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Past Award Winners

AHF’s Award program honors operators from accross the country for exemplary contributions to our industry accross various categories. Use the lists below to view our past award winners and then be sure to nominate someone for the coming year! Award winners are recognized at the Annual Conference each year. 

Navigate through past winners using the links below:

2022 Award Winners

BenchmarkingWren Roberts – click here for their video
Centra Health | Lynchburg, VA
Chapter of the YearPhiladelphia/South Jersey Chapter – click here for their video
Exemplary LeadershipAngelo Mojica
Johns Hopkins Health System | Baltimore, MD
Future HorizonAlmarie Talaveraclick here for their video
JPS Health Network | Ft. Worth, TX
Partnership in LeadershipRandy Sparrow & Phil Kubow click here for their video
ProHealth Care | Waukesha, WI
SpotlightJoe Ninnemann click here for their video
Advocate Aurora Health | Campbellsport, WI
Lifetime AchievementTom Thamanclick here for their video
Retired, Eskenazi Health | Indianapolis, IN
Making a DifferenceDanielle Mason click here for their video
The Middleby Corporation | FL
Presidential Special ServiceAngela O’Neill
Hunterdon Medical Center | Hunterdon, NJ

2021 Award Winners

BenchmarkingHeather Duffy – click here for their video
JFK Medical Center | Edison, NJ
Chapter of the YearNew Jersey Chapter – click here for their video
Exemplary LeadershipAngela O’Neill click here for their video
Hunterdon Medical Center | Hunterdon, NJ
Future HorizonAlicia Preston click here for their video
Rogue Valley Manor | Medford, OR
Partnership in LeadershipSeth Grant & Lois Dennison click here for their video
Eskenazi Health | Indianapolis, IN
SpotlightErica Block click here for their video
Rush University Medical Center |
SustainabilityGina Sadowskiclick here for their video
Seattle Children’s Hospital | Seattle, WA
Lifetime AchievementMartha Rardin click here for their video
Hendricks Regional Health | Danville, IN
Making a DifferenceRalph Goldbeck click here for their video
Kitchens to Go by mobile modular | Fresno, CA
Presidential Special ServiceCyndi Roberts
Saint Joseph Memorial Hospital | Murphysboro, IL
Tim Schoonmaker
Centra Health | Lynchburg, VA

2020 Award Winners

Chapter of the YearPhiladelphia South Jersey Chapter – Click here for their video
Exemplary LeadershipNeal Lavender click here for their video
JPS Health Network | Fort Worth, TX
Future HorizonBrian Dixson – click here for their video
Geisinger Health System | Coal Township, PA
Partnership in LeadershipJoe Archambeault – click here for their video
Centra Health | Lynchburg, VA
SpotlightKevin Vos – click here for their video
Spectrum Health | Grand Rapids, MI
SustainabilityRochelle Drexler – click here for their video
Aspirus Wausau Hospital | Wausau, WI
Lifetime AchievementDave Reeves – click here for their video
Lee Health | Fort Myers, FL
Making a DifferenceAnnemarie Vaupel – click here for their video
Hormel Foods Corporation | Austin, MN
Presidential Special ServiceEric Eisenberg
Rogue Valley Manor | Medford, OR
Martha Rardin
Hendricks Regional Health | Danville, IN

2019 Award Winners

BenchmarkingMary Houston
Mercy Joplin | Joplin, MO
Chapter of the YearWisconsin Chapter
Exemplary LeadershipTimothy Schoonmaker 
Centra Health | Lynchburg, VA
Future HorizonAndrew Bergman
ProHealth Care System | Waukesha, WI
Partnership in LeadershipKathy Kesling
Franciscan Health | Michigan City, IN
SpotlightSeth Grant
Eskenazi Health | Indianapolis, IN
SustainabilityDawn Cascio
The Valley Hospital | Ridgewood, NJ
Lifetime AchievementRandy Sparrow
ProHealth Care | Waukesha, WI
Making a DifferenceRob Geile
Ali Group | Vernon Hills, IL
Presidential Special ServiceDave Reeves
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital | Memphis, TN
Joanne McMillian
Saint Clare’s Hospital | Denville, NJ

