The Society for Hospitality & Foodservice Management (SHFM), the only association focused on Workplace Hospitality and Amenities in the Foodservice Industry, is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2024 President’s Mentorship Award, President’s Award and the Robert Pacifico Award. These prestigious awards were announced during the 2024 SHFM National Conference. SHFM also presented the previously announced SHFM Directors’ Awards at events throughout the year. This annual tradition allows SHFM to honor industry leaders who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and service to the association and have made significant contributions to the industry as a whole.
The 2024 recipients include the following:
Robert Pacifico Award: Russ Benson, DayOne Hospitality Consulting
The Robert Pacifico Award is given to a deserving Supplier Member in recognition of extended, exemplary and dedicated service to the Society, his or her community, and the corporate foodservice and workplace hospitality industry.
President’s Mentorship Award: Eric Weiss, elite | studio e
The SHFM President’s Mentorship Award is a special recognition given to honor an individual for their career-long mentorship of the SHFM President. This award is intended for special occasions and is intended to highlight the importance and value of long-time relationships. The award recognizes an individual who has consistently served as a mentor, providing personal and professional guidance, and creating a trusted relationship as an experienced advisor.
President’s Award: Amanda Beni, HMG+
Chosen by the SHFM President to honor an individual who has been instrumental in the career of the President, assisted the President throughout his or her term or has served the organization as a whole and dedicated his or her time to betterment of SHFM.
Previously announced Directors’ Awards recipients:
Community Service Award: Mboone Umbima, David Rio Chai & Tea
Given to the SHFM Member that has gone above and beyond to help support the corporate foodservice and workplace hospitality industry, as well as their local community.
Spirit Award: Sandy Lim Edwards, Guckenheimer, and Amy Lewis, Kitchens To Go
Presented to an individual who consistently demonstrates the qualities of loyalty, dedication and enthusiasm for the Society.
Rising Young Professional Award: Brad Silverstein, LifeWorks Restaurant Group
Recognizes an emerging individual who has been a standout among our newest members, supporting the initiatives of the Society through his or her active engagement and participation in SHFM committees and activities. Through his or her actions and career trajectory, this recipient is poised to be a future leader in the corporate foodservice and workplace hospitality industry, as well as the Society.
Leadership Award: Davin Wickstrom, Vivreau Advanced Water Systems
Recognizing an individual whose work on behalf of SHFM and the corporate foodservice and workplace hospitality industry has resulted in the demonstration of outstanding leadership qualities.
Richard Ysmael Distinguished Service Award: Sharon Eliatamby, World Bank Group
Given in memory of Richard Ysmael and reflects how he lived and delivered his philosophy of life in the best and most challenging moments of his career and personal life. Richard was a founding member of the Society, and his dedication, leadership and integrity throughout his career continue to inspire not only the Society’s membership but foodservice professionals in all facets of our industry. This Award recognizes an individual who has been diligent in service to corporate foodservice and workplace hospitality and who has consistently demonstrated the ideals of dedication, integrity, professionalism and leadership to the Society and to which Richard aspired.
Jay B. Silverstein Lifetime Achievement Award: Tony Kaszuba, Tony Kaszuba Foodservice Consulting
The Jay B. Silverstein Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes a lifetime of contributions and service to the corporate foodservice and workplace hospitality industry.
SHFM recognized the Innovation Showcase exhibitors with the most innovative product or service and presentation featuring new and/or future forward ideas.
The winners for the People’s Choice:
• Most innovative or forward-thinking product or service – elite|studio e
• Most sustainable or forward-thinking exhibit – Beyond Meat
The winners for the Best of Show selected by a Juried Panel:
• Most innovative or forward-thinking product or service – Botrista
• Most sustainable or forward-thinking exhibit – Change Please Coffee
