KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Thurs., Jan. 8, 2026 – Kelly Leighton is the new executive director of The Center for Food Integrity (CFI). Most recently serving as CFI’s Vice President of Growth and Engagement, Leighton brings more than two decades of experience leading strategic marketing, communications and engagement initiatives across the food and agriculture value chain.
As executive director, Leighton will lead the organization’s mission to build trust and confidence in today’s food system by advancing research-based insights, engagement frameworks and strategic solutions that help organizations navigate complex food conversations with credibility and clarity.
“CFI exists to guide organizations as they navigate food-related issues by grounding their work in shared values, sound evidence and real-world context,” Leighton said. “I’m committed to ensuring CFI continues to serve as a strategic, trusted partner – one that turns insight into action to strengthen trust in and across our food system.”
CFI’s strength comes from the diverse perspectives represented by its members and board of directors, who span the food value chain, Leighton noted.
“Trust isn’t built in isolation or within a single sector. It’s built across the food system,” Leighton said. “CFI brings those perspectives together and helps our members and partners translate consumer insights into practical, values-led action.”
Leighton’s connection to food and agriculture is deeply personal. She grew up spending time on her grandparents’ farm and canning operation in South Georgia – an experience that shaped her appreciation for the people and practices behind food production. Throughout her career, she has worked across food and agriculture, helping organizations navigate public expectations, emerging issues and trust-related challenges.
Prior to joining CFI, she developed brand, engagement and issues-management strategies for leading organizations including The Coca-Cola Company, Cargill, Ecolab, SpartanNash, Turner Broadcasting and a wide range of consumer packaged goods and agribusiness brands. She is known for leading complex initiatives, aligning cross-functional teams and designing strategies that humanize organizations while delivering measurable impact.
“Kelly is a proven leader who brings deep industry experience and a genuine commitment to strengthening trust in food and agriculture,” said Charlie Arnot, CFI CEO. “Her leadership will ensure CFI continues to be a trusted partner at a time when confidence, vision and values-based engagement matter more than ever.”
Leighton holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Georgia and lives near Minneapolis, Minnesota, with her family.
For more information, visit foodintegrity.org.
About CFI
The Center for Food Integrity (CFI) is the trusted partner and strategic resource for building trust across the food and agriculture value chain. Leveraging industry-leading research, actionable consumer insights and trend analysis, CFI helps organizations engage with authenticity, transparency and relevance. Learn more at foodintegrity.org.
