LAKE FOREST, Ill. – Lea Ann Kinman, Ph.D. has been appointed director of new technology at Handtmann Inc. She is responsible for the strategic direction and operational management of the Handtmann Technology Center in Lake Forest, Ill.

“At Handmann, we have long been known for innovating ‘ideas for the future,’ said Tom Kittle, president, “and Dr. Kinman will be making our new Handtmann Technology Center the most efficient and effective place for demonstrations, strategic innovation discussions and collaborative product development initiatives with clients.”


Most recently, Kinman was director of the Clark Meat Center and a meat science instructor at Oregon State Univ. She received her Ph.D. in Food Science from Oklahoma State Univ. and a master’s degree in Agricultural Science from Texas A&M – Commerce. Her experience in all areas of the meat and poultry distribution chain -- from growing, harvesting and transportation to carcass fabrication and post-harvest handling to product development, processing and retailer training – will be an invaluable asset at the Handtmann Technology Center, Kittle said.

“This drive for next-generation answers today is at the heart of our Handtmann Technology Center… and a philosophy that also drives Dr. Kinman,” Kittle said.