National Awards

The 2025 AHF National Award Winners are here!

AHF’s National Awards program identified and highlights members of the AHF community and self-operated foodservice industry for their achievements. It is a prestigious honor to receive an award. AHF currently offers four primary awards and two special/discretionary awards to members of the larger AHF community which are outlined below. These awards are issued by the AHF Awards Committee through a details scoring and review process.

Each year AHF is pleased to highlight the best of the self-operated foodservice industry in senior living and healthcare. AHF awards operators and business partners for their contributions across multiple awards. And the 2025 awardees are….

2025 AHF Awards Winners

AHF National Awards - Past Winners

2025 AHF National Award Winners

Impact & Innovation Award

NEW! This award recognizes exceptional operators who push boundaries and drive industry progress, showcasing the transformative power of innovation in self-operated healthcare foodservice. This may include sustainability and environmental initiatives, technology advancements, driving positive local impact, exemplary data utilization, creative ideas, groundbreaking projects, and an unwavering dedication to promoting self-operated foodservice excellence. In the event multiple strong nominations are submitted, the AHF Awards Committee (having selected one winner) may recognize additional deserving applicants with Honorable Mentions for specific categories, including sustainability, benchmarking, or chapter/local work. These individuals will receive a conference scholarship to attend and network, the opportunity to convert their project into a bonus webinar topic the following year but will not be formally presented with an award on stage.

Christie Matthews
Riverside Health Walter Reed Hospital

Christie Matthews has implemented revolutionary ideas improving outcomes, efficiency, and patient experience in a 67-bed hospital.

Responding to retail challenges, she transformed a coffee shop into “The Brew,” a bistro concept. This 2019 initiative, expanded in 2024, aimed to extend retail hours and improve accessibility. It involved collaboration with multiple departments and resulted in revenues exceeding the main cafeteria, with FY 2024 sales 21% over budget and 17% over the prior year.

To serve third-shift staff, Matthews championed a hospital-owned Smart Refrigerator for grab and go items, implemented in November 2024. This AHF conference-inspired idea has received positive feedback and a growing revenue.

She also developed an innovative Excel-based spending and budget tool used system-wide since 2024. It allows proactive cost management, helping leaders meet spend goals and improving financial accuracy.

Funding was overcome by presenting strong ROI cases for each of these new initiatives, and because of these revenue driving measures, the hospital is now in the upper quartile of cash revenue per patient day. Matthews demonstrated leadership through communication and passion for innovation, motivating her cross-trained team. She actively uses AHF resources and is now developing a kitchen waste monitoring tool.

The Impact and Innovation Award is brand new! 2025 will be the first year that we award a winner to this category. Submit today and be the first winner of the AHF Impact and Innovation Award!

Exemplary Leadership Award

This award will be bestowed upon the operator member who best reflects the commitment to operational excellence that Don Marsh brought to healthcare foodservice. Don Marsh, former president of the American Society for Healthcare Food Service Administrators (ASHFSA), was a longtime supporter of programs to raise professionalism of operators in the healthcare foodservice industry and was known to contribute generously in these areas. The award recognizes exemplary member contributions in their operations as well as to regional, local chapters or networking meetings.

Dr. Milton McGowian
The Sharon at SouthPark

With over 30 years of culinary experience and more than 20 years in the senior dining sector, Dr. Milton McGowian has significantly impacted The Sharon at SouthPark. His leadership has revolutionized dining services by integrating technology, enhancing menu innovation, and fostering a resident-centered experience, setting new standards in hospitality and operational efficiency. A key achievement was implementing Cubigo, a digital platform for residents to view menus, make reservations, and order meals, which increased resident satisfaction and streamlined operations. This implementation led to a 20% rise in online engagement and a 30% reduction in service errors. He also introduced popular bi-monthly fine-dining wine dinners.

Dr. McGowian launched Blue Apron-style meal kits for residents, promoting independence with gourmet meals at home, which over 50% of his independent living resident currently use. To address staffing shortages, he partnered with InReach and Project Search to train individuals with intellectual disabilities to give them the chance to work and grow. He has leveraged AHF resources to introduce farm-to-table concepts and enhance nutrition programs. His dissertation focused on employee development in healthcare.
Dr. McGowian is active in AHF and other organizations, serving on committees for the Senior Dining Association, ANFP, and Leading Age North Carolina. He received the 2024 Excellence in Leadership Award from Leading Age North Carolina. He also initiated a food insecurity program for local seniors.

