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AHF Elections

AHF Leadership Elections

The AHF Leadership Development Committee (LDC) is thrilled to present this year’s candidates. Please read their candidate statements below prior to placing your vote.

AHF elections process, ballot and slate are overseen by the LDC which consists of the AHF Immediate Past President (Chair), President, two (2) elected LDC members, and one Board-appointed operator member. Additionally, AHF’s IAB Chair and Executive Director serve on the LDC as advisors. They work diligently to follow nonprofit industry best practices to ensure AHF presents a diverse set of leaders that represent AHF’s member community, industry and stakeholders. 

AHF Leadership is an exciting steps for AHF members and a great way to give back to the self-operated industry. These individuals have shown their dedication to AHF and the industry and are now ready to step into a bigger role. See below for more details on how AHF’s leadership process and elections work. Then start planning your future with us. LEARN MORE.

The elected candidates will serve their terms beginning January 1, 2027. The voting begins March 17 and closes March 31, 2026. 

Open Positions:

Who is Eligible to Vote?

HEADS UP: THERE ARE NEW RULES!
  • All active AHF Operator Members can now cast their own individual vote
  • Retired members

If you did not receive the email with the link to cast your vote, please email membership@healthcarefoodservice.org. 

Business partner, educator, affiliate, and student members are not eligible to vote but are encouraged to read the candidate statements and promote the elections. 

The Chair of the 2026 Leadership Development Committee is Thom Pastor, AHF Past President. 

Officer Candidates

Each year the AHF Leadership Development Committee identifies and slates candidates for AHF’s open officer positions. The open positions for the 2027 leadership year are: President-Elect (3-year progressive term), Treasurer (1-year term), Treasurer-Elect (2-year progressive term) and Secretary (2-year term). Eligible voters will cast a vote to elect these slated candidates. These candidates are selected from the existing Board of Directors by the LDC to run uncontested for officer roles.

President-Elect

Julie Meddles, MS, RDN, LD

Director, Nutrition Services and Gift Shops
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

Background Statement

Volunteer leadership, both locally and nationally, with the Academy and especially AHF, has provided invaluable opportunities for service, collaboration, and professional growth throughout my career. Through these roles, I’ve been able to contribute to advancing healthcare foodservice while building strong connections with colleagues across the profession. I currently serve on the:

  • AHF Board of Directors
  • AHF Benchmarking Committee

Past roles include serving on the:

  • AHF Education and Editorial Advisory Committees
  • IFMA Healthcare Foodservice Leadership Council Executive Committee (Past Chair)
  • Vizient Food Contracting Council
  • MFNS Treasurer
  • ONDPG Chair
  • Columbus Dietetic Association President

I’ve been honored with the AHF Benchmarking Award, Ohio Dietitians’ Member Merit Award, and a Distinguished Service Award from AND’s Oncology Practice Group.

During my 27 years at Ohio State Medical Center, I’ve held a variety of roles that have shaped my leadership perspective—from clinical dietitian to operations manager, and now Director of Nutrition Services and Gift Shops. Most recently, I helped lead the planning and activation for my areas of responsibility in opening the largest hospital project in the country. This monumental effort required extensive coordination, dedication, and teamwork, resulting in the successful launch of our 820-bed hospital with more than 60,000 square feet of Nutrition Services and Gift Shop space.

As a certified facilitator and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, I am passionate about developing staff leadership, resilience, communication, efficiencies and interpersonal skills. I embrace change leadership and project management and strongly advocate for both staff and patients, striving to create environments where teams feel supported, empowered, and inspired to deliver their best for our patients and customers.

Statement of Priorities

I take great pride in serving on the AHF Board and often speak to the value of membership both within my organization and across the industry. As AHF President, I will draw on my experience to prioritize strong, transparent leadership, fiscal viability, promote AHF benchmarking and encourage participation in educational programs. I believe deeply in the power of connection—bringing members together to share best practices that drive measurable results. I am committed to representing our members, supporting self-operated leaders, and strengthening engagement across our peer network and industry partners.

Treasurer

Erica Block, MS, RDN, LDN

Executive Director of Support Services
Rush University System for Health

Background Statement

I am passionate about AHF and continuing to serve this amazing community.   I have 20+ years of foodservice experience across both acute care and senior living rooted in nutrition with a passion for excellence.  I am a change driver and continually look for ways to raise the bar. 

