Top Women in Metro New York Foodservice & Hospitality 2020

Antoinette Bruno  •  Star Chefs  •  Brooklyn, NY

Alison Cody  •  MAFSI  •  Atlanta, GA

Gladys DiStefano  •  FBAA  •  New York NY

Jenny Dorsey  •  Studio ATAO  •  New York NY

Randi Shubin Dresner  •  Island Harvest Food Bank  •  Mineola, NY

Nancy Easton  •  Wellness in the Schools • New York, NY

Elizabeth Falkner • Women Chefs & Restaurateurs, New York, NY

Celebrity chef and pastry pioneer Elizabeth Falkner left San Francisco and made New York her home just seven years ago. She put her mark on the restaurant scene there with Citizen Cake, Orson, and Citizen Cupcake. She frequently appears as a competitor and sometimes a judge on many of the cooking competitions on The Food Network’s “The Next Iron Chef, Super Chefs”, and “The Next Iron Chef, Redemption”, “Chopped All Stars”, “Top Chef, Canada”, “Food Network Challenge”, and Bravo’s “Top Chef Masters”, “Top Chef”, “Top Chef: Just Desserts”. In addition to recipe development and consulting, cookbook author, she is the president of Women Chefs and Restaurateurs, a trade organization that advances the voice of women across the culinary industry through education, promotion, connection and inspiration. She is also a member of City Harvest’s Food Council, a group of top chefs and culinary experts who are dedicated to spreading awareness of the organization’s mission.

Melissa Fleischut  •  NYSRA  •  Albany, NY

Sharon Franke  •  Les Dames d’Escoffier New York  •  New York, NY

Therese Gearhart  •  Women’s Foodservice Forum  •  Dallas, TX

Marilou Halvorsen  •  NJRHA  •  Trenton, NJ

Rhadia Hursey  •  New York Women’s Culinary Alliance  •  New York, NY

Saru Jayaraman  •  ROC  •  Oakland, CA

Sonali Jhurani  •  New York City Hospitality Alliance  •  New York, NY

Eliza Loehr  •  Food Education Fund • New York, NY

Laura Luciano  •  Slow Food East End  •  East Hampton, NY

Peggy Neu  •  Meatless Monday Campaigns  •  New York, NY

Ariel Palitz  •  NYC Office of Nightlife • New York, NY

Ariel Palitz’s eyes lit up when she saw the job posting in 2017 for New York City’s new position of Nightlife Mayor. The self-described “nocturnal” dynamo has taken the City by storm as she has created and guides the Office of Nightlife. As a former nightclub and bar owner, she brings a truly unique perspective to her position. From town hall meetings in each of the boroughs to seminars at Javits trade shows, Ariel Palitz has worked non-stop to support the needs of the City’s nightlife operator and at the same time, worked closely with the communities that they call home.

Beth Shapiro  •  Citymeals-on-Wheels  •  New York, NY

Jilly Stephens  •  City Harvest  •  New York, NY

Katherine Taveras  • Food Education Fund • New York, NY

Jennifer Cantin  •  Lessings Hospitality  •  Great River, NY

Rosemary Citrano Gabbe  •  The Fruited Plain Caterers  •  Parsippany, NJ

Adrienne Correale  •  Elegant Affairs  •  Glen Cove, NY

Erin Finley  •  Sydney’s “Taylor Made” Cuisine  •  Westhampton Beach, NY

Abigail Kirsch  •  Abigail Kirsch  •  Briarcliff Manor, NY

Kathy Lejarraga  •  artquest catering  •  San Diego, CA

Christine Marcus • Alchemista  •  Boston, MA / New York, NY

Alchemista was founded by MIT Sloan grad Christine Marcus in 2012 as a way to allow employers to remain competitive in the search and retention of top talent by providing unique food and curated brand experiences that enrich workplace culture. Alchemista serves over 35,000 meals/month with an average order size of 120 people, allowing companies to compete with the “Google-esque” perks doled out by competitors for the same talent. From the beginning, Marcus has ensured that Alchemista revolutionized the world of complicated meal delivery by offering flat-rate pricing, client attendants, hospitality-minded service, meal variety, and food service attractively presented with Alchemista’s signature style.