The Sharon at SouthPark, under his guidance, invests in staff through policies like flexible Paid Leave Time, increased Years of Service awards, tuition reimbursement, and robust career development and recognition programs. The facility has strong staff retention, with 30% of staff serving 4+ years. Dr. McGowian’s innovative and compassionate leadership has transformed The Sharon at SouthPark and set a benchmark in senior dining.

Duilio Dasilva, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center

Duilio’s tenure at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center (LWRMC) showcases exceptional initiative and resourcefulness. As Executive Chef since 2008 and recently promoted to Director, he spearheaded the transition from contract to self-operation, alongside shifting from a system-level to a single-hospital directed model. Under his leadership, LWRMC experienced significant growth in patient and catering volumes, with a new 120-bed patient tower underway, including a new kitchen.

Duilio’s impact is evident across various fronts: he revitalized the doctors’ lounge with menu changes and enhanced service, boosting on-site doctor retention. He innovated the café with a salad bar, sushi offerings, and improved menu displays, leading to a 10% increase in café volumes. Patient satisfaction at LWRMC ranks top 5 in UHS, often taking the #1 spot in food quality. During crises like Hurricane Idalia, he ensured uninterrupted food service, demonstrating strong leadership.

Certified as a CEC and CCA, Duilio’s professional growth includes culinary medicine and AHF webinars, enhancing his skills in self-op leadership. His servant leadership approach fosters high staff engagement and community impact, setting a benchmark in healthcare foodservice leadership.

Future Horizon Award

This award recognizes self-operator members with 1-5 years of management experience who have demonstrated exceptional leadership potential and the ability to implement strategic plans that positively impact their hospital and community.

Lori-Ann Williams
Montefiore Nyack Hospital

With 1 year and 8 months in her current management role, Lori-Ann transitioned from a chef position at the restaurant Nobu 57 to healthcare foodservice, holding various positions before her current role of director. She holds ServSafe, CDM, and CFPP certifications and a degree in Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts.

A major achievement was transitioning her department to self-operation in August 2023 after 15 years of contract management. Recognizing the challenge, she partnered with AHF business partner Ruck-Shockey Associates, Inc. Lori-Ann focused on employee engagement, operational processes, and resource allocation. This led to participation in the employee engagement survey rising from as low as 0% to 80%. She secured over $500,000 for new equipment, upgraded uniforms, and increased retail sales by over 30% with initiatives like action stations and outdoor BBQs. Patient dining was revamped with a menu redesign, a new meal delivery system, and patient focus groups, significantly improving satisfaction scores by almost 30 percentage points.

Lori-Ann aims to elevate healthcare foodservice to fine-dining standards and educate patients on food as medicine. She co-chairs the hospital’s Employee Celebrations Committee, initiated a zero-waste program by donating surplus food, and organized food drives. Lori-Ann’s leadership has been described as authentic and compassionate, and her dedication to fostering a positive work environment and commitment to continuous improvement is truly inspiring.

Kaitlyn Greb, Midland Memorial Hospital

Kaitlyn, a dedicated healthcare leader at Midland Memorial Hospital, embodies resilience and innovation in her role as Director of Food and Nutrition. With a robust educational background including dual Master’s degrees in Business Administration and Healthcare Administration from Texas Woman’s University, and a Bachelor’s in Dietetics and Nutrition from Keiser University, Kaitlyn navigated significant challenges such as the onset of the pandemic and the Texas freeze crisis. She prioritized employee welfare, ensuring continuity in hospital operations amidst adversity.

Her commitment goes beyond crisis management; Kaitlyn actively contributes to the advancement of healthcare foodservice through mentorship and community service. Engaged with AHF for over five years, she leverages AHF resources, including forums and national conferences, to enhance her leadership skills and departmental operations. Kaitlyn’s proactive approach and strategic use of AHF insights have not only fortified her confidence as a leader but also facilitated her hospital’s growth, evidenced by ongoing expansions and service improvements.

Her vision for the future includes fostering talent in healthcare foodservice and continuing to champion self-operation models that elevate patient care standards. Kaitlyn’s journey underscores the transformative impact of AHF in nurturing leadership and excellence within the healthcare community.