2018 Award Winners

BenchmarkingRandy Sparrow and the ProHealth Care Team – click here for their video
ProHealth Care | Waukesha, WI
Chapter of the YearNew York Chapter
Exemplary LeadershipThomas Thaman – click here for their video
Eskenazi Health | Indianapolis, IN
Future HorizonMichael Kasperekclick here for their video
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital | New Brunswick, NJ
Partnership in LeadershipCheryl Koch & Linda Parenclick here for their video
Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center | Baltimore, MD
SpotlightMargaret Kipe, Kristen Brudereck & Rachael Wehnclick here for their video
Reading Hospital | West Reading, PA
Lifetime AchievementTony Almeidaclick here for their video
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital | New Brunswick, NJ
Making a DifferenceChristine Guyottclick here for their video
Rippe Associates | Minneapolis, MN
Presidential Special ServiceBill Marks – For his dedication and efforts in leading the Membership, Organization, and Dues task force. His work led to a successful relaunch of our membership and dues structure for operator members.
Hennepin Healthcare | Minneapolis, MN
Cindy Parker – For her dedication and efforts in leading the Membership, Organization, and Dues task force. Her work has led to membership data capturing efforts that will lead to a better understanding of our operator membership.
Basic American Foods | Mill Valley, CA
Randy Sparrow – For leading our conference attendance promotion efforts on behalf of the Board.
ProHealth Care | Waukesha, WI

2017 Award Winners

BenchmarkingSteve Cerulloclick here for their video
Geisinger Medical Center | Wilkes Barre, PA
Chapter of the Year – NEW!New Jersey
Exemplary LeadershipRandy Sparrow – click here for their video
ProHealth Care | Waukesha, WI
Future HorizonGreg Andrewsclick here for their video
Geisinger Lewistown Hospital | Lewistown, PA
Partnership in LeadershipCheryl Shimminclick here for their video
Kettering Health Network | Kettering, OH
SpotlightJennifer Larson & Sara Ashbeck – click here for their video
Gundersen Health System | La Crosse, WI
Mark Dunn & Kas Logan – click here for their video
Providence Health & Services | Portland, OR
Lifetime AchievementDan Henroidclick here for their video
UCSF Health | San Francisco, CA
Making a DifferenceMark Lewandowskiclick here for their video
General Mills | Minneapolis, MN
Presidential Special ServiceChristine Guyott – Leading the development of the new 2017 Sponsorship and Marketing Program; Participation on the Technology Advisory Board
Rippe Associates | Minneapolis, MN
Rob Geile – Leading the new 2017 Sponsorship and Marketing Program
Ali Group | Vernon Hills, IL
Nicole Charbonneau – Serving on the Technology Advisory Board
US Army | Gatesville, TX
Dan Henroid – Serving on the Technology Advisory Board
UCSF Health | San Francisco, CA
Matt Otchet – Serving on the Technology Advisory Board
Computrition | West Hills, CA
Joanne McMillian – Participating in the AHF Financial Transaction
Saint Clare’s Hospital | Denville, NJ
Cyndi Roberts – Participating in the AHF Financial Transaction
St. Joseph Memorial Hospital | Murphysboro, IL
Cynthia Parker – Inaugural leaders for AMG (Association Management Firm) transition
Basic American Foods | Mill Valley, CA
Randall Sparrow – Inaugural leaders for AMG (Association Management Firm) transition
ProHealth Care | Waukesha, WI

2016 Award Winners

BenchmarkingJeanine Drakeclick here for their video
Flagstaff Medical Center | Flagstaff AZ
Exemplary LeadershipVeronica McLymontclick here for their video
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center | New York, NY
Future HorizonDavid Edwardsclick here for their video
Elmhurst Memorial Hospital | Lombard, IL
Mary Ruzziclick here for their video
Geisinger Health System | Scranton, PA
Partnership in LeadershipAngela O’Neillclick here for their video
Hunterdon Healthcare | Flemington, NJ
SpotlightBecky Amt and Evelyn Sextonclick here for their video
IU Health Bloomington Hospital | Bloomington, IN
Lifetime AchievementJulie Jonesclick here for her video
OSU Wexner Medical Center | Columbus, OH
Making a DifferenceMaureen Leugersclick here for video
Gordon Food Service | Grand Rapids, MI
Presidential Special ServiceLarry Altier – Presented on behalf of AHF at the National Restaurant Show “Non-Commercial” segment workshop
Lee Memorial Health System | Fort Myers, FL
Mary Kimbrough – For her work with serving as a resource and assisting the Conference Planning Committee
with planning the pre-conference activities at the annual conference.
Mary Angela Miller – Presented on behalf of AHF at the National Restaurant Show “Non-Commercial” segment
workshop
Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center | Columbus, OH
Drew Patterson – Presented on behalf of AHF at the National Restaurant Show “Non-Commercial” segment
workshop)
Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center | Columbus, OH
Marty Rothschild – Along with Laura Watson led the vetting process of determining if a new association management firm was needed and what company would lead our organization.
Aladdin Temp-Rite | Hendersonville, TN
Sandra Sydnor – For her work with introducing healthcare as a viable employment option within college & university hospitality programs.
Purdue University | Lafayette, IN
Ann Travis – For her work along with the efforts of the Texas AHF Chapter to assist as host to the 2016 Annual Conference in Dallas and make our attendees feel welcomed.
Children’s Medical Center Dallas | Dallas, TX
Laura Watson – Along with Marty Rothschild led the vetting process of determining if a new association management firm was needed and what company would lead our organization.
Intermountain Healthcare | Provo, UT

