ANFP launches new National Leadership Conference

Sept. 11—The first national conference of the Association of Nutrition & Foodservice Professionals (ANFP) under its new format was a success this summer, with well over 400 members in attendance in Savannah, Ga. The theme for the conference was Grow and Lead, with a number of sessions designed to help attendees develop their leadership potential.

One year after the association changed its name from Dietary Managers Association, the organization introduced the idea of a National Leadership Conference that would focus on top-level managers. To satisfy the needs of middle managers, as well as to reach a greater number of members overall, ANFP now offers a number of one- or two-day regional meetings, as well.

Among the new types of educational sessions offered were two-part panel discussions and IGNITE sessions. The two panel discussions—one on leadership and the other on culinary trends and skills—consisted of a one-hour roundtable with three participants followed by three breakout sessions, each given by one of the panelists.

The IGNITE sessions, held on the last morning of the conference, were a one-hour series of eight-minute presentations by ANFP members that focused on a variety of topics, including culinary skills, medical nutrition therapy, management and inspiration. These rapid-fire sessions benefited both attendees and speakers, since it gave members a chance to practice giving presentations in a small setting.

During the conference new officers and board members were installed. Paula Bradley, CDM, CFPP, foodservice directors at Protection Valley Manor, in Protection, Kan., is the new chair. The chair-elect is Kathryn Massey, CDM, CFPP, a dietary manager at Floyd Valley Hospital, in LeMars, Iowa.

Janice Hemel, CDM, CFPP, dietary manager at Lane County Hospital and Long-Term Care, in Dighton, Kan., is secretary-treasurer. Richard Hoelzel, CDM, CFPP, corporate executive chef for Morrison Senior Living, and Sherri Williams, CDM, CFPP, director of nutrition services at Washington Regional Medical Center, in Fayetteville, Ark., were sworn in as directors at large.

Several awards were presented during the Leadership Recognition Luncheon. The Diamond Award, ANFP’s highest chapter award, was given to Louisiana ANFP. Cindy Cothern, CDM, CFPP, received the Public Policy and Advocacy Award. The Legacy Award was presented to former ANFP Chair Ricky Clark. Deborah Rayhab, who represents National Pasteurized Eggs, received the Distinguished Service Award in the corporate partner category, and Millie Bailey-Zarate, CDM, CFP, received the DSA in the member category.