Liz Neumark  •  Great Performances  •  New York, NY

Lidia Bastianich  •  B&B Hospitality  •  New York, NY

Camille Becerra  •  Becerra Enterprises  •  New York, NY

Emma Bengtsson  •  Aquavit  •  New York, NY

Chrissie Bennett  •  Winged Foot Golf Club  •  Mamaroneck, NY

Victoria Blamey  •  Gotham Bar and Grill  •  New York, NY

Anna Bolz  •  Per Se  •  New York, NY

Francesca Chaney  •  Sol Sips  •  Brooklyn, NY

Esther Choi  •  Mokbar  •  New York, NY

Esther Choi is a chef and restaurateur whose heart beats for the Korean food she grew up cooking with her beloved family. Classically trained and a product of the NYC restaurant world, Esther’s beginnings in the culinary industry go back to when she was fourteen years old. She grew up cooking traditional Korean food with her Korean-native grandmother. She was always keenly aware of her Korean heritage. That awareness morphed into immersion when her family moved to Korea for three years, because her parents wanted to ensure that their children would cherish Korean culture. Esther enthusiastically embraced her parents’ goal – her mission today is to broaden New Yorkers’ understanding and appreciation of Korean culture through her food. Her formal training as a chef began at Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), continuing in the kitchens of ilili and La Esquina, as well as that of the Food Network.

Gillian Clark  •  Bagock Chicken & Doughnuts  •  Brooklyn, NY

Amanda Cohen  •  Dirt Candy  •  New York, NY

Jenna Cuccia  •  17 Summer Restaurant  •  Lodi, NJ

Dianna Daoheung  •  Black Seed Bagels  •  New York, NY

Lauren DeSteno  •  Marea  •  New York, NY

Corrie Dietrich  •  Oakland’s Restaurant and Marina  •  Hampton Bays, NY

Ariane Duarte  •  Ariane Kitchen & Bar  •  Verona, NJ

Allison Fasano  •  Salt and Sea Bistro  •  Jamesport, NY

Fany Gerson  •  la Newyorkina  •  New York, NY

Alex Guarnaschelli  •  Food Network  •  New York, NY

Gabrielle Hamilton  •  Prune  •  New York, NY

Emily Hyland  •  Emmy Squared  •  Brooklyn, NY

Zoe Kanan  •  Simon and the Whale, Studio  •  New York, NY

Sohui Kim  •  Insa  •  Brooklyn, NY

Gloria La Grassa  •  Pluckemin Inn  •  Bedminster, NJ

Sarabeth Levine  •  Sarabeth’s  •  New York, NY

Maria Loi  •  Loi Estiatorio  •  New York, NY

Angie Mar  •  The Beatrice Inn  •  New York, NY

Katie McAllister  •  Winged Foot Golf Club  •  Mamaroneck, NY

Mina Newman  •  Sen Sakana  •  New York, NY

Tracy Obolsky  •  Rockaway Beach Bakery  •  Rockaway Beach, NY

Michelle Puyane  •  Chalait  •  New York, NY

Alex Raij  •  El Quinto Pino/Txikito • New York, NY

Ann Redding  •  Uncle Boons  •  New York, NY

Missy Robbins  •  Lilia / Misi  •  New York, NY

Melissa Rodriguez  •  Del Posto  •  New York, NY

Laetitia Rouabah  •  Benoit  •  New York, NY

Nicole Russell  •  Last Dragon Pizza  •  Arverne, NY

Sicily Sewell Johnson  •  Colors  •  New York, NY

Sicily Sewell Johnson is re-opening Colors on Stanton Street on the Lower East Side. The restaurant will remain a training facility such as the one opened after September 11 with the surviving Windows on the World staff, but she plans to create a more soulful and relaxing dining experience. Well known as an actress starring in One on One and How Stella Got Her Groove Back, she traded in her Hollywood digs for culinary school and new career. She was a part of the LaCocinaSF.org and found it was an amazing incubator that helped her build a fail-safe business. “I love the gift of hospitality and community,” she said.

Rita Sodi  •  I Sodi / Via Carota  •  New York, NY

Daniela Soto-Innes  •  Cosme  •  New York, NY

Naama Tamir  •  Lighthouse Restaurant • New York, NY

Diana Tandia  •  Berber Street Food  •  New York, NY

Christina Tosi  •  Milk Bar  •  New York, NY

Jody Williams  •  Buvette / Via Carota  •  New York, NY

Lily Braswell  •  Winged Foot Golf Club  •  Mamaroneck, NY

Lily Braswell is the Club House Manager for the nearly 100 year-old Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, NY, with the first round of golf played in 1923. Winged Foot has a history of hosting national championships golf and is getting set to host the U.S. Open in 2020. Lily Braswell brings her special touch to the Winged Foot club. She has been in the hospitality industry for the past 15 years. Lily moved from her native Peru to New York to attend The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Hyde Park, NY. Upon graduation, Lily was hired as a Teacher’s Assistant at the Caterina Di Medici Restaurant at the CIA. Before joining Winged Food Golf Club, she learned the ins and outs of private club dynamics at the Coveleigh Club as the Food and Beverage Manager.

