Frank Ippolito, Operations Manager

A native of Alabama, Frank grew up in Birmingham and attended the University of Alabama. He earned a B.S. in chemistry and went on to finish law school attaining a J.D. from the University of Alabama School of Law. He was soon employed as the Legal Advisor for the Alabama Air Pollution Control Commission in the State Capitol. He earned several distinctions with that Commission making sure that companies complied with State and Federal air pollution standards and laws.

In 1975, Frank decided to take a different direction and moved to the Washington, D.C., area to start-up the Congressional Affairs Office for the Public Health Service's Bureau of Quality Assurance at the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). He was soon detailed to the Office of the Secretary to assist with Congressional hearings.

In the 1980s, Frank worked in other offices of the DHHS including the Social Security Administration. Frank also worked as Counsel to the Defense Investigative Service at the Department of Defense. In order to find a job back in the legislative affairs arena, Frank was offered a position with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service's (FNS) Office of Governmental Affairs and soon was hired in 1982 as a Legislative Specialist. In 1988, he was named the Director of the Office of Governmental Affairs at FNS, the position he held until his retirement in November of 2006.

Frank Ippolito was a key player in the past five Farm Bills and the past five Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorizations. His quick wit and sharp insight into FNS policy made Frank a tough negotiator for FNS' issues on the Hill. He earned many awards across several Administrations for his work in the Legislative Affairs office and on Capital Hill.

As Director, Frank provided valuable guidance on FNS' programs and legislative activities to several Under Secretaries, Secrtaries, and other officials of the Executive and Congressional branches of Government. Although not shy to give his opinion, Frank always conducted business for USDA in the most professional way possible. He left the USDA with nearly 30 years of Federal Government service and 24 years at the Food and Nutrition Service.

Three years ago, Frank became co-owner of Coughlin Fitness and Results and in November of 2006, became the Operations Manager of the Company.