Dr. Eric J. Hentges is the Executive Director of the International Life Sciences Institute

International Life Sciences Institute

The International Life Sciences Institute is a nonprofit [501c3] science organization founded in 1978 and headquartered in Washington, DC. It is a member organization whose members are primarily food and beverage, agricultural, chemical, and pharmaceutical companies...

, a non-profit international organization founded in 1978 to address food safety, nutrition, and toxicology issues. He was born on December 15, 1952 in Gainesville, Florida to James and Lavaun Hentges. He has two daughters, Rachel and Margot and is married to Susan Borra (July 7, 2007).

Prior to this appointment, he was Executive Director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion

Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion

The Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion is an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture created on December 1, 1994, and is the focal point within the USDA where scientific research is linked with the nutritional needs of the American public....

 (CNPP), where he directed the development and launch of the 2005 Dietary Guidelines

MyPyramid

MyPyramid, released by the United States Department of Agriculture on April 19, 2005, is an update on the American food guide pyramid that was used until June 2, 2011, when the USDA's MyPlate replaced it. The icon stresses activity and moderation along with a proper mix of food groups in one's diet...

. The CNPP is best known for its involvement in the development of the Dietary Guidelines

MyPyramid

MyPyramid, released by the United States Department of Agriculture on April 19, 2005, is an update on the American food guide pyramid that was used until June 2, 2011, when the USDA's MyPlate replaced it. The icon stresses activity and moderation along with a proper mix of food groups in one's diet...

 and MyPyramid

MyPyramid

MyPyramid, released by the United States Department of Agriculture on April 19, 2005, is an update on the American food guide pyramid that was used until June 2, 2011, when the USDA's MyPlate replaced it. The icon stresses activity and moderation along with a proper mix of food groups in one's diet...

 for Americans and the Food Guidance System.

Dr. Hentges joined USDA with over 20 years of experience in nutrition research and education. He has held positions with the National Pork Board, the National Pork Producers Council, and the National Live Stock and Meat Board. He has a Ph.D. in Food Science from Iowa State University

Iowa State University

Iowa State University of Science and Technology, more commonly known as Iowa State University , is a public land-grant and space-grant research university located in Ames, Iowa, United States. Iowa State has produced astronauts, scientists, and Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winners, along with a host of...

, an M.S. from Auburn University

Auburn University

Auburn University is a public university located in Auburn, Alabama, United States. With more than 25,000 students and 1,200 faculty members, it is one of the largest universities in the state. Auburn was chartered on February 7, 1856, as the East Alabama Male College, a private liberal arts...

 and a B.S. from Oklahoma State University.