Association Positions currently held:

  • AHF Secretary
  • Self-Operated Committee
  • AHF Midwest Region Planning Committee

Other AHF participation:

  • AHF Board of Directors- 3 years
  • AHF 2024 National Conference Speaker- “Malnutrition and Healthcare Foodservice: What Role Do We Play?“
  • AHF Awards Committee
  • State of the Industry Committee
  • AHF Spotlight Award 2021

Other contributions to professional organizations include:

  • Beyond Hunger Board of Directors
  • IFMA Food Away from Home Healthcare Leadership Council
  • General Mills Advisory Board
  • Instructor, RUSH University
  • AND MFNS DPG Past Nominating Chair
  • RUSH Team of the Year 2021
  • Food Management Magazine Best Concept Award-2021

Statement of Priorities

AHF has provided me with an opportunity to feel connected to like-minded foodservice professionals.  I was humbled and honored the last 4 years to represent the members most recently as Secretary and prior as a director in this vibrant community of superstars. My priorities as Treasurer would be:

  • To support the AHF Executive leadership team in ensuring the organization remains fiscally responsible and viable.
  • To help continue to grow our membership by sharing the AHF vision with those in the industry that may not know about AHF
  • To ensure AHF is set up to flourish so that we can continue to provide exceptional value to our members and the customers we serve. 

Treasurer-Elect

Andrew Bergman, MS

Director, Food & Nutrition Services
Baptist Health

Background Statement

I began my working in foodservice at age 14 and found my career in healthcare foodservice ten years ago. I became an AHF Member in 2016 and served as the Director of Hospitality and Seminar for the Wisconsin Chapter.

After witnessing and experiencing the benefits of AHF first hand, I realized the overwhelming value of the organization to our profession. I became more engaged and in 2017 I attended my first National Conference. In 2018, our group was awarded the National AHF Benchmarking Award. In 2019, Wisconsin received the AHF Chapter of the Year Award and I received the AHF Future Horizons Award.

In 2020, I served the AHF Editorial Advisory Board; in 2021 I was on the Conference Planning Committee and served as the Operator Conference Chair in 2022. In 2023 I served on AHF Leadership Development Committee and was appointed to the Board of Directors in 2024.

Statement of Priorities

As AHF scales its membership and curates industry-leading resources, the role of Treasurer-elect is essential to ensuring these initiatives are both impactful and sustainable. Building on my tenure as Director-at-Large, I will prioritize fiscal continuity and strategic oversight. My goal is to navigate our transition into the next five-year plan with a focus on long-term solvency and maximizing value for our self-operated members

Secretary

Ashleigh Pedersen, RDN

Vice President of Culinary Services & Procurement
Aegis Living

Background Statement

As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and a food service business leader, serving in positions that increase awareness and resources for others in the industry is invaluable. I have served in positions with AHF on the Education Committee – both as an operator and a vendor partner – in addition to hosting dietetic interns from various colleges and universities at Aegis Living – helping expand ideas around food service administration and raise awareness on the fiscal responsibilities of leaders. In my current role as VP of Culinary Services at Aegis Living, I’ve received the Aegis Employee of the Year Award, in addition to recognition at US Foods as the Top Business Solutions Specialist for three years. I would be honored to serve as Secretary.

Statement of Priorities

If elected, my priorities will be to ensure AHF allocates resources effectively to support strategic initiatives and to uphold AHF’s viability. Thank you for your consideration and support.

Director Candidates

Below are the candidates running for positions on the 2027 Board of Directors as a Director. There are four (4) total candidates running for two (2) open positions. Please review all four candidate statements before casting a vote. Eligible voters will cast votes for two of the four candidates. These candidates are running for a contested position.
Candidates are listed in alphabetical order by last name. 

Wes Lieberher

System Executive Chef
Endeavor Health

Background Statement

I am the System Executive Chef for Endeavor Health, leading culinary operations across Edward Hospital, Elmhurst Hospital, and Linden Oaks Behavioral Health. Since entering healthcare leadership, I have been driven by a belief that healthcare foodservice can reach a much higher level through stronger culinary standards, creativity, and a deeper focus on hospitality. My broader culinary career includes opening restaurant concepts throughout the United States and Europe, bringing wide-ranging operational and concept development experience into healthcare. I currently serve on AHF’s Culinary Committee as Chair and Conference Committee and was honored as the winner of AHF’s National Culinary Competition in 2024. I am passionate about helping move healthcare dining forward by challenging tradition, inspiring teams, and expanding what food can represent within healing environments.

Statement of Priorities

My priority as Director is to help move both healthcare foodservice and AHF into their next phase of growth, where culinary innovation, stronger engagement, and fresh thinking create greater value for members and the industry. I believe AHF has an opportunity to connect more dynamically with emerging professionals, younger leaders, and culinary voices entering healthcare. I would bring creativity, operational perspective, and modern communication ideas to help strengthen awareness, expand participation, and help AHF continue evolving in ways that stay relevant and meaningful to the next generation of members.

