Leslie G. Sarasin is the president and chief executive officer of FMI | The Food Industry Association. FMI is a champion for the food industry and the issues that make a difference to its members’ fundamental mission of feeding and enriching society. The reach and impact of the organization’s work is extensive, ultimately touching the lives of more than 100 million households in the U.S. and representing an $800 billion industry with nearly 6 million employees.
Under her leadership, FMI has emerged as a member-centered organization helping food retailing venues find new, future-facing ways of feeding families and enriching lives. A committed collaborator, Sarasin has infused FMI with a vision of cooperative action that amplifies the association’s ability to assist its members in addressing the critical industry issues of the day.
Prior to joining FMI more than 16 years ago, Sarasin spent 19 years at the American Frozen Food Institute, serving as president and CEO for the last nine of those years. She also held positions at the National Food Brokers Association, Crest International Corporation and Salomon Brothers. Sarasin holds a J.D. from the University of San Diego and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Smith College.
Sarasin is admitted to practice law in California and the District of Columbia. Her professional, social and personal commitments are reflected through service on the Boards of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Partnership for a Healthier America and the Congressional Hunger Center, as well as the Council of Manufacturing Associations Board of Advisors at the National Association of Manufacturers. Additional leadership roles include membership on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Association Committee of 100 and participation in the International Women’s Forum of Washington, D.C., where she recently served a two-year term as president. She also serves on the Business Advisory Board at Western Kentucky University’s Gordon Ford College of Business.
Sarasin has been recognized multiple times among Supermarket News’ Power 50, Progressive Grocer’s list of Top Women in Grocery and Mass Market Retailer’s Most Influential Women. She was awarded the prestigious Hospitality Good Scout Award by the Boy Scouts of America in 2019. In 2021, Sarasin was named Association CEO of the Year by CEO Update.