Congratulations to the 2025 ANFP award recipients! ANFP celebrates the critical work they are doing across the country to provide innovative leadership and support the value of the CDM, CFPP credential.
Ambassador Award
Julie Zikmund, MPH, RDN, LRD
The Ambassador Award is dedicated to an industry colleague, such as an administrator or dietitian, who demonstrates continuous commitment to the CDM, CFPP credential through mentoring and support of the nutrition and foodservice department leader within their facility.
Julie Zikmund, MPH, RDN, LRD has over 30 years of work experience in the areas of nutrition and public health. In her professional career, she has worked as a clinical dietitian, a public health dietitian with the WIC and Diabetes Control Programs, as an Extension Agent with the Extension Service, and as a faculty member at the University of North Dakota in the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics. During her 30-year career, Julie has mentored many students from CDM, CFPPs to RDN students. Julie currently serves as Associate Director in the Office of Extended Learning at the University of North Dakota.
Her scope of work involves online learning courses for all types of learners, including the training of CDM, CFPP’s across the nation through University of North Dakota. In her professional career, she has worked in a wide variety of practice settings, but seeing budding students grow into competent professionals has been the most rewarding and impactful part of her career. She has mentored many students and CDM, CFPPs, providing guidance and support that has enabled them to excel in their careers. Her passion for educating others is further demonstrated by her service on the university’s scholarship committee, which awards financial aid to students in need.
She believes in building a legacy for other nutrition professionals to follow. Julie graduated with her bachelor’s degree in dietetics in 1992 from the University of North Dakota and her Master’s degree in Public Health from Tulane University in 2000.
CDM, CFPP Spotlight Award
Maryann Ritzel, CDM, CFPP
The CDM, CFPP Spotlight Award honors a member who has received their chapter’s CDM, CFPP of the Year award or was named as the CDM, CFPP of the Month in Nutrition & Foodservice Edge magazine. This member has proven to a devoted to their chapter as well as to ANFP.
Maryann Ritzel, CDM, CFPP, currently at The Sharon at SouthPark in Charlotte, North Carolina, began her career in senior dining over 30 years ago, starting as a server in independent living dining. Over time, she advanced through various roles within the culinary department, ultimately becoming Culinary Operations Manager. In that role, she became increasingly interested in the healthcare side of dining, which inspired her to return to school and earn the CDM, CFPP.
In her current position, she has helped lead significant changes and improvements in the healthcare dining program. From building a strong, collaborative team to navigating major renovations and introducing new menu ordering technology, Maryann has worked to enhance both the resident and team member experience. She exemplifies excellence, innovation, and leadership in the field of nutrition and foodservice. She continuously elevates dining services, transforming resident experiences and setting new standards in senior living foodservice. Maryann is a mentor and advocate for professional development, investing in her team’s growth and fostering a culture of learning and excellence.
Chapter Volunteer of the Year Award
Felix Jones, CDM, CFPP
The Chapter Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding chapter volunteer who serves as a positive example to others, and whose dedicated service, time, and efforts to the foodservice industry help to advance the mission of ANFP at the state level.
Felix Jones, a CDM, CFPP since 2018, is the Dining and Nutritional Services Manager at Green Acres Health & Rehabilitation in Milledgeville, Georgia. He has over 35 years of successful experience in the foodservice and nutrition field.
Felix has made an impact as a servant leader for ANFP members, their communities and the foodservice industry. Since 2018, he has served as a CDM, CFPP preceptor, mentoring students entering the field. Felix was elected President-Elect of Georgia ANFP in 2020 and served as President in 2022. Under his leadership, the Georgia Chapter received the prestigious Diamond Award in 2023. He has fostered relationships with industry partners to ensure chapter members are provided with unique and beneficial education and networking opportunities. He has also spearheaded several community service projects and has played a pivotal role in working with lawmakers to introduce a bill to recognize the CDM, CFPP in the state of Georgia.
In October 2021 he was named ANFP Volunteer of the Month and in 2023, Felix was honored with the CDM, CFPP of The Year Award from Ethica Health & Retirement. Felix is also a member of the Chapter Leadership Team. He is currently active in the Milledgeville Exchange Club and serves as an Advocate for Domestic Violence. Felix also serves as Chair for the Baldwin County Board of Elections.
