ARLINGTON, VA – February 4, 2008 – The Food Marketing Institute (FMI) is pleased to announce the promotion of Deborah White to the position of chief legal officer and senior vice president. She previously served as vice president and associate general counsel for regulatory affairs.

     In her new role, White will represent FMI and its members by advocating for reasonable regulations across numerous federal agencies. She will also develop materials to help retailers and wholesalers comply with regulations. As chief legal officer, she will oversee the corporate legal needs of the association.

     “Deborah has been a valuable contributor to our association and is well qualified for her new role,” said FMI President and CEO Tim Hammonds. “Her legal expertise and knowledge of regulatory affairs will benefit FMI as we move forward with important government initiatives on behalf of our members.”

     White was named regulatory counsel for FMI in 1998. Prior to joining FMI she practiced law at Keller and Heckman, LLP, in Washington, DC. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Wesleyan University and her Juris Doctor, cum laude, from the Washington College of Law at American University.