Erik Schunk, MBA, CEC, RDN, LDN, CLSSBB

Corporate Program Director, Culinary Supply Chain
UHS of Delaware, Inc.

Background Statement

My professional journey has been shaped by a commitment to continuous growth, supported by mentors and peers within professional organizations. Throughout my career, I have held numerous leadership roles that have prepared me for the opportunity to serve as Director at Large, including:

  • AHF National – National Conference Co-Chair; Culinary Committee Member
  • AHF Philadelphia / South Jersey Chapter – President, Vice President, and Board Member (25+ years of service)
  • Adjunct Professor – Immaculata University
  • Dietetic Internship and Certified Dietary Manager Programs – Sponsored and mentored 15 students to support the next generation of professionals
  • President’s Award – Morrison Healthcare

Statement of Priorities

For decades, AHF has supported and encouraged operators to excel in a highly competitive environment. Today, this mission is more important than ever. We must prioritize identifying, developing, and mentoring the next generation of leaders to sustain the momentum of self-operated programs.

Emerging leaders need access to practical tools, education, and mentorship. In recent years, teams have been challenged to deliver results with constrained resources. After prolonged budget pressures, the pandemic, and changes in the labor market, it is essential that we continue to support one another and share best practices. As Director at Large, I am committed to contributing to that effort.

Kevin Steffes

Director, Food & Nutrition Services
Carle Health

Background Statement

I am committed to advancing the healthcare foodservice profession through service, leadership, and shared learning. With 15 years of healthcare foodservice industry experience, I have benefited from mentors and colleagues who modeled service, and I am motivated to give back in the same spirit. My service to AHF includes current membership on the State of the Industry Report Committee and prior roles as chair of the Education Committee and member of the Leadership Development Committee, experiences that have prepared me for board‑level contribution. My work has been recognized through multiple national and organizational honors, including:

  • AHF – Presidential Service Award
  • Premier GPO – Illuminating Excellence
  • Computrition – Prodigy
  • Carle Health – Way to Be a Leader

As Director‑at‑Large, Kevin would bring a collaborative, member‑focused perspective, and a continued commitment to strengthening AHF’s impact and value for the profession.

Statement of Priorities

As Director, I will work to strengthen AHF’s value by collaborating with members to identify, share, and scale best‑in‑class solutions across healthcare foodservice. I bring pride and advocacy for self‑operated foodservice models that drive accountability, innovation, and patient‑centered outcomes. I will champion education, leadership development, and data‑informed dialogue, while fostering inclusive engagement and mentorship to ensure AHF remains a trusted, forward‑thinking resource for the profession.

Toni Watkins, MS, RDN

System Food Nutrition & Environmental Services Director
Riverside Health

Background Statement

Since moving to Virginia and joining Riverside Health System, I have been committed to strategic value-added initiatives and fostering team member growth and development in a self-operated environment. I have valued my experience in professional development with AHF.

AHF positions currently held:

  • Director at Large
  • Membership Committee

Past offices held and/or contributions to professional organizations include:

  • AHF Education Committee
  • AHF Recognition Committee
  • AHF Culinary Committee
  • Food Board Committee, Premier GPO
  • Academy’s Management in Food Systems Dietetic Practice Group Delegate
  • National Program Co-Chair ASHFA
  • President, North TX Chapter, AHF

I have thrived as a Senior director with expertise in professional development, a passion for food and a heart for healthcare with a career span of over 30 years.  I received a BS from University of Texas Southwest Medical Center and MS from Boston University. In 2021, I became the first healthcare leader in 40+ years to receive the IFMA Gold Medal Plate Award. My current role of 11 years is with Riverside Health as System Director of Food, Nutrition, & Environmental Services.

Statement of Priorities

While being an AHF Director I enjoyed the opportunity to advocate for tools to support our self-operation initiative. There is more to be done as we face global challenges. The advancement of AI, rapid changes in supply chain demand, and global concerns create a need for ever-evolving change. I will:

  • Continue the journey for a Self-Operated Foodservice Ecosystem.
  • Develop the tools for sustained growth and leadership.
  • Create an enhanced Food & Nutrition communication platform for team member engagement and operational excellence.
  • Enhance industry partnership to help leaders strategically reposition to support growth and performance.

I am a true AHF advocate. I look forward to the opportunity to serve again!

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Leadership Development Committee Candidates

Below are the candidates running for positions on the 2027 Leadership Development Committee (LDC). There are two (2) candidates running for two (2) open positions. Eligible voters will cast a vote for each of the two candidates.

