ARLINGTON, Va. — The Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI), a division of FMI—The Food Industry Association, has appointed Brian Updegraff as director of financial planning and analysis. In this role, Updegraff will be responsible for guiding SQFI’s financial strategy and supporting its global food safety and certification initiatives through data-driven financial leadership.
Updegraff brings more than two decades of financial management experience to the organization, including a 24-year tenure at Amtrak. Most recently, he served as senior director of operations, financial planning and analysis, where he oversaw budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting across the national transportation provider.
“Brian comes to SQFI with a proven track record of supporting cross-functional business units, both at a corporate level, as well as in the field,” said Gigi Vita, SQFI’s chief food safety assessment officer and senior vice president. “I look forward to his contributions and leadership.”
In his new capacity, Updegraff will collaborate with SQFI’s Arlington-based team to develop and implement financial strategies that support the organization’s global food safety mission. He is expected to play a key role in driving operational efficiency and supporting revenue-generating initiatives that reinforce SQFI’s certification programs.
Updegraff holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Maryland, College Park, and resides in Fulton, Maryland.
SQFI administers the Safe Quality Food (SQF) program, a globally recognized food safety and quality certification and management system. It is widely adopted by retailers, manufacturers, and foodservice providers to ensure the safety and integrity of food products throughout the supply chain.
FMI, the parent organization of SQFI, works across the food industry to promote a safer, more efficient food supply for consumers.
