CHICAGO—FoodMinds, a food and nutrition consulting and communications agency, has hired Robert Post, formerly the associate executive director of USDA’s Center for Nutrition Policy & Promotion, as its first chief science officer.

In his new role, Post will work closely with FoodMinds partners and co-founders Bill Layden, Laura Cubillos, and Susan Pitman, to advise clients on the critical science and evidentiary issues facing the food, beverage, nutrition, health and wellness industries today. He also will help co-lead counsel on changes in the nutrition affairs environment, including dietary guidance, marketing, and food labeling, to achieve client and public health objectives.

Additionally, he and Pitman will spearhead the opening of a FoodMinds office in Washington, DC, to provide a focal point for client interests in food and nutrition policy issues.

Post’s career includes appointed and career executive positions at USDA’s CNPP and the Food Safety Inspection Service Office of Policy, where he set national nutrition policies and implemented programs to improve the health of all Americans. He led the development of the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the creation of the USDA Nutrition Evidence Library, and directed the evolution of the food pyramid into the next generation MyPlate.

He has also been advising on nutrition and health communications matters for the White House Let’s Move! initiative since its inception.