NEÅžE TÃœLAY - PRESIDENT
​Neşe is originally from Ankara, Turkey. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Food Science and Technology from the University of Ankara, Turkiye and later completed her Master’s degree in Food Science and Nutrition at the University of Minnesota. With 24 years of experience in the food industry, Neşe has focused on building teams, business development, and project management.
Neşe began her career with Cargill in 2007, where she played a pivotal role in developing the first natural Truvia® Tabletop sweetener in the United States. She also established an effective sensory and consumer sciences program for the North America region at Cargill, successfully leading multifunctional teams. Prior to joining Cargill, she worked as a Food Scientist in the sensory department at Land O’Lakes. Her areas of expertise include food science, sensory and consumer sciences, applications, team development and management.
An active member of the Turkish American Association of Minnesota (TAAM) since 1995, Neşe has held various positions within the organization over the years. She also dedicates her time to volunteering as a Turkish Folk Dance Instructor for TAAM. Neşe resides in Shoreview, MN, with her two children, Atakan Yurttaş and Sıla Yurttaş.