Lifetime Achievement Award

This award is the Association’s highest honor, recognizing individuals who have made significant and enduring contributions to the field of self-operated healthcare foodservice, demonstrating exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to the core values of AHF. It recognizes operator members who best exemplify the leadership and spirit of Jacques Bloch and Angelo Gagliano the founders of our legacy organizations. Those who have distinguished themselves through their contributions to AHF, the healthcare foodservice profession, their employers, the community, and the embodiment of AHF’s values.

Robert Darrah
Legacy Retirement Communities

With a 43-year career in foodservice, Robert Darrah has spent the last 26 years transforming dining at Legacy, overseeing four Nebraska communities serving 708 residents and 83,000+ meals monthly.

Robert evolved Legacy’s dining from banquet-style to a five-star, white-tablecloth experience. He hired classically trained ACF chefs, focused on scratch cooking, and introduced world flavors, achieving a 97% customer satisfaction rating. He expanded dining venues, including English pubs, and implemented electronic ordering and POS systems. His efforts to shift marketing funds to dining allowed for major special events open to the public, combating the stigma of retirement food.

An active AHF member since 2009, Robert served as President (2023-2024) and chaired multiple committees, including Awards and Leadership Development.

His community involvement includes Meals on Wheels, mentoring youth, coaching sports, and extensive volunteering with local schools and colleges. As President of the Nebraska Wesleyan Football Boosters, he raised $50,000 annually. Darrah has received numerous accolades, including FSD of the Month twice, AHF Partnership in Leadership Award, and the NAFEM Doctorate of Foodservice Award.

Eric Eisenberg

Eric Eisenberg has made so many impactful contributions to the Association for Healthcare Foodservice (AHF) as well as the healthcare and senior dining industries as a whole. Since AHF’s inception and through its legacy associations, Eric has built an industry legacy. Beginning as the emcee for culinary competitions and a former culinary winner himself, Eric’s leadership within AHF has been unwavering. He has served on numerous committees, including as President of the Washington Chapter and co-chair of the 2018 National Conference. Eric’s journey led him to the AHF Board of Directors, serving as president in 2022.

In the foodservice industry, Eric’s impact extends beyond AHF. At Swedish Medical Center, he enhanced the menu and room service, reducing costs while boosting patient satisfaction. His tenure at Rogue Valley Manor saw him navigate crises like COVID-19 and wildfires, all while pioneering plant-forward dining options. Eric’s community involvement includes supporting employee scholarships through a golf tournament and contributing to the Asante Children’s Miracle Network.

As a leader, Eric made the elevation of foodservice in healthcare and senior dining to restaurant-quality standards a cornerstone of his career. Prior to leading healthcare and senior dining operations, he has an extensive history in international and commercial culinary settings, with classic French culinary training. His advocacy for chefs in healthcare has reshaped industry perceptions, earning him accolades like the 2020 IFMA Silver Plate Award in Healthcare. Eric’s commitment to AHF and healthcare foodservice underscores his eligibility for the AHF Lifetime Achievement Award, reflecting his enduring impact and leadership.

Making A Difference Award

The Making a Difference Award is given annually to an AHF Business Partner member or Media member and given in honor of John Cabot and is the association’s top award for both business partners and media, and it is presented to someone who has made significant contributions to AHF in the tradition of selfless industry leadership. This award is coordinated by the IAB Chair in partnership with the AHF President, President-Elect, Immediate Past President, and Executive Director, it is not a part of the Award Committee’s work. 

Georgie Shockey
Ruck-Shockey Associates, Inc.

Georgie Shockey is a pillar of the Association for Healthcare Foodservice (AHF), having been a dedicated member for 27 years since joining AHF’s legacy associations in 1998. She is widely recognized throughout the industry for her fierce and strategic promotion of the self-operated model; for many, the name Georgie Shockey is synonymous with self-operated foodservice.

She is often the first call for AHF leaders, staff, volunteers, and members. She always has wisdom and advice to share for the betterment of the industry. Through her consultancy firm, Ruck-Shockey Associates (RSA), which she co-owns with Carolyn Ruck, she has spent decades assisting facilities in transitioning to, maintaining, and optimizing their self-operated models for the benefit of patients and customers. Overall, she has more than 30 years of experience in the industry. She has frequently shared her knowledge as a speaker at AHF events, chapters, and at AHF’s National Conference.

Her leadership within AHF is extensive and impactful. She served on the AHF Board from 2022 to 2024 and was a leader on the Industry Advisory Board (IAB) for the same period, having been on the IAB for eight years, starting in 2017.

