Cereal scientists have honoured a longtime employee of food processing giant General Mills with one of the highest awards from the American Association of Cereal Chemists (AACC).
The William F. Geddes Memorial Award, created to 'honour the zeal and unselfish industry of an individual member' went to Fred Hegele, an AACC member since 1971 and president of the association from 1998-1999.
"Fred has made many contributions to AACC, but what stands out from my perspective is his exceptional leadership," said AACC executive director Steve Nelson. "Fred helped the board of directors take on a much more strategic role for the organisation during his presidency," said Nelson.
Hegele - quality control and regulatory affairs director at General Mills - participated on a number of the 3000-strong AACC committees including corporate development, dietary fiber and starch, and dietary fiber. He also served as president-elect in 1997-1998 and chair of the board from 1999-2000.