Dana Cancellaro  •  The Village Club of Sands Point  •  Sands Point, NY

Carolyn Kepcher  •  The Redding Country Club  •  Redding, CT

Lori Sahagian  •  Bronxville Field Club  •  Bronxville, NY

Iwona Sterk  •  Old Oaks Country Club  •  Purchase, NY

Iwona Sterk has forged a reputation as one of Metro New York’s and the nation’s leading club managers. Since 2016, she has served as the General Manager of Westchester’s Old Oaks Country Club. She is recognized as a motivator and relationship-builder, with strong organization skills, great work ethic, and commitment to excellence. Prior to Old Oaks, she served as the GM at Elmwood Country Club in White Plains. Iwona Sterk has operated restaurants at the Doral Arrowwood hotel conference center, Hotel Macklowe, and Hilton International’s Vista International Hotel at the World Trade Center. Among Sterk’s innovative approaches to her jobs have been her ability to create unique solutions. She has never forgotten her roots in her native Poland. So for a number of years, she recruited staff in that country.

Davina Weinstein  •  The Harmonie Club  •  New York, NY

Beth Bunster  •  Whitson’s  •  Islandia, NY

Beth Bunster started in accounting when Whitsons was very small, in the family-owned business that was founded in 1979 by Elmer Whitcomb. Today, as CFO, she’s proud of the very talented leaders who make Whitsons successful. Whitsons Culinary Group provides dining services to consumers and public and private organizations throughout the Northeast. Services include school nutrition, residential and healthcare dining, prepared meals, and emergency dining; ranging in scope from consulting services to complete, onsite turnkey solutions. As one of the top 20 largest dining service providers in the U.S., they lead the industry with their customized services, innovative programs, commitment to quality, focus on nutrition, local sourcing and community support.

Lisa Dimoulas  •  Neuberger Berman  •  New York, NY

Joanna Dissin  •  Jones Lang LaSalle  •  Haddon Township, NJ

Amelia Ekus  •  Guckenheimer  •  New York, NY

Amelia Ekus has been surrounded by culinarians and hospitalitarians since birth! She grew up in Hatfield MA, in a house constantly hosting both social and charity dinners, filled with cookbook authors, chefs, and restaurateurs. Those influences shaped her professional view. While working as a manager at dell’anima and L’Artusi she demonstrated a vision toward philanthropic and environmentally sound practices, and created the position of Director of Community Development for the restaurant management company, Epicurean Management. Amelia also worked the service floor and managed Jonathan Waxman’s Barbuto.  Amelia’s pursuit of the creative then brought her to Twitter where she began as General Manager for Guckenheimer. She reveled in the unique opportunity to test out concepts in an environment that values innovation through experimentation. She then developed the role into Senior Food Service Director prior to taking on the role of Area Manager in the NYC Region. She is a member of the New York Women’s Culinary Alliance, the James Beard Greens and was named one of Eater’s 2017 Young Guns.

Elizabeth Franks   •  ACFLI  •  Holtsville,NY

Kelly Ann Friend  •  Whitsons Culinary Group  •  Islandia, NY

Amy Greenberg  •  Citibank  •  New York, NY

Sara Keller • Cushman & Wakefield • New York, NY

Kim Lawrence  •  Flik Hospitality Group  •  New York, NY

Ann McNally  •  Sodexo, Inc.  •  Brick, NJ

Carolyn Milea  •  New York University • New York, NY

Sally Saltzbart Minier  •  Jane Street Capital  •  New York, NY

Wendy Powell  •  Savory  •  New York, NY

Victoria Vega  •  Unidine Corp  •  Boston, MA

Donna Wang  •  FLIK Hospitality Group  •  Rye Brook, NY

Abby Weber  •  Nike  •  New York, NY

Emily Wunder  •  Eurest – Compass Group  •  Nutley, NJ

Pamela Zimmerman  •  American Express  •  New York, NY

Nicole Bonica  •  NYC Schools  •  New York, NY

Lonnie Burt  •  Hartford Schools  •  Hartford, CT

Susan Callahan  •  University of Maryland Eastern Shore  •  Rockville, MD

Vicki Dunn  •  Columbia University Dining  •  New York, NY

Karen Goodlad  •  NYC College of Technology  •  Brooklyn, NY

Nicole Langone Scarangello  •  NYC Dept of Education SchoolFood  •  New York, NY

Jennifer Martin  •  New York State Schools  •  Albany, NY

Marion Nestle  •  NYU  •  New York, NY

Peggy Policastro  •  NJ Institute for Food, Nutrition, and Health  •  New Brunswick, NJ