Dining Distinction Award
Sally Little, CDM, CFPP
The Dining Distinction Award honors a member who has contributed significantly to the health and well-being of individuals while providing an optimal dining experience, including the nutritional value of food, presentation, the environment in which food is served, and interactions with clients.
Sally Little, CDM, CFPP, is currently the Dietary Manager at the Brudnick Center for Living in Peabody, Massachusetts. With more than 22 years of experience in senior nutrition and foodservice across the North Shore, Sally combines culinary expertise with a deep commitment to resident-centered care.
After earning her degree in culinary arts, Sally went on to achieve her CDM, CFPP credential in 2021. She has since become a leader in IDDSI implementation and dysphagia compliance, advocating for hands-on training to ensure safe and satisfying dining experiences for all.
Sally is known for fostering an open, inclusive, and joyful environment for residents, staff, and families. She leads with compassion and initiative—organizing cooking groups, coordinating large-scale facility events, and designing meaningful recognition programs. Her belief that “healing starts here” is evident in every detail of her work, from nutritious, home-style meals to the personal connections she builds.
Her passion for healthcare and nutrition was inspired by her grandmother Pricilla, now 91, who helped raise her and currently resides in a local nursing home. Sally’s energy, leadership, and unwavering positivity make her a true asset to the field and those she serves.
Horizon Award
Hilda Centeno
The Horizon Award recognizes members who are new to management, and who demonstrate a desire for future growth through initiatives within their facility or community, or local chapter, and display leadership in fostering equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace.
Hilda Centeno is a Child Nutrition Operation Specialist with YES Prep Public Schools where she has a passion for ensuring students receive healthy, nutritious meals. She began her journey as a Lunch Program Monitor, serving and bagging lunches for students. In 2021, during the height of the pandemic, Hilda advanced to the role of Child Nutrition Operations Associate. By May 2023, she assumed her current position, where she helps manage the department by overseeing schedules and supporting lunch program monitors across six YES Prep campuses.
She has taken on the part of training, leading, and growing each person in their role. In addition to her new leadership role, Hilda has helped to facilitate access to necessary technology and equipment to streamline communication with staff to ensure menus meet nutrition requirements. Hilda's dedication to the team speaks to her compassion in wanting to see each team members success and attain new skills and continued growth.
Innovation Award
Rosemary Aho, CDM, CFPP
The Innovation Award recognizes an individual who has enhanced their nutrition and foodservice operations through technology, program development, nutrition, and operations.
Rosemary Aho, CDM, CFPP, is a passionate leader in senior dining and nutrition services, known for blending innovation, heart, and just the right amount of humor. With nearly six years as a CDM, CFPP and over a decade in foodservice, she’s led projects like tablet-based ordering and IDDSI rollouts—all with a resident-first mindset.
Rosemary consistently demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to nutrition and foodservice operations, always seeking out innovative solutions that improve efficiency, enhance the dining experience, and promote wellness. She has a unique ability to integrate technology with program development and financial management in ways that not only streamline operations but also optimize the nutritional value of the meals served.
She currently serves as President-Elect of the Michigan ANFP Chapter and contributes nationally through ANFP and AHF committees. Rosemary is driven by a deep belief that thoughtful foodservice can transform care settings—and that leadership is better when it’s shared, supportive, and a little bold.
Legacy Award
Kristi Salisbury, RD, CDM, CFPP
The Legacy Award recognizes an ANFP member who has been a member for at least 15 years and served three or more years on a national committee/board and attended at least three ANFP regional and/or annual meetings within the last five years.
Kristi Salisbury, RD, CDM, CFPP, has been a member of ANFP for over 40 years and began her career working in her hometown local nursing home as a dishwasher while she attended college. She then moved on to manage foodservice departments in four different healthcare organizations. She also became active in the MN ANFP Chapter and served as the ANFP national chair in 2004-2005. Kristi has also been active with the Certifying Board for Dietary Managers (CBDM) and the Nutrition & Foodservice Education Foundation (NFEF) board along with several other committees and task forces within each organization. She continues to be an integral part of the ongoing exam development process, bringing the consistent perspective of best practices and real-life experiences in facilities to ensure that the CDM, CFPP Credentialing Exam, and as a result, new credential holders, are truly representing all that it stands for.
