College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Alumni & Friends

Dr. Albert (Al) Bolles, Ph.D. and MaryKay Bolles, of Spring Lake, MI will be honored with the Michigan State University (MSU) College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) Dean’s Pinnacle of Excellence Award at the March 7 ANR Awards Program.

The CANR Dean’s Pinnacle of Excellence Award is presented to alumni who have obtained the pinnacle of achievement in their field and brought distinction CANR. Created in 2023, this award is the highest accolade awarded by the dean.

“I am proud to present the Dean's Pinnacle of Excellence Award to such outstanding CANR Spartans,” said interim CANR dean Matt Daum, Ph.D., CANR dean. “Al and MaryKay Bolles have brought recognition to the college through their numerous professional achievements, personal integrity and passionate support. Alumni like Al and MaryKay are an inspiration to CANR Spartans everywhere, exemplifying excellence in all they do."

Graduates of the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition (FSHN), each went on to build distinguished careers as global leaders in the food science industry, holding senior positions at some of the most recognized brands in the field. Their expertise, leadership and track record for innovation has left a lasting legacy across the industry and their passion for advancing the next generation of Spartan food science leaders is exemplified through their ongoing support for MSU.

Dr. Al Bolles

Dr. Al Bolles received his bachelor's degree in microbiology in 1980 from MSU's Lyman Briggs College. He then went on to earn both his master’s degree (’83) and doctorate (’97) in food science from FSHN. Throughout his career, Bolles held a variety of leadership roles across the food science industry, including his recent tenure as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Landec Corporation from 2019-2022.

Prior Landec, Bolles held senior roles at ConAgra Foods, a leading global consumer products food company. In these positions, Bolles was instrumental in developing new products, driving growth at ConAgra Foods and creating a pipeline for sustained future success.

Before joining Landec in 2006, Bolles was head of worldwide research and development for PepsiCo Beverages and Food, after a tenure as senior vice president and chief technical officer for Tropicana. There, he led global R&D efforts for Pepsi, Gatorade, Tropicana and Quaker Foods, managing product, process, packaging, sensory R&D, nutrition, quality and regulatory affairs.

Bolles currently advises multiple companies in the consumer products sector and serves on the boards of Arcadia Biosciences and SunOpta. He holds six patents and has earned numerous awards for his food science contributions. He also serves on the CANR Strategic Advisory Board and has received several MSU honors, including, the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2002, the Outstanding Alumni Award for Food Science and Human Nutrition in 2002, the Distinguished Alumni Award from Lyman Briggs College in 2010 and induction into the CANR Farm Lane Society in 2016.

MaryKay Bolles

MaryKay Bolles earned her bachelor's degree in food science from FSHN in 1983, going on to earn her master's in food science from the University of Illinois in 1989. In 2019, she retired after an over 30-year career in the food and beverage industry. In her most recent role, Bolles served as Vice President, Global Research & Development, for Beam Suntory, a global spirits company with over 100 brands, including Jim Beam and Maker's Mark bourbons, Hornitos tequila and Pinnacle vodkas.

As a senior executive at Beam Suntory, Bolles led the global technical strategy for spirits, overseeing technology development, packaging, sensory and project management. She strengthened Beam's technical capabilities, driving innovations in premium whiskey, flavored bourbons, vodka and tequila. Bolles also spearheaded the creation of a $10 million Global Innovation Center at the Jim Beam campus in Clermont, KY to foster technical advancements.

Prior to Beam Suntory, MaryKay served in Vice President and Director roles overseeing research and development and quality functions at U.S. Foodservice, Sara Lee and PepsiCo's Gatorade business. At Gatorade, Bolles led the development of several science-based innovations, like Gatorade Frost, Fierce and Propel Fitness Water, revolutionizing the active thirst category and generating over $800 million in incremental business.

Bolles holds three patents, multiple trade secret inventions and has won numerous awards for her contributions in the industry. She currently serves on the CANR Strategic Advisory Board and has previously been a member of the MSU Food Science Trout Council. Additionally, she has participated as a guest speaker for MSU Women's Leadership initiatives and the School of Packaging.

A ’Spartan family’

While their careers have taken them across the country, including Florida, Nebraska and Chicago, the Bolles’ have always found ways to stay connected to their alma mater. Passionate about creating educational opportunities, they the Albert and Mary Kay Bolles Scholarship in Food Science for MSU students aspiring for careers in food science.

Proud parents of four and grandparents of two, the Bolles’ have enjoyed attending a variety MSU events around the country as a family and are active supporters of MSU Athletics. In 2019, they were honored as Alumni of the Year by the MSU Baseball program at the annual First Pitch Dinner.

Beyond their support for MSU, the Bolles enjoy traveling and boating, and they look forward to welcoming two more grandchildren this year.

You can learn more about past CANR Dean's Pinnacle of Excellence Award winners here. 

To learn more about the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, visit https://www.canr.msu.edu/fshn/index.