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.

2024 AHF Award Winners

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. The 2024 Awardees are:

Lifetime Achievement Award: Eric Eisenberg

Making A Difference Award: Stephanie Gilbert, BSI/Food Service Holdings

Exemplary Leadership Award: Duilio DaSilva, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center

Future Horizon Award: Kaitlyn Greb, Midland Memorial Hospital

Partnership & Leadership Award: Patrick LaMont & Diana Sullivan, One Brooklyn Health

Spotlight Award: Nazim Khan, Bryan Health

Sustainability Award: Darren Renz, OhioHealth

Chapter of the Year Award: AHF New Jersey Chapter

Presidential Service Awards: David Brue, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center & Joe Carbonara, FE&S Magazine

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.

Awarded To: 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 one of our highest honors. This important distinction is given to an individual in honor and memory of the beloved John Cabot and is the association’s top honor for both business partners and media. It is presented to someone who has made significant contributions to AHF in the long tradition of steadfast and selfless industry leadership and volunteerism.

Awarded To: 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.

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.

Awarded To: 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.

Awarded To: 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.

Partnership & Leadership Award

This award recognizes an operator and an administrator (non-foodservice) who have demonstrated a strong commitment to nutritional food service by self-operation and currently support the foodservice director or foodservice administrative director. This award celebrates the power of collaboration and the impact that can be achieved when two individuals work together to improve patient care and outcomes.

Awarded To: patrick lamont & diana sullivan, one brooklyn health

Patrick LaMont and Diana Sullivan’s partnership at One Brooklyn Health shows visionary leadership and collaborative success in healthcare foodservice. Their project, born from a nursing staffing restructuring initiative, aimed to enhance direct patient care by shifting tray-passing responsibilities from nursing to dietary. Patrick meticulously developed this program with input from his management team, AHF resources, and aligned with administrative objectives, including a detailed staffing plan and comprehensive training regimen.

Their pilot program, which launched on the 11th floor, swiftly demonstrated significant improvements in patient satisfaction scores and nursing efficiency, prompting its rapid hospital-wide adoption within 30 days. This success underscores their innovative approach and operational impact, advocating for streamlined self-operation models adaptable across diverse healthcare settings.

Utilizing AHF educational tools and community insights, Patrick and Diana maximized cost-effectiveness and operational efficiency, avoiding costly external consultations. Their strong partnership with administrators at OBH facilitated a transformative change rooted in mutual respect and shared goals, emphasizing the importance of collaborative leadership in healthcare settings. Their achievements not only elevate patient care standards but also inspire future initiatives within AHF member institutions.

Spotlight Award

This award recognizes operator members who have enhanced operations through new ideas and industry trends. This may include implementing new technologies, program development, innovative ideas, projects or initiatives that promote sustainability, community impact initiatives, mergers/acquisitions, and/or creative use of managing finances.

Awarded To: Nazim khan, bryan health

Nazim Khan, a seasoned hospitality professional with roots in the Marriott system, has evolved into a pioneering chef and leader at Bryan Medical Center. Inspired by personal and professional experiences, Nazim spearheaded the establishment of Bryan Bean coffee shop and a state-of-the-art catering/teaching kitchen tailored for oncology patients at the April Sampson Cancer Center. His initiative also extended to developing a comprehensive cookbook focused on nutrition for health and recovery, leveraging local ingredients like sorghum and wheatberries.

Facing challenges such as coordinating diverse stakeholders and integrating complex dietary needs, Nazim navigated these hurdles with strategic vision and collaboration. The project’s impact has been substantial, evidenced by improved patient care, heightened nutrition standards, and enhanced operational sustainability. Key performance indicators underscored achievements, including increased department revenue by 15-20% following the Bryan Bean launch.

Nazim’s leadership has been pivotal in fostering a culture of creativity and community within Bryan Health, evidenced by his educational outreach and engagement with the Nebraska Food Council. His holistic approach to healthcare food services, exemplified by simplified cooking classes and an accessible video library, reflects his commitment to supporting patients through practical nutrition solutions.

