Eric J. Hentges

PhD Animal Nutrition '84
Annandale, Va.

Eric Hentges, who in September was named executive director of the North American branch of the not-for-profit International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI), recently served four years as the executive director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion. He has established himself as a national leader in nutrition education policy and consumer economics.

In 2005 Hentges was responsible for the successful release of Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the USDA’s Web-based, interactive food guidance system MyPyramid.gov. His contributions have made nutrition education more accessible and personalized for American consumers and aided the USDA in combating obesity and promoting wellness.

Prior to receiving his USDA appointment by the Bush Administration, Hentges accrued more than 20 years of experience in nutrition research and education with the National Pork Board, the National Pork Producers Council, and the National Live Stock and Meat Board. He has served the American Society for Nutritional Sciences, the American Society for Clinical Nutrition, the Institute of Food Technologists, the American Meat Science Association, the Chicago Nutrition Association’s board of directors, and the Gamma Sigma Delta agriculture honor society.

Hentges has been honored as a distinguished alumnus by Oklahoma State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. He served on the National Agriculture Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board in 2005.

He is married to Susan Borra and has two daughters: Rachel and Margot. Hentges is a life member of the ISU Alumni Association.