GRAPEVINE Texas Leadership of the Women’s Foodservice Forum officially changed hands here Tuesday at the group’s annual business meeting, with Mary O’Broin becoming chair.
O’Broin, vice president of marketing for the Americas at Unilever Foodsolutions, took the gavel from retiring chair Linda Pharr, who will remain as interim president of the WFF. Pharr retired as president and chief operating officer of the Batrus Hollweg human resources consulting firm in 2007.
O’Broin, noting that the WFF was celebrating its 20th year, vowed to offer a new generation of female foodservice leaders as much networking and developmental help as it had offered members over the past two decades.
“To the younger leaders in this room: Know how important your career development is to us,” O’Broin said. “We understand your quest to achieve greatness in your professional and personal lives. Know that the most important thing that WFF does for you is to provide you tools so that you can succeed.
“Our challenge is to continue to find ways – new ways – to bring best-in-class leadership development so you can hone those skills and so you can advance in the jobs in the industry.”
She acknowledged that new foodservice leaders offer a fresh perspective and that existing leaders have an opportunity to capitalize on the “engaged talent” of the younger generation.
“We also know you are a unique generation in the way you learn, communicate, balance life and prioritize work, and also how you contribute to others,” O’Broin said. “WFF will continue to evolve to stay relevant to your needs.”
Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected].
