MIDAS FOODS INTERNATIONAL - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Food Scientist
- Director FSQA
Cristina is a food scientist with an extensive food safety and quality assurance, regulatory compliance and food processing experience, gained throughout her over 25 years career in food manufacturing plants in Europe, Canada and the US. She holds a MS In Food Safety from Michigan State University, and a BS in Food Science and Human Nutrition from University of Sibiu, Romania. She also holds a number of certifications in Food Safety Management, HACCP Leadership, Food Fraud Prevention, Food Defense, and is a Certified Internal Auditor with BRCGS. She is passionate about her family and healthy life style, and enjoys traveling, helping others, meeting interesting people and learning about the world and different cultures. Her favorite dish is the Spanish seafood paella. Her favorite Midas products are the Euro Chocolate Mousses and Piada seasoning.
Job Titles:
- Advisory Board Member at Culinex
- Executive Vice President of Corporate Development, Partner
Gary Freeman is a seasoned professional with over 40 years of experience in the food industry. As the Executive Vice President of Corporate Development at Midas Foods, he plays a critical role in shaping the company's strategic growth and expansion.
Gary's educational background includes a Bachelor's degree in General Studies from the University of Michigan and a Master's in Business Administration from Michigan State University. He has been actively involved in various professional organizations, including the Research Chefs Association, where he served as a former Board Member and received the esteemed President's Award. Additionally, he held the position of Director of Employment Network within the association, demonstrating his commitment to fostering professional growth and development within the culinary community.
In addition to his involvement with the Research Chefs Association, Gary has served as an Advisory Board Member at Culinex, a leading food product development consultancy. His contributions and insights have been invaluable in guiding the organization's strategic direction and ensuring the delivery of innovative and market-ready food solutions.
Outside of his professional achievements, he is an avid runner, jet skier and enjoys antiquing, reading, and of course, eating!
Job Titles:
- Research & Development Manager
As Plant Manager, John Murphy oversees the plant's operations, sanitation, and maintenance. John joined Midas 3 years ago after an accomplished and impressive 20-year career in the U.S. Navy, where he retired as a Gas Turbine Systems Technician Senior Chief. He has also held a number of roles in plant management, including roles as a Press Department Supervisor and Assistant Plant Superintendent at Silgan Containers, Production Supervisor at Olds Products Company, and Production Manager at Eden Foods. Beyond his professional achievements, John's passion for mechanical and electrical problem-solving is equaled only by his love for riding Harleys and indulging in movies.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of National Accounts
Lynn joined Midas as in R&D intern in 1990 while studying Food Science and Nutrition at Michigan State University. After graduation, she transitioned into the sales team, where over the past 30 years she's worked her way up as our Vice President of National Accounts. Currently, she's responsible for developing new business as well as managing key accounts in Food Service and Manufacturing segments. She is highly skilled in sales, key account development, food science, and menu development.
Her favorite foods-and favorite Midas products-depend on what she's in the mood for that day!
Job Titles:
- Director of Customer Service & HR
Job Titles:
- CEO
- Co - Owner
- Partner
- President
Richard Elias has been with Midas for over 30 years and is proud to sit as the company's President. During his time as Midas, he's helped the company win a number of accolades, including Multi-Supplier of the Year at the Culinary Innovation Awards both in the U.S. and India, Multi-Year Oakland County, MI Employer Award, 2012 Michigan 50 Companies to watch, and more! His favorite Midas products are the makhani and shawarma and his favorite food is anything on a charcoal grill-especially beer-boiled brats!
Outside of his time at Midas, Richard has a wife, Shauna, of 30+ years and three boys: Jarryd, Nolan, and Dustin. He is a retired speech and debate coach, and was even awarded Michigan's Middle School Coach of the Year! He also sits on the Board of Directors for The Friendship Circle and loves to travel and play sports, softball and curling in particular. Overall, his proudest moments are those celebrating the accomplishments of his wife and kids.