The Association For Healthcare Foodservice Announces Robert Darrah, CDM, CFPP, CHC As President-Elect
Longtime Advocate for Self-Op Healthcare & Senior Dining Begins New Term In January 2022
Arlington, VA – May 3, 2021 – The Association for Healthcare Foodservice (AHF) today announced Robert Darrah as President-Elect of the Board of Directors. His term as President-Elect begins on January 1, 2022; his term as President will begin on January 1, 2023. Darrah is the Director of Dining Services for Legacy Retirement Communities in Lincoln, Nebraska and has been serving on the Board of Directors for the past ten years. Darrah is a longtime supporter of the Association and advocate for self-operated foodservice.
“Robert has been a pivotal member of the community and a tireless advocate for the healthcare foodservice industry for many years,” said AHF President, Ryan Conklin. “He has served in many leadership positions within the Association and currently serves on the State of the Industry Report development committee as the board liaison.”
“As President, I will ensure self-operated foodservice is regarded as the industry’s best practice and continue to focus on offering high quality education and resources for members. I’m excited to work alongside a team of dedicated professionals and Board, to advance the efforts of self-operators and strengthen relationships with business partner members,” said Darrah.
Board positions are elected by the AHF membership. In addition to Darrah, Thom Pastor, MBA will begin his term as Secretary. Thom is the Food & Event Services Manager at St. Charles Healthcare in Bend, Oregon. Leisa Bryant, MBA, MA, RDN, LD will serve as the Treasurer-Elect. Leisa is the Director of Food & Nutrition Services at University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.
New Directors at Large
- Steve Cerullo, Sr. Director of Foodservice, Geisinger Health System; Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania
- Julie Meddles, MS, RDN, LD, Director of Nutrition Services and Gift Shops, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center; Columbus, Ohio
- Neal Lavender, MHS, PHR, CDM, Executive Director, JPS Health Network; Fort Worth, Texas (Second Term)