2015 Award Winners

BenchmarkingMarge Kipeclick here for their video
Reading Hospital | Reading, PA
Exemplary LeadershipTony Almeida
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital | New Brunswick, NJ
Future HorizonTimothy Gee
Robert Wood Johnson University | New Brunswick NJ
Partnership in LeadershipDeedra Hoffartclick here for their video
Avista Adventist Hospital | Louisville, CO
SpotlightMichael Atanasioclick here for their video
Overlook Medical Center | Springfield, NJ
Ami Bhowclick here for their video
UCSF Medical Center | San Francisco, CA
Lifetime AchievementBeth Yesfordclick here for her video
Providence Hospital | Washington, DC
Making a DifferenceTodd Griffithclick here for his video
Alto-Shaam, Inc. | Menomonee Falls, WI
Presidential Special ServiceDavid Reeves – He demonstrated excellent leadership on the conference planning team and his initiatives to
make new members part of the AHF family, as well as sharing information on the Listserv.
Elmhurst Memorial Healthcare | Elmhurst, IL
Laura Watson – She served as a mentor to AHF President Lisette Coston, developed a succession planning tool for the national board and worked on the strategic plan
Intermountain Healthcare | Provo, UT

2014 Award Winners

Exemplary LeadershipJoyce Hagen-Flint
HCA West Florida Division | Largo, FL
Future HorizonNicholas Mercogliano
Robert Wood Johnson University Medical Center | New Brunswick, NJ
Partnership in LeadershipMartha Rardinclick here for their video
Hendricks Regional Health | Danville, IN
Thomas Thamanclick here for their video
Eskenazi Health | Indianapolis, IN
SpotlightCrystal McVeyclick here for her video
Huntsville Hospital | Huntsville, AL
Lisa Poggas and Daniel Skayclick here for their video
Castle Rock Adventist Hospital | Castle Rock, CO
Lifetime AchievementPatti Oliverclick here for her video
UCLA Medical Center | Los Angeles, CA
Making a DifferenceDick Hynesclick here for his video
Hobart Corporation | Troy, OH
Presidential Special ServiceElizabeth Boone – She was a major player in the implementation of the revised Benchmarking
EXPRESS™ program throughout the first year
Aultman Hospital | Canton, OH
Nicole Charbonneau – She very active in keeping the education committee busy throughout the year with establishing new member benefits including the Regional Networking Meetings
San Antonio Military Medical Center | San Antonio, TX
Beth Yesford – She led a team of leaders to get AHF’s brand in front of the attendees at the ACHE
Congress
Providence Hospital | Washington, DC

2013 Award Winners

Exemplary LeadershipEric Eisenberg
Swedish Health Services – First Hill | Seattle, WA
Betty Perez
NYU Langone Medical Center | New York, NY
Future HorizonAatul Jain
Saint Clare’s Health System | Denville, NJ
Partnership in LeadershipOperator Julie Jones and Administrators Randy Allen, Kent Hess & Mary Angela Millerclick here for their video
Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center | Columbus, OH
SpotlightDan Henroidclick here for his video
University of California – San Francisco Medical Center | San Francisco, CA
Angelo Mojica – click here for his video
UNC Hospitals | Chapel Hill, NC
Lifetime AchievementDenisa Cate
Henry County Medical Center | Paris, TN
Making a DifferenceCindy Parker
Basic American Foods | Walnut Creek, CA
Presidential Special ServiceDexter Hancock – Led team to create the AHF Standards for the Operation of Food and Nutrition
Services in Acute Care Hospitals in the United States
Retired from DCH Health System and currently consulting | Tuscaloosa, AL
Scott Saklad – Helped to spearhead a new member offering, the S.O.Lution Center
Computrition, Common CENTS, and DFM – Dietary Food Management | West Hills, CA
Andrew Shakman – Helped to spearhead a new member offering, the S.O.Lution Center
LeanPath, Inc. | Portland, OR