Her decades of committee work include co-chairing the 2019 Conference and serving on the Finance, State of the Industry, Sponsorship, and Leadership Development committees.

Many of AHF’s systems, structures, and leaders can trace lines back to Georgie’s support and input. It’s no surprise that she was chosen for this honor. She’s made a real difference in the trajectory of AHF and that of its members, facilities, and staff. We’re all better for her participation in AHF and as a leader of the self-operated industry.

Stephanie Gilbert, BSI & Food Service Holdings

Stephanie’s legacy at the Association for Healthcare Foodservice (AHF) is long and she is so often the first call someone makes when they need help. She served on the AHF Industry Advisory Board (IAB) for five years, from 2019 to 2023, culminating in her role as Chair of the IAB alongside 2022 AHF President, Eric Eisenberg. During this period, she provided invaluable insights and leadership, steering the board through significant challenges and constant strategic shuffling in the aftermath of COVID.

Stephanie has been an active participant in multiple AHF committees, consistently sharing her expertise. She played a crucial role in helping AHF transition to a self-operated management model in 2019. In 2020, she served as Chair of AHF’s Conference Planning Committee alongside Angela O’Neill. Despite the cancellation of the in-person conference they successfully pivoted to host one of the industry’s most successful virtual conferences. In 2008 she received the 2008 ASHFA Presidential Service Award.

She has an actual life-long history in the industry through her mother, Ellen, but she has carved her own path as an industry leader and a trusted partner. She has supported AHF through her time with many longstanding AHF business partners including Hobart and now BSI. Stephanie’s contributions have made a difference. They will echo for years to come. She is a true industry veteran, and her service, leadership, and dedication continue to lead the way in healthcare, senior dining, and hospitality.

Presidential Service Awards

The AHF Presidential Service Awards are a distinguished honor given by the AHF President to individuals who have consistently demonstrated exceptional service to AHF over the past year, as well as throughout their history with the organization.

Aatul Jain, MSML, CEC, CDM, CFPP
Saint Peter’s University Hospital

Aatul Jain received the 2025 Presidential Service Award from President Thom Pastor for his outstanding engagement in and dedication to the AHF community. He is one of our most active members in AHF’s Online Discussion Community, frequently responding to posts and sending personal one-on-one notes to members in need. He is consistently generous with his time, knowledge, and expertise. Aatul’s dedication extends to serving on multiple AHF committees, including the Board of Directors and the National Culinary Competition Committee, where he actively engages with the committee and members, contributing his extensive culinary knowledge to help ground the competition in its mission to redefine healthcare and senior dining, showcasing member talent within strict regulatory environments while keeping the competition accessible to all members. We are pleased to highlight his generous spirit and dedication.

 

Erin Copley-Johnson, MS, RD, CD
MultiCare Health System

Erin Copley-Johnson received the 2025 Presidential Service Award from President Thom Pastor for her engagement in committees and dedication to AHF. Her active work on the Editorial Advisory Board in 2024 and now on the 2025 Awards Committee has provided valuable knowledge to members while highlighting their achievements. She’s speaking at the upcoming conference and actively benchmarks for several facilities. Erin’s high level of involvement and willingness to contribute her expertise across multiple committees make her a deserving recipient of this honor.

 

Kevin Steffes
Carle Health

Kevin Steffes received the 2025 Presidential Service Award from President Thom Pastor for his educational work and dedication to AHF. He has contributed to multiple AHF webinars, and other educational content throughout AHF. He also served on the AHF Education Committee contributing his expertise and sourcing speakers whenever needed. Kevin is one of the most active contributors to the AHF Online Discussion Community, ranking among the top members to reply, frequently also sending one-to-one messages to help members. His service on various committees has offered invaluable insight and guidance to the AHF community.

About AHF’s Awards Committee & Selection Process

The AHF Awards Committee consists of a diverse set of AHF members including both business partners, operators, retired members, educators, and members of the media. This ensures a fair process and a diversity of awardees. The committee will always includes at least one previous winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award. The committee is tasked by the Board to champion diversity across multiple categories while highlighting innovation and advancement within each award category.  

Each year the awards committee seeks submissions for all its categories. The committee reviews all applications selecting finalists for each award category. Once finalists are identified for each award, the committee interviews the finalists. Following these interviews the award submissions are confidentially scored by the committee and tabulated by AHF Staff to determine winners for each awards category. Once the final award winners are determined, they will be ratified by the Board of Directors.