Universal Pasteurization Co. LLC (www.universalhpp.com) is pleased to announce that Marcia Walker, PhD. has joined the firm as a Director of HPP Business Development and R&D. Dr. Walker brings with her over 15 years of experience with High Pressure Processing technology, and will support Universal’s HPP sales development efforts, as well as lead Universal’s partnership with customers on food science, HPP testing and product formulation. Dr. Walker is a nationally recognized authority in HPP and food safety, with extensive experience managing research & development, quality, safety and technology innovation for food processing companies.
Dr. Walker joins Universal in order to support sales efforts through Universal’s 3 HPP facilities in Lincoln, NE, Coppell, TX and Villa Rica, GA; as well as establish in-house HPP R&D capabilities - furthering Universal’s commitment to partner with customers in all stages of the HPP implementation cycle. Previously, Dr. Walker worked as a Senior Manager at Starbucks/Evolution Fresh, where she was the Corporate expert on HPP technology and process authority for new formulations and led the implementation of HPP for the Evolution Fresh juice line. She also previously served as the VP of Technology & Microbiology at Avomex/Fresherized Foods (Wholly Guacamole). Dr. Walker holds a PhD in Food Science & Technology from Oregon State University and completed her thesis on HPP.
Jeff Barnard, Universal’s President, said, “Marcia brings with her a wealth of experience and is nationally recognized as a leading scientific authority on HPP. She will be a tremendous asset to Universal’s current and future customers. Universal’s significant investment in two new HPP facilities over the past year, as well as addition of resources such as Marcia, will help our customers meet the demand for HPP products they are seeing in the market. I am confident that Marcia will play a key role in providing and implementing new HPP solutions for Universal’s customers.”
Source: Universal Pasteurization Co. LLC
