WFF names Hattie Hill CEO, president

The Women's Foodservice Forum has named Hattie Hill as its president and chief executive, effective June 1.

Hill, chief executive of the leadership development firm Hattie Hill Enterprises Inc., had served as interim CEO of the foodservice leadership group for the past several months. The position had been open since the September death of Fritzi Woods, who had led the organization for three years. Hill assumed the interim CEO post in December, succeeding the brief tenure of Hala Moddelmog, who took a full-time position in December as president and CEO of the Metro Atlanta Chamber.

In addition, Hill has served on the WFF’s board of directors for six years and as an executive consultant to the board. She also has consulted with such foodservice companies as McDonald's, Frito-Lay, Aramark and Compass. 

“We chose Hattie because of her extensive knowledge of the foodservice industry and her proven track record of creating and leading world-class, customized executive leadership development programs,” said Susan Gambardella, WFF chair, in a statement.

"Hattie shares our passion for preparing a pipeline of talent to increase gender representation in the executive ranks of foodservice companies from 15 percent to 30 percent,” continued Gambardella, who is vice president of the Wendy’s global account team for Atlanta-based Coca-Cola Refreshments. 

Hill said in prepared remarks that she was honored to lead the organization. “As we prepare for the next chapter in the organization's 25-year history, our goal is to help open more doors for the advancement of women and create better equity in the leadership ranks of this $683 billion industry,” she said.

In addition to her work in foodservice and the WFF, Hill has served on the boards of the Federal Reserve, Emory University Goizueta Business School, the Dallas Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau. She is also a best-selling author, and her books include “Smart Choices That Will Change Your Life,” “Smart Women-Smart Choices” and “Connecting to Make a Difference in Your Life.”

The WFF, now based in Dallas, celebrated its 25th anniversary this year.

Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected].
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