ARLINGTON, Va. — The strategic plan put in place by the Food Marketing Institute shortly after Leslie Sarasin became its president and chief executive officer a little over three and a half years ago is drawing to a close, having accomplished almost all of the major objectives it included.

The strategic plan put in place by the Food Marketing Institute shortly after Leslie Sarasin became its president and chief executive officer a little over three and a half years ago is drawing to a close, having accomplished almost all of the major objectives it included.

"First and foremost, we have become a financially stable and viable organization," she says. "That was not the case a few years ago. And we have developed the most tremendously talented staff of any association in Washington. I’m very proud of the work that we’ve done to put together the right team to help lead FMI as we move forward."

The strengthening of the organization internally has been accompanied by a successful effort to reenergize its members.

"The membership at FMI had become disengaged, but we’ve been able to change that," notes Sarasin. "We now have a true partnership between what we’re doing here and what’s going on at our member companies. We’re working together very closely to make sure we’re putting the best product possible out there for our customers, which is tremendously exciting."

With a solid foundation now in place, FMI is looking at new ­challenges. "We’re in the throes of developing the next iteration of our strategic plan," says Sarasin. "The staff and I are working closely with our board, and particularly with a strategic thinking committee, on what the new plan is going to look like. We’re also talking with members and nonmembers to find where they see significant opportunities, so that FMI can be well placed and well prepared to help this industry meet the ­future."