Nazim Khan’s journey exemplifies resilience, innovation, and a deep-seated commitment to enhancing healthcare through culinary excellence and compassionate leadership. His insights and accomplishments serve as a beacon for future initiatives within the AHF community and beyond.

Sustainability Award

This award recognizes an operator member who demonstrates exceptional leadership in waste reduction, sustainability, and environmental stewardship. Winners have implemented and expanded innovative and creative programs focused on reduction of single use disposables, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, locally sourced food (such as the Good Food Purchasing Program), energy conservation, food donation programs, food waste reduction, composting and recycling, water conservation, educating consumers, and more.

Awarded To: darren renz, ohiohealth

Darren Renz from OhioHealth has led a robust sustainability initiative focusing on landfill diversion and enhancing sustainable practices in retail operations. Key challenges included high costs associated with implementing anaerobic digesters and transitioning away from polystyrene containers. By leveraging partnerships with GFS and Entegra, Darren offset expenses and achieved a remarkable $44,000 annual savings. His innovative solutions included establishing animal feed programs and partnering with local farms and composting facilities to manage food waste sustainably.

Prioritization aligned seamlessly with OhioHealth’s board objectives, ensuring quarterly progress reports exceeded goals. Metrics were crucial, with clear tracking through digital systems and GFS reporting, facilitating buy-in and support. Results included eliminating polystyrene and diverting significant waste from landfills: 40 tons to digesters, 7 tons donated, and 4 tons composted annually.

Darren’s approach exemplifies leadership through collaboration with stakeholders like EarthPeak Organics and local charities, amplifying sustainability impacts. His advice stresses senior leadership support, cost neutrality, and metric-driven tracking for successful sustainability projects. Conflict resolution involved educating operators on environmental impacts, demonstrating Darren’s commitment to continuous improvement and community engagement in sustainability efforts.

Chapter of the Year Award

This award recognizes an AHF Local Chapter that demonstrates exceptional commitment to the Association’s mission of providing a professional network, resources, and tools to promote self-operated foodservice and hospitality in healthcare, senior dining, and related industries.

Awarded To: AHF New jersey Chapter

The AHF-NJ chapter, established over 40 years ago, has shown growth in membership, boasting 143 operators, 3 students, and 26 business partners as of March 2024. Over the past three years, they’ve achieved a 63% increase in membership, with 15 new national members joining in 2023-2024. This growth is bolstered by engaging events like the Healthcare Foodservice Workers Week Recognition Dinner and annual symposium, featuring fun themes and a culinary competition.

Community outreach is a cornerstone of their efforts, highlighted by annual contributions to local food banks and mentoring programs for interns and students. Their collaboration with AHF National includes active participation in webinars, conferences, and committee roles, with a strong presence at the 2023 AHF National Conference and ongoing advocacy for self-operated foodservice.

Unique to AHF-NJ is their emphasis on in-person events, strong member engagement through themed meetings, and strategic partnerships with universities and culinary schools for recruitment and retention. Their commitment to education, community impact, and national advocacy sets AHF-NJ apart as a leader in self-operated healthcare foodservice.

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.

Awarded To:

David Brue, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

David Brue received the 2024 Presidential Service Award from President Leisa Bryant for his outstanding dedication and excellence. His significant contributions have greatly enhanced the success and growth of AHF’s culinary competition and conference food program. David’s generous mentorship of other AHF chefs and collaboration with staff have infused excitement and culinary excellence into events, making a significant impact on AHF’s overall mission.

Joe Carbonara, FE&S Magazine

Joe Carbonara received the 2024 Presidential Service Award from AHF President Leisa Bryant in recognition of his outstanding and long-time contributions to AHF and its members. Joe always lends his time, expertise, and skills across multiple committees exemplifying his commitment to the organization. Joe’s support of AHF’s strategic plans, mentorship of new members, and use of his platform to amplify AHF’s mission for self-operation make him exceptionally deserving of this honor.