Honoring AHF’s Retiring Business Partner Leaders
AHF is honored to announce the retirement of three of our dedicated industry leaders:
- Barbara Kane (Ecolab Inc.) – Retired March 31st
- Linda Cole (J&J Snack Foods) – Retired March 31st
- Paul Childers (US Foods) – Retiring summer 2021
From ASHFSA and HFM to AHF, all three of these individuals have dedicated their long careers, as well as their personal time and efforts, to not only the foodservice industry, but to supporting AHF, its legacy associations, and its members. Their contributions to AHF and the industry have been vast, and we have incredibly big shoes to fill but most of all we’ll miss seeing them at our conferences, meetings, and in our day-to-day activities.
We caught up with each of them to learn more about how they plan to spend their retirement and what some of their favorite AHF and professional memories were.
BARBARA KANE
Barbara is a current member of AHF’s Board of Directors and will complete her leadership term in December of 2022 but retired from her role with Ecolab in March of 2021. She spent 33 years in the healthcare foodservice industry. Barbara has been with AHF for 18 years, having been involved in its two legacy associations.
What will you miss most about AHF?
The People! AHF is a family and the friendships I have built here will stay with me for the rest of my life. It is what makes AHF so special.
Favorite AHF Conference Attended?
Dallas in 2016 – Between the lip sync competition and the awesome band the last night I had such a great time!
Favorite AHF memory?
Being in a restaurant with the original “6 pack” (3 from HFM and 3 from ASHFSA) to discuss merging these 2 great groups to become what is AHF today. I’ll never forget Bruce Thomas came up with the name Association for Healthcare Foodservice on a napkin. I was very proud to be chosen as 1 of 2 business partners to represent each of the legacy associations, and to see how far we have come.
Greatest professional accomplishment?
I am a huge supporter of women in the foodservice industry. Every time a woman comes to me for advice or guidance, and I can share my experiences with them makes me feel as if I have left something behind.
Plans for Retirement?
Giving back to women in business through mentoring and public speaking (but also working on my golf handicap!).
Anything else you want to add?
It is so important for members of AHF to get involved. You must invest some time into this Association to get something back. The friendships and lessons learned can only make you a better foodservice professional!
PAUL CHILDERS
Paul will fully retire from his position with US Foods in the summer of 2021 following a 47-year career in the healthcare foodservice industry. He has been a member of AHF since its inception, but more than that he joined ASHFSA (one of AHF’s founding associations) in 1984!
What will you miss most about AHF?
The relationships with our supplier partners that have become lifetime friends. Folks like Linda Cole, Mark Lewandowski, Kathy Wilson Gold that are just solid individuals that can identify with you and are there to support you whatever the situation. I will miss key customers that I have known as a foodservice director, sales representative, and other roles I have had in my career. They have become more than customers. You become a part of their lives and they a part of yours.
Favorite AHF Conference Attended?
I don’t have a single conference that I would say is my favorite. Each year is different, and I have had different experiences so that makes each of them special.
Favorite AHF memory?
I always enjoy the awards night especially the John Cabot award winners. John was my boss for many years, and I had tremendous respect for him and the way he handled the business and most importantly the customers. When I see the award winner announced and go on stage, I know that the recipient has shown the commitment to be the best at what they do and how they treat others. I enjoy the Expo as it gives our company the opportunity to thank our customers and interact with them in ways we can’t every day. The party is not too shabby either, it is always fun.
Greatest professional accomplishment?
I think my greatest accomplishment has been my ability to mentor foodservice individuals and help them grow into roles of increasing responsibilities. I have won many awards, but I think that people development is my greatest accomplishment.
Plans for Retirement?
I love the game of golf, so I plan to play a lot of rounds. My wife (Ann) and I love international travel and will resume once things open again. Most of all, time with my grandboys is at the top of the list.
Anything else you want to add?
I would say I have had an awesome career and would tell folks that are new to the industry or just beginning their journey, keep people first and everything else will take care of itself. They are the most valuable resource you have; your success is tied to theirs. Lastly, remember it is food, and food is fun. Have fun along the way.
LINDA COLE
Linda retired from her position with J&J Snack Foods at the end of March. She started the Healthcare Division for J&J Snack Foods in 2007. She has worked in the foodservice industry for over 30 years and has been a member of AHF since its inception and was a member of ASHFSA and HFM before they merged. She never missed a single AHF conference.
What will you miss most about AHF?
I will miss the people the most. I've made so many great friendships.
Favorite AHF Conference Attended?
I've loved all AHF Conferences, but my favorite would probably be Salt Lake City in 2015 and Dallas in 2016.
Favorite AHF memory?
Dallas feeding the homeless and the PB&J event.
Greatest professional accomplishment?
Always beating sales goals, mentoring fellow coworkers, and coming up with new ideas to help our mutual customers.
Plans for Retirement?
Lots! I'm taking my sweet mama to see all her brothers and sisters. She will turn 85 in June and she still has 6 living. Mom & I leave next Wednesday to start our journey. I love to garden and want to get my Master Garden Degree. I am taking piano lessons with my granddaughter. I want to do volunteer work for Meals on Wheels. My husband has been retired for 3 years and we want to spend more time with our grandkids and start taking trips when it's safe.
Anything else you want to add?
It's been such a pleasure working with the AHF staff, Industry and Business Partners throughout the years. It's been a pleasure serving on several committees and serving on the Industry Advisory Board. I am truly blessed to have made so many friends and to have had a career I've enjoyed.