ARLINGTON, VA — January 25, 2012 — In an effort to reinforce the organization’s investment in and commitment to the food retail members in which it represents, Food Marketing Institute (FMI) today announces the hiring of Lucas Darnell, a tenured frozen food industry professional, as a director of member services.

Darnell joins a robust team in the membership department in order to help deliver on FMI’s retailer and wholesaler benefits, and grow FMI’s member-base by cultivating new interest and involvement. Darnell will also work closely with FMI’s supplier members to facilitate engagement opportunities between trading partners.

Prior to joining FMI, Darnell was a long-time employee of the American Frozen Foods Institute (AFFI). At AFFI, he worked across multiple functions in the organization and its communication pulse points: Industry and legislative affairs, and ultimately, member services. In conjunction with AFFI, Darnell was also the interim executive director of the National Frozen Pizza Institute, a national organization dedicated to advancing the interests of the frozen pizza industry.

“Lucas’ communications skills and deep roots in industry services will broaden the scope of FMI’s membership department,” said Dagmar Farr, senior vice president of member services at FMI. “We believe his long-standing dedication to this industry will translate to increased opportunities for FMI members.”

A graduate of West Virginia University, Morgantown, W. Va., Darnell holds his bachelor’s in English. He is also a certified association executive through the American Society of Association Executives, and a member of the Institute for Organization Management under the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.