Speakers

Steven Mandernach (MAWN-dur-knock) is the executive director of the Association of Food and Drug Officials. Prior to becoming executive director in 2018, Mandernach was the bureau chief for Food and Consumer Safety at the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals, where he was responsible for the regulation of Iowa’s 24,000 food manufacturers, retail food operations, and lodging establishments. Mandernach spent over 15 years in state government, including managing Iowa’s $35 million implementation of the Help America Vote Act. He also served as acting associate general counsel for the Governor of Iowa.

He serves on the Board of the Directors for the non-profit the Partnership for Food Safety Education.  

Mandernach graduated with a J.D. from Drake University Law School and a bachelor’s degree from Buena Vista University. He has completed graduate work in Food Safety at Michigan State University. Mandernach was an adjunct instructor of business law and political science for 10 years at Des Moines Area Community College.