#United States #Dallas #Women's Foodservice Forum #Kate Jaspon #Inspire Brands

Announcing the 2025 Leadership for Women's Foodservice Forum

The Women’s Foodservice Forum (WFF), a notable non-profit organization focused on empowering women within the foodservice sector, is excited to announce its new Board of Directors and Executive Committee for 2025. This committed group of leaders will play a pivotal role in promoting gender equity and providing growth opportunities for women across various facets of the industry.

A New Era of Leadership

Kate Jaspon, currently the Chief Financial Officer of Inspire Brands, will take the helm as Chair of the Board of Directors. Under her guidance, WFF aims to continue its mission of advancing women's careers in a traditionally male-oriented sector. Jaspon's extensive experience in the industry, along with her fervent dedication to nurturing leadership potential among women, positions WFF well for an impactful year ahead.

“I’m truly honored to lead the WFF Board of Directors. I'm deeply invested in fostering the next generation of leaders and am thrilled to work alongside dedicated board members to propel WFF's mission forward,” Jaspon stated. She expressed her determination to build on the foundational work accomplished under her predecessor, Sarah King, who has steered the organization through significant growth.

Voices of Change

In addition to Jaspon, this newly structured leadership team features various seasoned professionals committed to fostering an inclusive environment within the foodservice industry. New board members include:

• - Kerri Christian – Senior VP of Marketing at GoTo Foods
• - Nina Faber – Chief HR Officer at Armada Supply Chain Solutions
• - Victoria Gutierrez – Senior VP and Chief Merchandizing Officer at Sysco
• - Maryam Morse – Chief People Officer at Topgolf
• - DeeDee Smith – Senior VP and General Manager at Ecolab
• - Syndee Stiles – VP of Procurement at McLane
• - Chris Warburton – Chief Customer Officer at Georgia-Pacific

The Executive Committee for 2025 will also see notable figures such as Dawn Rasmussen, who serves as Chair-Elect, and Elizabeth Horvath, who takes on the role of Treasurer. Each member brings a unique perspective and a steadfast commitment to empowering women in the foodservice sector.

Looking Forward

“The caliber of this year's board is astonishing,” commented Therese Gearhart, President & CEO of WFF. “Their diverse insights and relentless pursuit of women's advancement in foodservice will elevate WFF’s mission of creating boundless opportunities for women.”

WFF has been a prominent thought leader since its inception in 1989, aiming to rectify gender disparities within the food industry. The organization provides invaluable resources, insights, and best practices that assist food companies in addressing industry challenges by fully leveraging the potential of women leaders. Through various initiatives, WFF aims to cultivate professional environments where women are equipped to thrive, thereby enhancing overall organizational performance.

For those seeking to learn more about the 2025 Board of Directors or get involved with WFF, visit wff.org.

Conclusion

As we look ahead to 2025, the Women's Foodservice Forum stands ready not only to support women in their professional journeys but also to incite meaningful change across the foodservice landscape. This leadership announcement marks a significant step toward inclusivity and empowerment within the industry, reflecting WFF's unwavering commitment to driving gender equity and creating lasting opportunities for women.