Laura Shumow has been the Executive Director of the American Spice Trade Association (ASTA) since 2018. In this role, she oversees ASTA’s professional staff and works with the ASTA Board of Directors to set the association’s strategic direction and execute the organization’s goals. Her key focus areas are domestic and international regulatory advocacy, issue management, and navigating challenges related to the supply chains of food ingredients sourced from origin countries. Prior to joining ASTA, she previously led the Scientific and Regulatory affairs function at the National Confectioners Association and oversaw the Chocolate Council, a decision-making body that handles issues specific to the cocoa and chocolate industry. Laura received her Master’s in Health Sciences from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and a Bachelor’s in Food Science from the University of Wisconsin. She is an active member of professional societies, including the Institute of Food Technologists and the Food and Beverage Issue Alliance.

Laura is from the Midwest. Although she met her husband Brendan after moving to DC, they grew up only 20 miles from each other. They enjoy traveling and cooking together and can often be found hosting BBQs. Brendan is typically in charge of grilling on his smoker, while Laura usually handles dessert.