Arlene Sailhac  •  Foodophiles  •  New York, NY

Elizabeth Schaible  •  NYC College Of Technology  •  Brooklyn, NY

Elizabeth Schaible attended University of Kentucky and possesses an undergraduate degree in business administration. She went on to obtain an additional degree in hospitality management from New York City College of Technology, and received a Masters of Science from Rochester Institute of Technology with a concentration in service management. Now known as Professor Schaible, she teaches culinary arts, purchasing, dining room management and marketing at City Tech. Schaible has an extensive background in culinary and hospitality management roles, counting her position as a private chef to the editor of Rolling Stone magazine among them. In addition, she serves on the National Advisory Board of Spoons Across America, and is a member of Les Dames d’Escoffier. Professor Schaible is the department chair of the Hospitality Management Department, and has researched topics such as the historical study of tearoom management schools in early 20th century New York City.

Gail Sharry  •  New Haven Schools  •  New Haven, CT

Jennifer Zeligson  •  Jersey City Public Schools  •  Jersey City, NJ

Alba Aviles  •  James J Peters VA Medical Center  •  Bronx, NY

Judith Batashoff  •  Highfield Gardens Care Center  •  Bayside, NY

Dawn Cascio  •  Valley Hospital  •  Ridgewood, NJ

Andria Coleman  •  New York Presbyterian  •  New York, NY

Andria Coleman is the Food and Nutrition Operations Manager at New York-Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital.  She is a registered dietitian with knowledge and experience in both clinical nutrition and food service operations. She currently serves as the president of the New York chapter of the Association for Healthcare Foodservice (AHF-NY). With her guidance AHF-NY has expanded its platform for professionals to use for the promotion, growth and development of nutrition and food service. Her focus on AHF-NY’s chapter creates mentoring opportunities to facilitate the sharing of knowledge and experience with the next generation of healthcare foodservice professionals.

Marsha Diamond  •  Diamond Approach • Marlboro, NJ

Maura Dillon-Krug  •  St. Francis Hospital & The Heart Center  •  Mineola, NY

Heather Duffy  •  JFK Medical Center  •  Edison, NJ

Marvo Forde  •  Maimonides Medical Center  •  Laurelton, NY

Stephanie Giraulo  •  St. Charles Hospital  •  Port Jefferson, NY

Dr. Carol Letzter  •  Textured Food Innovations  •  Carle Place, NY

Veronica McLymont  •  Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center  •  New York, NY

Angela O’Neil  •  Hunterdon Medical Center  •  Flemington, NJ

Doris V. O’Neil  •  Golden Gate Rehab & Health Care Center  •  Trenton, NJ

Tatanisha Peets  •  Memorial Sloan Kettering  •  New York, NY

Tatanisha Peets has touched many lives. As part of the food and nutrition team at Memorial Sloan Kettering she has been essential in integrating the latest nutrition research into the patient experience.  Her team has reframed how registered dietitians coordinate with doctors that are especially specific for cancer treatment that patients are receiving. Peets’ career has included an invitation to speak at the United Nations on nutritional issues in developing nations. The Muhlenberg College graduate is also known for her expertise in Nutrition-related side effects during and after treatment and safe food handling and preparation. She also is committed to giving back to her industry with her involvement with AHF-New York. Peets chairs the organizations’ mentorship program as well.

Mimi Wang  •  VA Hospital  •  Brooklyn , NY

Laura Burton  •  JW Marriott Essex House  •  New York, NY

Angela Dimayuga  •  Standard International Hotel  •  New York, NY

Sara Nolan  •  MCR  •  New York, NY

Jennifer Baum  •  Bullfrog & Baum  •  New York, NY

Shari Bayer  •  Bayer PR  •  New York, NY

Shari Bayer has over 25 years of experience in “the industry.” She founded Bayer Public Relations, a NYC-based culinary/hospitality PR agency, in 2003; and her podcast, All in the Industry on Heritage Radio Network, in 2014. Shari’s media/production company, All in the Industry®, is presenting H.O.S.T. SUMMIT + SOCIAL, an all-day conference for, and about, the hospitality industry (1/27/20, NYC). Shari is a past-president of the NYWCA; member of Les Dames d’Escoffier NY, and the James Beard Foundation; and inductee in Heritage Radio Network’s Hall of Fame. A Miami native, Shari earned a BA from The University of Michigan, and Culinary Certificate from the Cooking Academy of Chicago. She is a contributing writer for Fathom, and a fearless solo diner/traveler.