She has worked in healthcare union environments and assisted organizations with launching, restructuring, or downsizing facilities. She excels in leadership training, enhancing patient, resident and employee satisfaction, and innovative menu planning, all to meet the changing needs of her clients and community. Kristi continues to share her knowledge through professional speaking and mentoring dietary manger students to become future leaders in healthcare foodservice and nutrition positions and was part of the flagship team that developed and facilitated ANFP’s Leadership Institute for many years.Partnership Award
CCL Hospitality Group
The Partnership Award recognizes a company or facility that exhibits a strong commitment to the credential and supports the nutrition and foodservice department leaders as well as staff.
CCL Hospitality Group is a nationwide leader in culinary and support services for community living spaces, encompassing three distinct operating companies – Morrison Living, Unidine and Coreworks. They have demonstrated their commitment to the credential by providing professional development, education, and supporting leadership within the nutrition and foodservice industry. The organization actively supports its nutrition and foodservice department leaders by providing access to ongoing training, certification opportunities, and leadership development programs that align with the CDM, CFPP standards.
CCL Hospitality Group serves the entire continuum of care, offering custom programs tailored to meet clients’ specific needs and budget levels. CCL provides world-class infrastructure and talent and innovation, shaping the industry’s future leaders with a culture of service focused on elevated hospitality offerings for community living residents across the country.
Public Policy Leadership Award
Kim Schofield
The Public Policy Leadership Award recognizes a member or congressperson who has shown strong support for efforts to change/strengthen public policy in the areas of nutrition, food, health care, and public health.
Representative Kim Schofield has served Georgia's 63rd House District since 2017, representing parts of Southeast Atlanta, East Point, College Park, City of South Fulton, Hapeville, and Union City. A strong lupus advocate, she chairs the Georgia Council on Lupus Education and Awareness and was appointed by former Governor Nathan Deal. Rep. Schofield serves as Secretary of the Urban Affairs Committee and is a member of the Health, Industry and Labor, Small Business Development, and Creative Arts & Entertainment committees. She holds degrees in theology and organizational leadership. Her legislative focus includes healthcare access, affordable and housing equity, environmental justice, and workplace equity.
Kim has also worked closely with the GA ANFP chapter leadership to spearhead the bill to have the CDM, CFPP credential recognized in the State of Georgia. She has continually worked with the chapter and her state counterparts to establish the bill, endorse the CDM, CFPP, and stress the importance of having the credential recognized in the state and the foodservice operations facilities of employed credential holders.Student of the Year Award
Arshon Williams
The Student of the Year Award recognizes a current student enrolled in an ANFP dietary managers program who exemplifies dedication, hard work, and commitment to earning the CDM, CFPP credential and pursuing a career in the foodservice industry.Arshon Williams, a current student of the dietary manager’s program at the University of Florida, and Dietary Aide with The Sharon in SouthPark, has demonstrated academic excellence, a commitment to professional growth, and a drive to succeed in the foodservice industry while remaining a hardworking leader within her facility.
Recognizing her potential, Arshon has excelled in her role, showcased leadership qualities, and took on additional responsibilities. As a leader admired by staff, she provides exceptional guidance, fostering teamwork, and ensuring the highest standards in foodservice operations. Her ability to motivate her team, uphold high standards, and continuously seek improvement has not only benefited her organization but has also positioned her as a role model for aspiring foodservice professionals and a future leader in the field.
Diamond Award
Texas ANFP
The coveted Diamond Award recognizes one ANFP state chapter per year that exemplifies dedication to members through chapter initiatives and enthusiastic leadership.
This year’s Diamond Award winner, Texas (TX) ANFP, focused on providing items for children without a place to sleep or bedding of their own.
Without a bed to sleep on, those affected by furniture poverty are left with a poor night's sleep, making it difficult to live, study, and work. Many of these kids have had to sleep on cold floors, mats, couches and worn-out mattresses.
Poor sleep or lack thereof can have a direct impact on one’s health, well-being, and overall quality of life. A bed provides a safe and comfortable place for rest, which is essential for physical and mental health. This chapter raised $1,850 to purchase new twin bed sets, which included a frame, box spring, and mattress for 10 children. Additionally, many hours were spent crocheting individual blankets by one of their own chapter members.
The chapter donated these blankets and bed sets to provide security and comfort to the recipient children as well as a sense of stability and a good night’s sleep.
Congratulations, Texas ANFP!