Happy September, and happy countdown to National Conference. As you read this, we will be less than a month away from converging on Chicago. It’s impossible to believe I’m writing to the membership for the last time. I have loved (almost) every moment of serving as president of SHFM, and also, it’s very much time to pass the torch. Our association is in insanely talented, dedicated and creative hands as we look to the future, both short and long term. I’m incredibly proud of the momentum we have and will continue to build together.

A few things have been happening behind the scenes since the last newsletter, and I want to make sure and celebrate them adequately. First, our DEIB Council held a Conversations that Matter segment on prioritizing mental health in hospitality. We had leaders from multiple segments share, with immense vulnerability, real-life situations and experiences that have defined how they in turn, support their teams and protect their peace. They discussed routines, vulnerability, boundaries, winding down and self-care – it was both personal and relatable and actionable. I want to recognize our DEIB committee leader, Anthony “Sal” Salazar, who has done great work leading this group all year long!

In early August, our board approved the slate for both the SHFM and SHFM Foundation Boards. Both groups have an intentionality to their makeup which primes us for great range of thought and leadership moving into the future. We will properly acknowledge our outgoing board members in due time, but for now, on behalf of the membership, an enthusiastic “thank you” is very deserved.

There have been many favorite days throughout my presidency, but one that stands out is the day I was able to call our award recipients and let them in on their recognition. (As a reminder, some of those awards have already been given…) But in case you missed it, a sincere and heartfelt congratulations to the following leaders for their profound influence on our industry, their respective companies, and many of us at SHFM. I cannot wait to celebrate you all in Chicago:

• Paul Fairhead, Leadership Award
• Rob Gebhardt, Richard Ysmael Distinguished Service Award
• Gary Crompton, Jay B. Silverstein Lifetime Achievement Award

Lastly, I am thrilled to share with you the selections for two programs that are near and dear to me personally, and remain a strategic, foundational priority for SHFM…

Introducing the 2026-2027 Rising Star Class:

Sam Euler, Rising Star Chair (HMG+); Mina Aguero (Aramark); Geri Embler (U.S. Marine Corps); Lauren Hassinger (Compass Group); Destiny Isbilir (At Your Service Staffing); Devon Johnson (Cushman & Wakefield); Emily Kaszuba (Canteen); Ryan King (NOW Hospitality Group); Ryan Meliker (Sodexo); Hannah Montes (Corporate Dining); Quico Munoz (World Bank Group); Krissy Nemeth (Guckenheimer); Christine Piccirillo (Restaurant Associates); Mary Rochelle (Guckenheimer); Josue Rodriguez (Guckenheimer); Samantha Slocum (Zoomba Group); Corey Stary (Kahawa 1893); Briana Theraube (365 Retail Markets); Teryl Thurman (Vivreau); Kyle Trace (FoodSpace.)

And the 2026-2027 Julie and Rudi Flik Rising Stars:

CC Andrews (Anduril Industries); Olivia Desormey (Gravywork); Sherri Silverstein (UBS)

If you attended Critical Issues Conference and heard me speak about the beginning of my ‘presidential year,’ then you know it’s been a doozy for my family, health-wise. These challenges required me to prioritize, delegate, and even more so, trust in the people around me. I could not be more thankful to all of the committee leaders, volunteers, past presidents and FSA staff for steadying the boat, holding down the fort or whatever euphemism encapsulates how much steadfastness and grace were bestowed upon me. I’m sure my final speech at conference will belabor on this point, but too bad. Before I exit that stage, I want to make sure it’s known exactly how special this era has been. Until Chicago…

With gratitude,

Jenna

P.S. GO CUBS GO!