This month features Cathy Oberbeck, CDM, CFPP, of the UT ANFP chapter. Cathy has been certified since 2007 and volunteered immediately thereafter. During her 39 years at her facility, she has moved up the ranks, and is now at the latter part of her career, but not slowing down as her department is in the beginning stages of transforming to a room service dining program.
In 2015, Cathy began serving on the ANFP professional development committee and continues to do so as the chair. Prior to this, she served on the program review committee for three years, and most recently has been appointed to the leadership development committee.
The UT ANFP board uses the team approach when it comes to chapter management. While Cathy has been the president in title, as well as newsletter editor, all members of the board contribute to the experience and accomplish all things as a team.
She believes the biggest impact the board has had on the chapter is partnering with Sysco Intermountain, which has allowed for the chapter to offer complimentary registration at two seminars every year since 2012. Attendees can earn up to 14 credits at each seminar. Her hope is with new members coming in, there will be more members who would like to be a part of the board and possibly serve at the national level.
As a member, she has learned a great deal by having met members from all over the country and bonding over same struggles, triumphs, and scenarios. She has found getting involved and networking at conferences to be very enjoyable and has become a better public speaker because of it.
Cathy loves to travel, play golf, treasure hunt at estate sales with her husband of 41 years, and play with her grandchildren.
If you would like to nominate yourself or another volunteer, please email Abigail Solazzo at asolazzo@ANFPonline.org.