2012 Award Winners

Exemplary LeadershipBecky Amt
Indiana University Health Morgan Hospital | Martinsville, IN
Future HorizonYusie Kim
NYU Langone Medical Center | New York, NY
Partnership in LeadershipOperator Jim Behnke and Administrator Jay Dennard – The team converted the facility from contract management and added room service.
Gwinnett Medical Center | Lawrenceville, GA
SpotlightSteve Howell – He created a flexible part-time workforce from inexperienced high school students.
Lexington Medical Center | West Columbia, SC
Tom Thaman – He assisted in the design and implementation of Café Soleil
Wishard Health Services | Indianapolis, IN
Lifetime AchievementLaura Watson
Utah Valley Regional Medical Center | Provo, UT
Making a DifferenceMarty Rothschild
Aladdin Temp-Rite | Hendersonville, TN
Presidential Special ServiceTodd Griffith – He was a member of the Alliance Committee who reached out to several associations regarding collaboration with AHF
Alto-Shaam, Inc. | Westminster, MD
Dan Henroid – He brought forward new ideas for membership structure and worked with Julie
Jones on a plan to provide members with updated information on food safety
UCSF Medical Center | San Francisco, CA
Julie Jones – She represented AHF at an FDA institutional roundtable and worked with Dan Henroid on providing members with information on food safety
Wexner Medical Center at Ohio State University | Columbus, OH
Publication AwardJim McGrody – “What We Feed Our Patients”
REX Healthcare | Raleigh, NC

2011 Award Winners

Exemplary LeadershipMimi Wang
VA New York Harbor HC System | Brooklyn, NY
Future HorizonTamara Almquist
Geisinger Marworth | Waverly, PA
Partnership in LeadershipOperator Angelo Mojica and Administrator Melvin Hurston – The team transitioned two retail venues to self-operation and generated a profit.
University of North Carolina Hospitals | Chapel Hill, NC
Operator Cyndi Roberts and Administrator Scott Seaborn – The team added room service and raised patient satisfaction scores more than 25 percentile points.
Saint Joseph Memorial Hospital | Murphysboro, IL
SpotlightAmy Miller – She focused on healthy food in her facility.
Sauk Prairie Memorial Hospital & Clinic | Prairie du Sac, WI
Lifetime AchievementKris Schroeder
Swedish Health Services – First Hill | Seattle, WA
Making a DifferenceBarbara Kane
Ecolab, Inc. | Elk Grove Village, IL
Presidential Special ServiceMarie Nelson – She focused on the operator and business partner relationship.
Schwan’s Home Service, Inc. | Marshall, MN

2010 Award Winners

Exemplary LeadershipMark Eggleston
Overlake Hospital Medical Center | Bellevue, WA
Future HorizonCedric Junearick
Hunstville Hospital | Huntsville, AL
Partnership in LeadershipOperator Robert Darrah and Administrator Jerry Joyce – The team converted facilities from contract management to self-operated.
Legacy Retirement Communities | Lincoln, NE
SpotlightDan Henroid – He created a convenience retailing business with two concepts.
University of California San Francisco Medical Center | San Francisco, CA
Khaleed Khan – He assisted in the development of the healthy Trendz café.
Alberta Health Services | Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Annemarie Price – She assisted in the development of the “Waste Watchers” program.
VA Medical Center | Martinsburg, WV
Lifetime AchievementDeanne Carlisle
Portland VAMC | Portland, OR
Bruce Thomas
Geisinger Health System | Danville, PA
Making a DifferenceMarie Nelson
Schwan’s Home Service, Inc. | Marshall, MN
Presidential Special ServiceMarge Beasley – She worked on the AHF bylaws
(Retired) Bloomington Hospital | Bloomington, IN
Mary Spicer – She worked on the AHF bylaws
Texas Health Resources | Plano, TX
Walter Thurnhofer – He worked on the AHF bylaws
University of Washington Medical Center | Seattle, WA
Publication AwardTim Bauman – “The Food Service Managers Tune-up Book”
Wood County Hospital | Bowling Green, OH