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3-A Sanitary Standards, Inc. (3-A SSI) announced Allen Sayler as the recipient of the 2026 Richard K. Smith Advancement Award. This prestigious honor, presented at the 3-A SSI 2026 Summit on Hygienic Design in Chicago, recognizes Sayler’s 30 years of multi-faceted leadership and instrumental role in modernizing key aspects of 3-A SSI certification.
The Richard K. Smith Advancement Award is reserved for individuals whose outstanding accomplishments have significantly elevated the 3-A SSI mission. Sayler’s legacy is defined by his pivotal role in transitioning the organization from a self-certification model to the rigorous Third-Party Verification (TPV) system used today.
"Allen Sayler’s vision and tenacity have been pivotal in shaping the 3-A SSI we know today. From the foundational restructuring of our governance in 2002 to his recent revitalization of the TPV program, Allen has consistently championed of the 3-A Symbol,” says 3-A SSI Executive Director Meri Beth Wojtaszek. “His ability to bridge the gap between regulatory expectations and industry realities has not only strengthened our standards but has built a legacy of trust that will protect the global food supply for years to come."
In 1999, as federal regulatory expectations for equipment oversight were evolving, Sayler spearheaded a year-long initiative to modernize 3-A SSI’s internal structure. Working alongside industry partners, he helped develop the Third-Party Verification (TPV) Certification Program and the Certified Conformance Evaluator (CCE) program. This critical transition moved the organization from self-certification to an independent, rigorous verification model, reinforcing the 3-A Symbol’s standing with both the FDA and USDA and securing its future as an industry cornerstone.
Beyond governance, Sayler’s technical advocacy has advanced dairy manufacturing operations. Notably, in 2003, he organized a coalition of volunteers to overcome regulatory opposition to the standard for double-seated valves, a move that fundamentally changed the efficiency and safety of modern dairy processing.
"Allen Sayler’s career is a masterclass in collaborative leadership," adds John Kuhnz, 3-A SSI Chair. "Having sat on every side of the table – as a regulator, a representative for processors, and a consultant – he possessed the unique perspective necessary to navigate our most complex challenges. We are proud to recognize his decades of service with this well-deserved honor."
In addition to his leadership roles, Sayler has been a fixture of the 3-A SSI educational community, serving on the Communication & Education Committee and acting as a mentor for the new 3-A SSI Student Hygienic Design Competition. His tenure as Chair of the TPV Coordinating Committee concluded in early 2026, marking over three decades of dedication to the advancement of food safety.
3-A Sanitary Standards, Inc. (3-A SSI) is a nonprofit organization that develops and maintains standards for the design and fabrication of equipment and systems used to process food and beverage products in a sanitary manner. The mission of 3-A SSI is to enhance product safety for consumers around the world by developing standards and education materials that promote hygienic equipment design and practices. For more information, visit www.3-a.org/.
