the new position of v.p. of sales. Also R. Carson Howard named South Central regional sales mgr. Collins will be responsible for overseeing Orion's North American sales efforts and national accounts. He has been with Orion for 12 years as regional sales mgr. and has 25 years of experience in the stretch packaging industry. Howard will oversee sales operations in Orion's central region. With almost 15 years in sales and management, he brings proven success as a sales manager specializing in packaging design, material and equipment. Orion Packaging Systems manufactures a complete line of stretch wrapping systems designed to efficiently and economically unitize product loads in preparation for shipment or storage.

Schaefer
Pechiney Plastic Packaging, Inc., Chicago-Christine Schaefer joins as market mgr., food marketing. Schaefer is responsible for sales and marketing of flexible packaging in the condiment, lidding and cup stock markets. She brings extensive marketing experience in the packaging industry. Most recently, Schaefer worked as a marketing consultant to companies in the packaging industry and as marketing director at CCL Industries. Schaefer also has held several marketing positions at Moore Business Systems.

Takasago International, Rockleigh, N.J.-Several appointments made to the flavors division. Sharon Clark joins as beverage technologist, Mary Nguyen has been named the company's new sensory analyst, Catherine Scarpati is now senior lab technician and Maria Triantafilos joins as marketing associate.