Francine Cohen  •  Insidefandb.com  •  New York, NY

Diana DeLucia  •  Golf Kitchen  •  Stamford, CT

Kerry Diamond  •  Cherry Bombe  •  New York, NY

Linda Kavanagh  •  MaxEx Public Relations  •  Stamford, CT

Ellie Krieger  •  Ellie’s Real Good Food  •  New York, NY

Rachel Litner  •  Lotus 823  •  Eatontown, NJ

Lisa Lewin  •  CT Bites  •  New Haven, CT

Nancy Mamana  •  NYC & CO  •  New York, NY

Julia Moskin  •  New York Times  •  New York, NY

Sara Moulton  •  Sara’s Weeknight Meals  •  New York, NY

Karen Page  •  James Beard Award-Winning Author  •  New York, NY

Louise Pollock  •  Pollock Comunications  •  New York, NY

Joanna Pruess  •  Book Author  •  New York, NY

Janette Roush  •  NYC & CO  •  New York, NY

Karen Schloss  •  diaz • schloss communications  •  Montclair, NJ

Karen Stabiner  •  Generation Chef  •  New York, NY

Andrea Tencza  •  Clarion UX  •  Trumbull, CT

Regina Varolli  •  CulEpi  •  New York, NY

Holly Von Seggern  •  HRV Marketing & Communications  •  Islandia, NY

Stephanie Webster  •  CT Bites  •  Fairfield, CT

Korsha Wilson  •  Heritage Radio  •  Brooklyn, NY

Melanie Young  •  The Connected Table  •  New York, NY

Melanie Young co -hosts two national radio shows: The Connected Table Live, featuring conversations with global thought leaders in wine, spirits, food and hospitality, and Fearless Fabulous You, addressing topics for and about women (both iHeart Radio). Her published articles appear in Wine4Food, The Epoch Times, Wine Enthusiast, Seven Fifty Daily, Santé Magazine and Jewish Week. For 20 years Melanie ran an eponymous culinary marketing agency, working with international wine, food and hospitality organizations, media companies and non-profits. She launched and managed New York Restaurant Week and served as director of The James Beard Foundation Awards, which she helped create. She is a member of Les Dames d’Escoffier and New York Women’s Culinary Alliance.

Giorgia Caporuscio  •  Keste Pizza  •  New York, NY

Elizabeth Chrystal  •  Momofuku Restaurant Group  •  New York, NY

Lena Ciardullo  •  Union Square Hospitality Group  •  New York, NY

Dawn Clark  •  Nordstrom  •  Seattle, WA

Jeanne Cretella  •  Landmark Hospitality  •  Jersey City, NJ

Georgette Farkas  • Rotisserie Georgette  •  New York, NY

Georgette Farkas and Rôtisserie Georgette have been recognized with a “Restaurateur of the Year” award from the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, a Wine Spectator “Award of Excellence” and a Women Chefs & Restaurateurs “Golden Fork Award” for excellent service. She learned her trade working at some of the world’s finest hotels, restaurants and with some of the world’s great Chefs including Roger Vergé, Alain Ducasse and Daniel Boulud. She studied European history at Harvard, attended the Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne, trained at the Hotel de Paris in Monaco, Hotel Richmond in Geneva, and Hotel de Crillon in Paris. Her first exposure to culinary communications came as assistant producer for Chef Pierre Franey’s 26-episode PBS “Cooking in France” television series. During her tenure as the Public Relations and Marketing Director for Daniel Boulud, she was one of a small group of executives who helped to extend Boulud’s Dinex Group to 14 venues.

