
Stop Foodborne Illness (STOP), a national nonprofit focused on preventing foodborne illnesses and strengthening food safety policies, announces that Sandra Eskin will assume the role of chief executive officer on February 24, 2025.
Eskin brings decades of experience as a leader in food safety, most recently serving as deputy under secretary for food safety at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Her career spans public policy, consumer protection and advocacy for stronger food safety measures.
A Vision for Expanding Food Safety Advocacy
"I am honored and excited to become the CEO of Stop Foodborne Illness," said Eskin. "This organization has played a major role in improving the safety of the food supply, and I look forward to helping STOP expand its efforts to protect American families from preventable foodborne illnesses."
Eskin succeeds Mitzi Baum, who has led STOP since 2019. Baum significantly expanded the organization's programs and strengthened partnerships with industry and government to enhance food safety measures nationwide.
A Legacy of Leadership
"Sandra has long been a nationally respected food safety advocate," said STOP Board Co-Chairs Mary McGonigle Martin and Gillian Kelleher. "Her leadership will build upon the strong foundation Mitzi established, taking STOP to new heights."
Jeff Almer, a food safety advocate and constituent of STOP, highlighted the importance of Eskin’s leadership. "Having lost my mother to the 2009 Salmonella outbreak, I know the critical need for strong food safety advocacy. Sandra Eskin has been a tireless champion for consumers, and I am confident she will lead STOP to make impactful changes."
At USDA, Eskin held key roles, including acting under secretary for food safety. Prior to that, she spent over a decade as project director for food safety at The Pew Charitable Trusts, advocating for the Food Safety Modernization Act. She also served on several federal advisory committees and held leadership positions at Georgetown University's Produce Safety Project. Eskin earned her J.D. from UC Law-San Francisco and her B.A. from Brown University.