Presenters

Marie Fenn

Raffaela “Marie” Fenn is responsible for developing and implementing strategic programs at the national and international levels for the National Peanut Board (NPB). She brings more than two decades of successful strategic marketing, business communications, crisis management and public relations to the organization.

For nearly nine years, Marie’s passion for excellence and results has led to peanut ingredient and product innovation in both the consumer products and foodservice industries. She also created the NPB New Product and Menu Development Initiative to help support chefs, foodservice executives and other food professionals in menu ideation and creation through to marketing implementation.

In 2009, under her leadership, the National Peanut Board launched a new brand platform, Peanuts: Energy for the Good Life, connecting with consumers and the food industry on all that’s good about peanuts. Through the introduction of this campaign, as well as her guidance in tackling the recent Salmonella issue, the industry is seeing a swift return to consumer confidence and increased consumption. 
 
Born in Italy, Marie holds an M.B.A. from Jacksonville University and a BA in media studies from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT, where she graduated magna cum laude. An accredited member of the International Association of Business Communicators, Marie is the recipient of numerous professional awards and is active in her church and community. 

However, she says her greatest blessing and accomplishment is her family and friends. She loves to cook the foods and flavors her mother brought with them when they immigrated to the U.S.  Her Melanzana ala Parmeggiana is legendary!