Vicki Freeman  •  Cookshop/Rosie’s/Shuka  •  New York, NY

Lois Friedman  •  Jean Georges Restaurant Group  •  New York, NY

Mary Garvin  •  Union Square Hospitality Group  •  New York, NY

Cheryl Grabowski  •  Harvest Restaurant Group  •  Morris Plains, NJ

Yusi Guerrera  •  Citarella  •  New York, NY

Sueyoung Jo  •  Eleven Madison Park  •  New York, NY

Donna Lennard  •  il Buco  •  New York, NY

Lili Lynton  •  Dinex Group  •  New York, NY

Laura Maniec Fiorvanti  •  Corkbuzz Wine Studio • New York, NY

Marguerite Mariscal  •  Momofuku Restaurant Group  •  New York, NY

Taniedra McFadden  •  Sylvia’s Restaurant  •  New York, NY

Ivy Mix  •  Leyenda  •  Brooklyn, NY

Erin Moran  •  Union Square Hospitality Group  •  New York, NY

Mandy Oser  •  Ardesia Wine Bar  •  New York, NY

Cai Pandolfino  •  Green & Tonic  •  Greenwich, CT

Maricel Presilla  •  Cucharamama / Zafra  •  Hoboken, NJ

Jennifer Rackoff   •  Fourth Wall Restaurant  •  New York, NY

Julie Rose  •  Sweet Hospitality Group  •  New York, NY

Nicki Russ  •  Russ & Daughters  •  New York, NY

Samantha Safer  •  Otway  •  Brooklyn, NY

Gia SanAngelo  •  Untitled at the Whitney  •  New York, NY

Sarah Ashley Schiear  •  Sarah Ashley  •  New York, NY

Neesha Seervai  •  Apple-Metro, Inc.  •  Harrison, NY

Jody Storch  •  Peter Luger Steakhouse  •  Brooklyn, NY

Eden Tesfamariam  •  Stella Hospitality  •  New York, NY

Kristen Tomlan  •  DO  •  New York, NY

Jillian Vose  •  Dead Rabbit  •  New York, NY

Melba Wilson  •  Melba’s  •  New York, NY

On any given day, you can find Melba Wilson greeting guests with hugs, her trademark smile and inquiring of her customers as to whether there is anything she can do to enhance their dining experience. After all, dining at Melba’s is like coming home for dinner, whenever you’re away from home. She has received numerous accolades and awards for her entrepreneurship and her original and family recipes. She won on an episode of the Food Network’s Throwdown with Bobby Flay, was featured on The View, and appears regularly on television. Melba has always been about giving back. Whether it’s her local community or the restaurant industry, she unselfishly gives of her time. From the launch of the New York City Hospitality Alliance, she has been at the forefront of the association’s agenda to support the diverse needs of the industry and serves as its President.

Tren’ness Woods-Black  •  Sylvia’s  •  New York, NY

Ellen Yin  •  High Street on Hudson • New York, NY

Maja Adiletta  •  Arcobaleno  •  Lancaster, PA

Lisa Alston  •  Automatic Ice Maker Co.  •  Middlesex, NJ

Lori Balter  •  Balter Sales Company  •  New York, NY

Linda Bedell  •  Woodstone Ovens  •  New York, NY

Grace Best  •  Imperial Dade  •  Jersey City, NJ

Kim Bunn-Minsky  •  Pro-Tek  •  Plainview, NY

Pearl Fleischman  •  Kerekes / Bake Deco  •  Brooklyn, NY

Jenny Goodman  •  Tilit  •  New York, NY

Jackie Grambor  •  Performance  Equipment Group  •  Elmwood Park, NJ

Penny Hutner  •  Advance Tabco  •  Edgewood, NY

Lisa Kerester  •  PBAC  •  Eastchester, NY

Heather Kogan  •  The Sam Tell Companies  •  Farmingdale, NY

Sandra Kravetz  •  Performance Food Equipment Group  •  Elmwood Park, NJ

Kim Lehr  •  Performance Food Equipment Group  •  Elmwood Park, NJ

Michelle Luzzi  • Front of the House  •  New York, NY

As Northeast Regional Sales Manager, Michelle Luzzi, of Front of the House is a favorite among multiple Tri-State area and Northeast tabletop dealers. Michelle is responsible for overseeing sales initiatives for more than 2000 items. In an industry where presentation and customer service is everything, Michelle proves that she is more than capable to handle it all with her high level of professionalism and creativity that she continuously displays to dealers, chefs and hoteliers alike.

