Laura Shumow has been the Executive Director of the American Spice Trade Association (ASTA) since 2018. In this role, she works with the ASTA Board of Directors to set the strategic direction of the association and with the ASTA staff to ensure the goals are met. Laura has a strong background in domestic and international regulatory advocacy and issue management, and a proven track record of success addressing challenges related to the supply chains of food ingredients sourced from developing countries. Prior to joining ASTA, she previously worked at the National Confectioners Association as the vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs and oversaw the Chocolate Council, a decision making body that handles issues specific to the cocoa and chocolate industry. Laura received her master's of health sciences from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and bachelor's degree in food science from the University of Wisconsin. She is an active member of several professional societies, including the Institute of Food Technologists (Past President DC Divisions, Past Chair of the Food Laws and Regulations Section), and is Treasurer of the Food and Beverage Issue Alliance.