The Leadership Development Committee helps AHF review candidates, build out our pipeline of future leaders, and provide other support to AHF’s leadership structures and processes. To this end, we often ask longstanding, and sometimes former Board Members to consider running for a position. 

Christine Hartney, MS, RDN, LDN, FAND

Director, Clinical Nutrition Services
Rush System for Health

Background Statement

Serving in leadership positions in professional organizations provides the opportunity to grow personally and professionally while giving back to the profession. AHF Positions currently held:

  • AHF Editorial Advisory Board
  • AHF Awards Committee (2023)
  • AHF Benchmarking Committee (2022)

Past offices held and/or contributions to professional organizations include:

  • Chair, Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)
  • Dietetic Internship Program Representative, ACEND Board of Directors
  • Treasurer, Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

During my 28 years with the Rush University Medical Center Department of Food and Nutrition Services, all as a self-operated department, I started as a Diet Technician while completing my graduate education and became the Director of Clinical Nutrition Services in 2022. I have received the Dietetics and Education Practice Group Area V Preceptor of the Year, and the Rush Employee Team of the Year Award for my work with the Food is Medicine Program. AHF is a vital organization to promote and support self-operated healthcare foodservice organizations.  I would be honored to serve on the Leadership Development Committee Member-at-Large.

Statement of Priorities

The success of AHF depends on developing a strong leadership pipeline. As a Leadership Development Committee Member-at-Large, my priorities will be to work with the Board of Directors to promote and ensure a diverse candidate pool exists for future leadership positions.

Robert Darrah CDM, CFPP, CHC

Director of Dining Operations
Legacy Retirement Communities

Background Statement

Leadership within professional associations creates opportunities not only to advance our profession, but also to inspire and develop the next generation of leaders. I’m honored to be considered for a role on the Leadership Development Committee.

Throughout my career in healthcare foodservice, I’ve been committed to elevating our profession through collaboration, mentorship, and service. My involvement with AHF has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my professional journey.

AHF leadership and recognition:
• AHF Past President, 2023 AHF National Board member 2009 – 2023
• Recipient, AHF Lifetime Achievement Award, 2025

These experiences have reinforced my passion for supporting emerging leaders and creating pathways for members to become more engaged in AHF. If elected, I look forward to helping identify, mentor, and encourage members to step into leadership roles that will continue to strengthen and grow our organization.

It would be a privilege to continue serving the AHF and contributing to the development of its future leaders.

Statement of Priorities

If elected to the Leadership Development Committee for the Association for Healthcare Foodservice, my priority will be strengthening the pipeline of engaged, capable leaders who will guide AHF into the future. Building on my experience as AHF Past President and as a recipient of the AHF Lifetime Achievement Award, I’m committed to identifying, mentoring, and encouraging members to step into leadership roles. By expanding mentorship, increasing member engagement, and creating clear pathways for leadership involvement, we can cultivate confident, prepared leaders who will continue advancing the AHF and the healthcare foodservice profession.

The Path to AHF Board Leadership

AHF board or leadership service is an exciting career step and a great way to give back to the self-operated industry. AHF prides itself on leading the way in self-operated healthcare, senior dining, and hospitality and our Board leaders, volunteers and chapter leaders exemplify that sentiment.

AHF is a 501c6 nonprofit and we follow nonprofit industry best practice for board leadership to ensure we provide a diverse set of leaders that are representative, to the best of our ability, of our industry and stakeholders. AHF elections are overseen by the Leadership Development Committee (LDC) which consists of the AHF Immediate Past President (Chair), President, two (2) elected LDC members, and one Board-appointed member. Additionally, AHF’s IAB Chair and Executive Director serve on the LDC as advisors.

Board Leadership Prerequisites

Joining the AHF board typically first requires participation on an AHF committee for at least 1 year or participation in AHF Chapter leadership. Once you have served as an AHF volunteer, you will be more prepared to serve in a higher-level leadership position. The recommended next step is to consider chairing an AHF Committee or serving in AHF Chapter leadership (although this is not required).We recommend having at least 1 year, and ideally 2+ years, of AHF volunteer service before applying to be an AHF Board member. The LDC will review your application to see what service to AHF you have, and also review how engaged you have been in your volunteer roles. Taking on AHF Leadership is a big endeavor and the LDC wants to be sure that elected candidates have proven their ability to contribute meaningfully. However, if you are interested in serving on the AHF Board, you can submit yourself during the Leadership “Call for Nominations” which comes out in the 1st quarter of each year.

