Say Hello to the FPI Staff

Despite meeting many of our members in person throughout the years, we haven’t had as many recent opportunities to see each other face to face. And, we’ve had some changes since we last introduced our team. So, we thought we’d kick off 2022 by (re)introducing the team here at FPI.

I’m Natha Dempsey and I’ve had the pleasure of working for FPI for more than a decade. I started as FPI’s vice president in December 2010 and, in November 2019, I was promoted to president. Throughout my time at FPI, I’ve led the industry’s efforts to expand recycling and composting of foodservice packaging and also worked in the areas of communications, technical and research. In my current role, I’m able to continue that work, while engaging our members and other stakeholders on critical issues for our industry. During my down time, my husband and I enjoy traveling and our dogs, Tiny and A.J.

Jennifer Goldman has been with FPI nearly as long as I have, starting in January 2011. Jennifer is FPI’s director of meetings and operations, and a Certified Meeting Professional with over 20 years of experience. Fun fact: Jennifer and I knew each other before coming to FPI — we worked together for several years at SPI, now known as the Plastics Industry Association. Here at FPI, Jennifer organizes our fall and spring conferences (make sure you give her a big thank you when you see her at an upcoming meeting!); handles all of FPI’s social media; maintains communications schedules; spearheads the FPI website; and all the details that make FPI run — like managing FPI’s dues! When she’s not keeping things in line at the office here in Falls Church, Virginia, Jennifer loves to travel and spend time with her husband, Chris, and her godson, Andrew.

Ashley Elzinga is one of the more recent additions to the team, joining as FPI’s director of sustainability and outreach in January 2020. After graduating from Grand Valley State University with a bachelor’s degree in Natural Resource Management and a minor in Environmental Studies, Ashley has been working in the sustainability and environmental field in her home state of Michigan. She brings that experience to FPI where her work focuses around communications, outreach and FPI’s recovery efforts. When they’re not chasing after their daughter, Claire, or their Corgi, Dutch, Ashley and her husband are on a quest to visit all 30 Major League Baseball stadiums — 10 down, 20 still to go.

Last, but certainly not least, is Carol Patterson. Carol has been with FPI for the past year, joining us in January 2021 as vice president of government relations. Working from Ontario, Canada, she handles all government relations for FPI at the federal, state, provincial and local levels. Prior to her time at FPI, Carol was the interim national vice president of government relations for Restaurants Canada and headed various sustainability and government affairs departments. She’s even been on the board of directors for the Coffee Association of Canada and The Recycling Council of Ontario. In her free time, Carol likes to spend time with her family out on the lake in their boat.

Now that you’ve had the opportunity to “meet” our staff, we’d love to say, “hello!” and learn more about you and how we can best support our industry. We love answering questions and talking about foodservice packaging. Please reach out to us at fpi@fpi.org. We look forward to seeing the strides we can make together in 2022.