Kristine Martin  •  Steelite International  •  New York, NY

Silena Mejia  •  M. Tucker Company  •  New York, NY

Val Meslin  •  Gotham City Hospitality  •  New York,NY

Irina Mirsky-Zayas  •  Equipex  •  Providence, RI

Samantha Mullins  •  Waring Commercial  •  Stamford, CT

Meredith Reuben  •  EBP Supply Solutions  •  Milford, CT

Diane Rossi  •  Pro-Tek  •  Jericho, NY

Samantha Saltzman  •  The Sam Tell Companies  •  Farmingdale, NY

Debra Salzano  •  Pecinka Ferri Associates • Fairfield, NJ

Arlene Saunders  •  Allied Metal Spinning  •  Bronx, NY

Lynne Schultz  •  Tri-State Marketing  •  Ossining, NY

Arianna Staiano  •  Kimberly-Clark Professional  •  New York, NY

Alyssa Stewart  •  Gotham City Hospitality  •  New York, NY

Jennie Tannura  •  Gotham City Hospitality  •  New York, NY

Linda Tell  •  The Sam Tell Companies  •  Farmingdale, NY

Morgan Tucker  •  Singer Equipment Co.  •  New York, NY

Morgan Tucker grew up in a family that built the largest foodservice distribution business on the East Coast, M. Tucker– founded by her father and grandfather. Morgan decided to carry on in the industry and established her own imprint, LMT. LMT Provisions is a thoughtfully curated brand of hospitality provisions that can be sourced through the Singer family of companies. After graduating with honors from Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration in 2007, Morgan worked for New York’s Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group and Steve Hanson’s BR Guest Restaurant Group. Morgan currently is the Director of Business Development at Singer M. Tucker, advising a wide diversity of acclaimed restaurateurs, celebrated chefs, and industry leaders across the U.S. As an expert on tabletop trends, she also writes a monthly column for Total Food Service.

Adriana Unarreal  •  Balter Sales Company  •  New York, NY

Helen Vanzo  •  Wholesale Food Equipment  •  Middletown, NY

Elizabeth Weiss  •  BHS/H. Weiss  •  Armonk, NY

Lori Weiss  •  BFA Food Service Equipment & Supplies  •  Boonton, NJ

Raquel Weiss-Fusco  •  elite | studio e  •  Farmingdale, NY

Alyssa Young  •  Gotham City Hospitality  •  New York, NY

Natalia Cabrera  •  Khayyan Specialty Foods  •  West New York, NJ

Ariane Daguin  •  D’Artagnan  •  Union, NJ

Sumi DeBenedittis  •  PepsiCo Foodservice  •  Brooklyn, NY

Adrienne Diaz  •  Samuels and Son Seafood  •  New York, NY

Laura Endico-Verzello  •  Ace Endico  •  Brewster, NY

Nancy Finkelstein  •  Carousel Cakes  •  Nanuet, NY

Jocelyn Guest  •  J&E  Small Goods  •  New York, NY

Jaime Kriss  •  Restaurant Depot  •  College Point, NY

Valarie Leimer  •  Major Foods  •  Little Ferry, NJ

Clarissa Milano  •  PepsiCo  •  Purchase, NY

Fran Moreira  •  Restaurant Depot  •  College Point, NY

Erika Nakamura  •  J&E Small Goods  •  New York, NY

Brigitte Rounds  •  Advantage Marketing  •  Hauppauge, NY

Brigitte Rounds has been a staple of the Metro New York foodservice scene for three plus decades. As a co-founder of Advantage Food Marketing, she has been a driving force with her partners, Mitchell Levine, John Williams and Ron Fast in maintaining and growing the concept of independent food brokerage. Advantage Marketing was one of the first ventures of its type in the nation, established at a time when traditional retail food brokers had secondary, smaller divisions handling the foodservice market. Rounds and her partners felt that the New York City foodservice market was ready for a dedicated manufacturer representative organization that specialized in servicing the needs and developing tastes of the metropolitan region’s highly versatile and populous market. A go-to resource for many of Metro New York’s leading distributors, Rounds’ expertise has been in assisting the food manufacturers that she represents navigate the many changes in the K-12 school food segment.

Melissa Tavss  •  Tipsy Scoop  •  New York, NY

Candy Vidovich  •  Pomptonian Foods  •  Fairfield, NJ

Allie Wainer  •  Sid Wainer & Son  •  New Bedford, MA

Erika Wasserman  •  Explore Cuisine  •  Miami, FL

Tara Berman  •  Tara Paige Group  •  New York, NY

Leah Blackman  •  Icrave  •  New York, NY

Marlisa Brown  •  Total Wellness  •  Bay Shore, NY

Alicia Cannon  •  AJC Design  •  New York, NY

Kristin Dempsey  •  Dempsey Uniform & Linen • Jessup, PA

Karen Dallago  •  Dallago Design  •  East Rockaway, NY

Sharon Dallago-Genden  •  Dallago Design  •  East Rockaway, NY

Karen DiPeri  •  HMG Plus  •  New York, NY

When your service pro team is literally serving the presidents of every major country in the world, you’ve got to be better than good, you’ve got to be GREAT.  That’s what Karen DiPeri, President of HMG+ instills each and every day running New York’s top hospitality staffing company.  Karen started out as a dining room waiter at the iconic Milleridge Inn and has held almost all front of the house positions. Now with over 25 years in hospitality, Karen devotes time to help promote both the hospitality and staffing industry.  She is the marketing co-chair for the Society for Hospitality and Foodservice Management (SHFM), President and a Board member of the New York Staffing Association (NYSA) and is an Alumni of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program. She has been honored as a SmartCEO New York Brava and SHFM Spirit Award Winner.