AHF’s Officer positions (President, Treasurer, and Secretary) are slated positions, and typically (but not always) come from existing board members. A slated position means that the Leadership Development Committee determines who will be placed into that position and the position is not contested. This helps ensure AHF’s highest leaders have Board experience and understanding of the detailed workings of the Association. AHF’s Director and LDC positions are typically contested elections, enabling the full AHF membership to participate in shaping the composition of the Board and the LDC with the goal of achieving the greatest representation.

Call for Nominations

Each year we open nominations for available positions on our Board and LDC. Once all nominations have been received, the LDC reviews the submissions to ensure their qualifications meet the positions for which they have been nominated. Not all nominees may be selected to run that year, but keep trying! Gaining an AHF Board seat, can be a process as we have a talented set of members spread out across the country and only a few available positions. Not being selected to run does not mean you will not be considered in the future, and the Board will note your desire for future discussion. Development of the ballot by the LDC is based on composition needs, desired skill sets, number of applications, experience of applicants, and more.

In addition to evaluating qualifications, the Leadership Development Committee (LDC) is tasked with ensuring that AHF’s nominees and leaders reflect the diversity of our industry. This entails striving for representation across various industry segments, educational backgrounds, skills sets and credentials, as well as gender, racial, and cultural diversities, among others. Due to the limitations in the number of available positions, it may not be possible to include everyone on this year’s ballot. If you are not selected to run for a board position or are unsuccessful in the elections, we encourage you to engage with an AHF committee, take on leadership roles within chapters, or explore other leadership opportunities within AHF. Your involvement and continued dedication will strengthen your candidacy for future consideration.

Click here to learn more about our Committees and volunteer opportunities.

Consider Chapter Leadership

AHF’s Chapters need you! Chapter leadership is a great way to get involved at the local level, build a tight network, and help further the Association. It is also a fantastic pathway to future AHF national leadership. Find your local chapter here and reach out to the listed president/contact to get involved!

Conflicts of Interest & Service To AHF

AHF, like any other nonprofit Board, does have some conflicts of interest that would disqualify someone from serving on the Board. When you join the AHF Board you are the legal stewards of the Association, its Executive Director, and are responsible for its overall health and success. 

In the nonprofit world, a conflict of interest occurs when a board member has a personal, professional, or financial interest that could influence, or appear to influence, their ability to make objective decisions in the best interest of the nonprofit. 

Does a Conflict of Interest (COI) Disqualify me From Service?

A conflict of interest is not necessarily a disqualifier; it may just be something that the AHF Board Secretary needs to be made aware of so that you can be excluded from discussions and votes where you would have a conflict. You will be asked to provide us with a list of other leadership roles you hold, especially those where there may be a fiduciary responsibility or loyalty (GPO councils, high-level councils of other nonprofits, any Benchmarking committees, AHF chapter boards, etc). Board service on an AHF Chapter during service on the AHF Board is acceptable, although not preferred. 

Service on Another Nonprofit Board (Disqualifier)

There are a few things that would disqualify you from considering service before applying. The biggest one is service on another nonprofit board. Serving on two nonprofit boards at the same time, especially if they operate in the same or adjacent/connected industries, creates a conflict of loyalty, time, and confidentiality.

If you serve on two boards, you owe a 100% duty of loyalty to both. If there is a discussion or issue that involves both organizations, or one organization discusses the other, you cannot legally or ethically advocate for both (but you legally have to work in the best interest of both while you are a Board member). You would be forced to recuse yourself from both discussions, effectively leaving both boards without your expertise when they need it most.  You may also unintentionally use “insider” information from Organization A to help Organization B.

Conflict of Time

AHF board service is demanding. We ask that you are careful how many things you commit to during Board service. This does not mean you cannot serve on other committees and councils or undertake other leadership or personal activities. If you miss three or more AHF Board meetings, it can be grounds for removal because you do not have enough information to make informed legal decisions. Board members do miss meetings from time to time, but you need to have enough space in your life to prioritize AHF while on the Board.

Therefore, it does mean you cannot serve on two nonprofit boards. Between committee work, meetings, and in person meetings (typically two per year) you may lack the time to exercise your Duty of Care. If a crisis hits both organizations at once, or they both have meetings at similar times you cannot be in two places at once, potentially leaving you legally liable for “willful ignorance” if you miss critical oversight moments. Our Board members are often busy and having to choose where you spend your discretionary time between two legal entities would be difficult, in addition to your full time job. You would legally owe both your time, energy, and expertise. 

If you have additional questions about AHF Board service and/or conflicts of interest, please email lreily@healthcarefoodservice.org or the current Chair of the Leadership Development Committee at any time.