The Southern Food & Beverage Museum (SoFAB) and its parent organization, the National Food & Beverage Foundation (NatFAB), are pleased to announce the appointment of Brent Rosen as President/CEO. Rosen is the successor to organization’s founder and former President/CEO, Liz Williams, who is transitioning into more of an academic role that will encompass curatorial work for both the museum and foundation.
Although it officially became a nonprofit entity in 2004 presented as a series of pop ups, SoFAB didn’t have a brick and mortar location until 2008. Since then, it has celebrated the rich history of food and drink of the South via a variety of exhibitions, education and programming. Under Williams’ direction, the museum has received critical acclaim from across the globe including being named one of “11 of the World’s Top Food Museums” by CNN and one of the “12 Best Museums Around the World” by Elle Décor. Now, after 10 years, Williams is passing the reigns to Rosen. “I asked the Board of Directors to let me transition from President and CEO to Founder. And having the best interests of the organization at heart, the Board selected Brent Rosen as my successor and I am confident he’ll continue to make great strides for SoFAB and NatFAB alike.”
Prior to joining the foundation, Rosen was Director of Business Development at BRG Hospitality. He launched his career as a lobbyist and attorney involved in coalition building, business development, marketing, fundraising, and the conception and execution of strategic plans. His experience in those areas, combined with his passion for food and culture, have led him to create a number of successful culinary experiences, publications, restaurants, festivals, and promotional activations before beginning his new position. Now at the helm of NatFAB, he will oversee the outreach, programming, and operations of the Southern Food and Beverage Museum, the Museum of the American Cocktail (MOTAC), and the John & Bonnie Boyd Hospitality & Culinary Library in New Orleans. Rosen will also continue NatFAB’s work with its affiliate museums, such as the Pacific Food & Beverage Museum and west coast arm of MOTAC, in Los Angeles.
“I’m thrilled to be working with the NatFAB team for our community and I’m excited about the future of the organization,” said Rosen. “I would like to thank Liz Williams for her incredible work in building the foundation to this point. Without her tireless effort, there is no way we would have such a talented staff, creative programming, and a solid foundation to build on as we enter our next decade.”
