LAS VEGAS The Women’s Foodservice Forum recognized the outstanding performance and achievement of six foodservice industry executives at the 2010 WFF Annual Leadership Development conference this week.
This year’s award winners were honored during the organization’s annual conference, which is taking place April 6-9 at the MGM Grand hotel in Las Vegas.
Ilisha Cooper, 2010 chair of the conference event planning committee, and an executive at Ecolab, welcomed attendees to this year’s conference that included keynote presentations from recording artist and restaurateur Gladys Knight and McDonald’s Corp. executive vice president, general counsel and secretary Gloria Santona.
The WFF also announced this week that it would be move its headquarters on May 1 from Minneapolis to Dallas, where a location has been offered by casual-dining company Brinker International Inc.
See the WFF photo gallery of conference events at the group’s website.
Speaking on the award winners, WFF chair Mary O’Broin said, “These members and organizations embody the spirit of the WFF. The awards recognize their accomplishments, contributions and continued support of elevating women leaders.”
Award recipients included:
- Kraft Foods, winner of the Jackie B. Trujillo SOAR award, which recognized the company’s commitment to strengthening global diversity.
- Sarah Palisi Chapin, chief executive of Hail Merry Snack Foods, was winner of the Entrepreneur award. The WFF cited her exceptional leadership qualities.
- Mindy Rich, vice chairman of Rich Products Corp., received the Trailblazer award for her dedication to improving the industry through support of gender diversity.
- Joyce Mazero, partner and leader of the Haynes and Boone Restaurant and Retail Industries, received the Leadership award for demonstrating exceptional leadership qualities at her firm and in the industry at large.
- Cindy Novak, president of the Communication Leadership Network, was honored with the Volunteer of the Year award for exceptional work and support of the WFF.
- Doug Barber, chief operating officer and executive vice president of Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, received the Outstanding Board Service award for his strong commitment to the WFF, its mission and vision toward elevating women leaders.
Contact Elissa Elan at [email protected].