Dallas-based Women’s Foodservice Forum (WFF) has announced the appointment of two industry leaders who will join its 2024 board of directors and named the senior leaders who will serve on the board executive committee.
As members of the WFF board, the organization said these leaders work together to grow opportunities for and accelerate the advancement of women, helping ensure a robust talent pool and competitive advantage across all segments of the foodservice industry.
“The research is clear today that organizations with diverse senior leadership drive better performance,” WFF President and CEO Therese Gearhart said in a statement. “WFF is honored to work with partners across the foodservice community who are committed to cultivating women leaders, removing obstacles to advancement, and leading the way to stronger organization and industry performance. Together, we are Changing the Face of Leadership.”
Sarah King, chief people and diversity officer at Darden Restaurants, will lead the 2024 WFF board as chair.
She leads the execution of Darden’s people strategy as well as building organizational capability and employee culture to further enable Darden’s growth, WFF said. King is also responsible for all aspects of the HR functions within Darden, including oversight of the HR organizations within each of Darden’s operating companies.
King said that WFF has been a pioneer in advancing women leaders and continues to increase opportunities for women to grow their professional skills, networks, and visibility.
“This year, we are so proud to celebrate the 35th anniversary of WFF’s founding and to note the important gains women have made in leadership positions,” King said. “The powerful synergies between WFF, the industry, and women leaders are helping drive that progress.”
King added: “As individuals, organizations, and an industry, we know we can accomplish even more as we continue to work together for change. With extensive in-person and virtual resources that provide endless professional development, networking and learning opportunities, WFF is a tireless non-profit partner that continues to help talented, ambitious women break through barriers and expand their careers in the foodservice industry.”
New board members and executive committee
WFF said it also is welcoming two new members to the board: Sumi DeBenedittis, senior director of industry relations, PepsiCo, and Shannon Garcia, global chief operating and digital and technology officer of the Pizza Hut Division of Yum! Brands.
Here’s the WFF 2024 executive committee:
Chair: Sarah King, Chief People and Diversity Officer, Darden Restaurants
Chair-Elect: Kate Jaspon, Chief Financial Officer, Inspire Brands
Treasurer: Elizabeth Horvath, Vice President, Marketing, North America, Kerry Group
Executive Committee:
- Ann Mamer Lloyd, SVP Distributor Sales, Ecolab
- Coley O’Brien, chief people officer, The Wendy’s Co.
- Dawn Rasmussen, chief revenue officer, Woodland Foods
- Loraine Yalch, president, National Accounts Division, Armada Supply Chain Solutions
More on WFF
Women’s Foodservice Forum said it is the foodservice industry’s thought leader on gender equity.
The organization said it leverages research, insights, and best practice solutions that enable food companies to address the pressing need for talent, drive better consumer insights, and increase business performance by realizing the full potential of women leaders.
Established in 1989, it aims to provide the tools and resources to help women build leadership competencies that enhance career advancement.
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