Dr. Poole recently retired as Vice President of the Tea Division at Bigelow Tea Company, the market leader in the Specialty Tea category, where she led research and development, quality, and tea and ingredient procurement.

With more than 40 years of experience in the food industry, Peggy has held leadership roles in R&D, technical and regulatory affairs, and quality assurance at companies including Leprino Foods, HP Hood LLC, Kraft Foods, and Häagen-Dazs. Her work has supported the successful development and launch of numerous innovative products across dairy, beverage, and frozen dessert categories.

An active IFT leader, Peggy recently concluded a three-year term on the IFT Board of Directors and has served on the Chief Research Officers Council. She has also supported IFT student and scholarship programs as a judge for the IFTSA College Bowl and as a reviewer for Feeding Tomorrow’s Dr. Elwood F. Caldwell Graduate Fellowship.

Peggy earned her BS in Chemistry/Nutrition, MS in Food Science, and PhD in Food Science/Biochemistry from Rutgers University.