This June, the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) will congratulate Lolly Occhino on her retirement after nine years of service as AURI’s senior food scientist. Occhino first gained interest in food science after taking a food chemistry class in college at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and went on to earn a master’s degree in food science at the University of Minnesota.
She joined AURI in 2016 after working for a small research and development company that provided services to medium—and large-sized food companies. Occhino states she was drawn to AURI’s mission and the opportunity to work for a nonprofit organization.
“After going through the interview process at AURI, I felt that it was a perfect fit and decided to make the transition,” Occhino says.“It was one of the best decisions I have ever made!”
As a senior food scientist, Occhino is a member of the technical team and co-leads the food focus area. She has provided strategic leadership to align industry trends with AURI’s goals to create impactful outcomes. She also offers direct assistance to food clients in many areas, such as food safety, product development, and optimization.
“My favorite memories over the years include AURI staff gatherings and opportunities to connect with colleagues; visits to client facilities to learn more about their products and operations and how AURI contributed to their successes; participating in ecosystem activities; running into a client selling at a farmer’s market and getting a big hug; and working closely with my food team colleagues to solve technical challenges and collaborate on the best ways to make an impact for scaling food businesses,” Occhino reflects.
“Lolly has been such an integral contributor to AURI’s success since she joined the organization in 2016,” says AURI Executive Director Shannon Schlecht. She has had a major positive impact on the food ecosystem that has grown exponentially during her time at AURI. It is always enjoyable to learn about the assistance Lolly provided a food client and then later see those products on grocery store shelves and know that she and AURI had a part in their market success.”
In retirement, Occhino plans to participate in activities she enjoys, such as walking, hiking, tap dancing, and reading. She also wants to travel internationally and domestically.
“There is no doubt that I will miss connecting regularly with my colleagues at AURI and the many friends and acquaintances I have made through work with partner organizations,” Occhino notes. “I will also miss working with clients that have so much passion for what they do.”
