Your 2024 AHF Board of Directors (BOD) and Industry Advisory Board (IAB) recently gathered in Dallas for our annual in-person meeting. Over two days, under the leadership of AHF President Leisa Bryant, IAB Chair Danielle Mason, and Executive Director Leah Reily, volunteer leaders collaboratively charted the course for the future of our Association. This important in-person meeting, that brings together the BOD and IAB, provides the opportunity for AHF leaders to come together for two days of focused collaborative strategizing for the future of our Association for the benefit of our members. It also provides the opportunity to reconnect with returning board members and to welcome and connect with new members who inject fresh perspectives into AHF’s programs and projects.
Welcoming New Faces and Recognizing Leadership Transitions to the Board of Directors
Among the notable highlights of the meeting were the introduction of new BOD and IAB members, each bringing diverse expertise and energy to the table. The BOD welcomed two new Directors at Large, each having a long history of involvement with AHF’s various committees and programs and poised to contribute their insights and passion to AHF’s projects:
- Aatul Jain, MSML, CEC, CDM CFPP
System Executive Chef, Saint Peter's University Hospital
- Andrew Bergman, MS
Director of Food and Nutrition Services, Baptist Health System
Additionally, significant leadership transitions were acknowledged in Dallas, with Leisa Bryant, MBA, MA, RD, CPXP, FACHE leading the first in-person Board meeting of her AHF Presidency. Thom Pastor, MBA, CDM, CFPP has transitioned into the position of President-Elect, and Robert Darrah, CDM, CFPP, CHC is now serving as AHF’s Immediate Past President continuing to support the organization. Neal Lavender, MHS, PHR, CDM has assumed the responsibilities of Treasurer and Patrick LaMont, MBA is the current Treasurer-Elect and Angela O'Neill, RD has assumed the role of Board Secretary. These transitions reflect AHF’s commitment to fostering leadership within our Association and the continual mentoring of leaders within the self-operated healthcare foodservice, senior dining and hospitality industry by AHF’s members and leaders.
AHF leadership also took the time to celebrate the contributions of Steve Cerullo and Timothy Schoonmaker, MBA, CEC, WCEC, CCA, CDM, CFPP, MCFP, FMP, CHESP for their years of service and dedication to AHF as they transition off the BOD and into new roles with AHF Business Partners.
Welcoming New Faces and Expanding Expertise on the Industry Advisory Board
Along with the BOD, the Industry Advisory Board also saw celebrated leadership transitions as Danielle Mason led her first in-person combined BOD/IAB alongside Leisa Bryant. Heather French has transitioned to IAB Vice Chair and Georgia Shockey transitioned to IAB Immediate Past Chair. Danielle, Heather, and Georgie all also serve on the BOD providing valuable Business Partner insight to AHF programs and initiatives.
In Dallas, we also had the opportunity to welcome the newest additions to the Industry Advisory Board, all of whom bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the IAB, enriching the collaborative efforts aimed at advancing AHF’s mission.
- Andrea Kistler
National Accounts - Team Lead, JM Smucker
- Drew Patterson
Regional Accounts Manager, Zink Foodservice
- Lisa Addison
National Sales Manager, Consultant Services, ITW FEG
- Sarah Mitchell
Director, Marketing Strategy, CBORD
- Dana Fillmore, RD
Healthcare Segment Manager, Gordon Food Service
- Lisa Waring
VP, National Sales, Healthcare and Senior Living, Sysco
- Lori Bartrug
Business Director Non-Commercial, Campbell's Foodservice
- David Kamen, PC III, MBA
Director – Consulting Client Engagement, CIA
Chef Kamen joins the IAB in a newly created role of education partner, enhancing AHF’s focus on fostering educational initiative within the noncommercial foodservice industry.
Charting a Course for the Future of AHF
Against the backdrop of AHF’s brand renewal and the celebration of our 15th Anniversary, this important Board gathering served as a launchpad for an ambitious agenda in 2024! With a plethora of content, tools, and resources planned, AHF is poised for a transformative year ahead.
Building Momentum for Collective Impact
As AHF continues to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of healthcare foodservice, the collaborative efforts of its dedicated volunteers are paramount. By harnessing the collective expertise of its BOD and IAB members, AHF remains steadfast in its mission to develop the tools and resources necessary to elevate industry standards and drive meaningful impact. Together, the AHF community is poised to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, ensuring a vibrant future for self-operated healthcare foodservice, senior dining and hospitality.
A Special Invitation
We invite all AHF members and all self-operated healthcare foodservice, senior dining and hospitality professionals to join us this August 23-25th in San Antonio to meet our incredible BOS and IAB members in person. Together, we'll continue to develop the tools and resources necessary to support and elevate the self-operated healthcare foodservice, senior dining and hospitality industry!
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