Maureen Drum  •  Institute Of Culinary Education  •  New York, NY

Alice Elliot  •  The Elliot Group  •  Tarrytown, NY

Amanda Fugazy  •  Ellenoff, Grossman & Schole LLP  •  New York, NY

Amanda Fugazy has become a pre-eminent hospitality industry expert as she guides her firm’s Labor & Employment Law group. Fugazy is one of the most experienced practitioners in New York in the highly litigated area of wage and hour law, having litigated dozens of federal and state court cases involving claims under the Fair Labor Standards Act and the New York Labor Law. One of Fugazy’s strengths is valuing and resolving cases.  As such, Ms. Fugazy also serves as a mediator, and has successfully resolved many cases by appointment through the Federal Court for the Southern District of New York. Prior to joining EGS in 2013, she co-founded Fugazy & Rooney LLP in 2007 and was a partner at Bonnist & Cutro LLP, an associate in the New York offices of Reed Smith and Jackson Lewis, and a law clerk for the New York Hotel and Motel Trades Council.

Jennifer Geddes  •  Marsha Goldman Design  •  Rowayton, CT

Stacy Gilbert  •  Citrin Cooperman  •  New York, NY

Stephanie Goto  •  Stephanie Goto Design  •  New York, NY

Christine Gurtler  •  Jacobs Doland Beer  •  New York, NY

Amanda Halle  •  Harri  •  New York, NY

Julia Heyer  •  Heyer Performance Inc.  •  New York, NY

Jacqueline Klinger  •  SCG Realty  •  New York, NY

Karen Maier  •  Nutri-Serv  •  Burlington, NJ

Heather Maloney  •  Definition Design  •  New York, NY

Tara Mastrelli  •  Studio Tano  •  New York, NY

Kim Nathanson  •  The Niemitz Design Group  •  Boston, MA

Carolyn D. Richmond  •  Fox Rothschild LLP  •  New York, NY

Amy Russo  •  Toast  •  Montclair, NJ

Janine Sangirardi  •  Day & Nite/All Service  •  New Hyde Park, NY

Pandora Shelley  •  Qwick  •  New York, NY

Cara Siegel  •  HUB International  •  New York, NY

Cara Siegel currently serves as First Vice President, Communications for HUB International Limited’s Northeast Region, including 18 regional offices spanning across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island. Cara has held this most recent position since January 2019. An employee of HUB since 2002, she has extensive experience in public relations, brand awareness, social media, advertising, national trade shows/conventions, seminar/webinar planning, M&A integration, direct marketing, and much more, working to develop and implement marketing programs and serve as a strategic advisor on communications efforts throughout the territory. This includes strategic marketing programs for the region’s retail and wholesale groups including HUB Northeast and Program Brokerage Corporation. Siegel’s main focus currently is on creating and managing effective campaigns and branding strategies in the Insurance and Financial Services arena. This included the launch of a Restaurant/foodservice and hospitality industry seminar series.

Katy Sparks  •  Katy Sparks Culinary Consulting  •  New York, NY

Robin Standefer  •  Roman And Williams  •  New York, NY

Rada Tarnovsky  •  Letter Grade Consulting  •  Brooklyn, NY

Therese Virserius  •  Virserius Studio  •  New York, NY

Karena Wu  •  Active Care Physical Therapists  •  New York, NY

Anne Beccera  •  Treadwell Park  •  New York, NY

Natasha David  •  Nitecap-NYC  •  New York, NY

Rita Jammet  •  La Caravelle Champagne  •  New York, NY

May Matta-Aliah  •  In The Grape  •  New York, NY

Kelly O’Connor  •  Bâtard  •  New York, NY

Julie Reiner  •  Leyenda-Brooklyn  •  Brooklyn, NY

Audrey Saunders  •  Pegu Club- NYC  •  New York, NY

Lucinda Sterling  •  Middle Branch  •  New York, NY

Lucinda Sterling is an early adopter of fresh ingredients in a craft cocktail program. As the managing partner and bartender of Murray Hill’s beloved cocktail den, Middle Branch, she is frequently asked by industry professionals to share her own experiences and philosophy on drink creation. On a cross-country road trip in late 2005, the Colorado native arrived in New York City and became a regular at the speakeasy-style bar Milk & Honey. When Owner Sasha Petraske told her that several employees were leaving, Sterling joined the team even though she had no bartending experience. She trained on the job, and became inspired to hone her skills as the mixology movement took off. In 2012, bartending led to a full partnership at Middle Branch.

Anna Lisa Stockwell  •  Opici Family Distributing  •  Milford, CT

Marika Vida  •  Vida et Fils/Sommelier/Wine Writer  •  New York, NY