ANFP Recognizes 2015 Award Winners at Annual Conference
Contact Information
Brad Rysz
Association of Nutrition & Foodservice Professionals
Communications & Marketing Manager
brysz@ANFPonline.org
Phone: 800.323.1908 x126
St. Charles, IL - The Association of Nutrition & Foodservice Professionals (ANFP) recently presented awards to several individuals and corporate partners that demonstrate the highest level of dedication to the association and the foodservice industry. The honors were awarded during ANFP’s Annual Conference & Expo (ACE), which took place August 2-5 in Orlando, FL. The ANFP Awards Program celebrates foodservice industry innovators, and applauds individuals who advance and support Certified Dietary Managers and the CDM credential. The following awards were announced at ACE:
Diamond Award
The coveted Diamond Award recognizes one ANFP state chapter per year that exemplifies dedication to members through chapter initiatives and enthusiastic leadership. This year, the Diamond Award was presented to Kansas ANFP. Kansas ANFP held a food drive mirroring the popular Hunger Games book series, volunteers in each area of the state (known as a district) competed in the challenge and partnered with allied associations to raise awareness and collect donations. The chapter’s promotion through newspapers, Facebook, and emails led to members of the community becoming a part of the successful effort. In the end, over 28,000 items were donated to local food pantries! 2014-2015 State President Lisa Votapka, CDM, CFPP, accepted the award on behalf of the chapter.
CDM of the Year
Felicia Smith, CDM, CFPP, recently won the 2015 Wyoming Chapter’s CDM of the Year award because of her dedication to ANFP and the industry. Since becoming a member of ANFP in 2008, she has served in multiple volunteer positions at the state level, graduated from Leadership Institute, and attends as many ANFP events as possible. Additionally, her hospital’s CEO states that she “continually works to standardize her department, improve customer service and provide a better dining experience for her patients.” Felicia works for Memorial Hospital of Converse County in Orin, WY.
Institute Alumni LEAD Award
The ANFP Leadership Institute is a multiday networking and education workshop that focuses on shifting from manager to leader. Kim Kyle, CDM, CFPP, continues the four pillars of leading change, leading people, leading strategically, and leading collaboratively, which is why she deserved the Institute Alumni LEAD Award for 2015. She attended the conference in 2012, and since then, Kim has become inspired to continue learning and help others to become leaders. Kim works for Creative Solutions in Healthcare in Collinsville, TX.
Legacy Award
The Legacy Award recognizes commitment to ANFP through volunteer participation as well as event attendance at annual conferences, regional meetings, and chapter programs. Barbara Thomsen, CDM, CFPP, is dedicated to the CDM and the organization; she has volunteered countless hours on the Certifying Board for Dietary Managers, Legislative Committee, Professional Development Committee, and the Iowa Chapter Board. Members and staff always look forward to her presence onsite at events. Barbara exemplifies ANFP leadership. Barbara works for Reliable RD Consulting in Norwalk, IA.
Model of Commitment Leadership Award
As CEO of Carolina Nutrition Consultants, Inc. in Columbia, SC, Edna Cox-Rice, RD, CSG, LDN, has been a consistent supporter of the CDM for many years by providing quality speakers on clinical charting, culture change, food safety and sanitation, budget management, and exam reviews. She is also a strong supporter of the certification program in state institutions and has recently worked with the local chapter to restore the classroom settings for these programs. Her unwavering commitment to the CDM is unparalleled.
Excellence in Dining Award
Zlatko Jancic, MAEd, CDM, CFPP, sees the dining experience as more than just “eating.” At his facility, Bryan Medical Center in Lincoln, NE, Zlatko has made many upgrades during his time as Director of Nutrition and Dining Services including: increasing frontline team members’ engagement (along with customer service education), regular interviews and surveys on customer satisfaction, and enhancing the quality and presentation of food, to name a few. This has resulted in increased sales, more budget dedicated to department initiatives, hiring additional staff positions, and more positive feedback from customers and team members.
Embrace Diversity Award
Mary Hanna, CDM, CFPP, at Maravilla Care Center in Phoenix, AZ demonstrates the spirit of this award through daily leadership while fostering equality and inclusion. Through her local partnerships, Mary now has a team of diverse employees including those with special needs, first generation Americans, disadvantaged youth, former gang members, and individuals from the LGBTQ community. Her priorities of outreach and mentorship have improved many lives and allow her nutrition and dining services department to better serve patients and the area.
Public Policy Leadership Award
As the first co-sponsor of the 2015 Safe Food for Seniors bill, US Representative Lynn Jenkins (Kansas – 2nd district) continues to work with ANFP advocates. She is currently working to gain approval for the bill from the House Ways and Means Committee for sponsorship; it can then be reintroduced to Congress. Rep. Jenkins always opens her door in Kansas and in Washington, DC, to ANFP staff and volunteers to discuss this important issue involving the elderly population.
Congratulations to ANFP’s 2015 award winners!
Click below to download a printable flyer with the information on this page.