Michael Licata is the former president and chief executive of the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association, a post he held for 31 years. Licata is credited with helping to transform the association from a nearly bankrupt organization into one of the foodservice industry’s most influential trade groups, with more than 400 members and a $10 million budget. Before joining IFMA, Licata was executive secretary to the Department of Health, Education and Welfare during President Gerald Ford’s administration.