PRESIDENT (05-06): Russ Benson
JOB TITLE: Vice President, Guest Strategies
EMPLOYER: Parkhurst Dining Services
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: After college, I spent five years working in various positions in the lodging industry, primarily with The Four Seasons; then, for 10 years, I worked in the dining and hospitality services department at MBNA, one of the world's largest financial services companies, where I eventually became an assistant vice president. Over the years my culinary grounding was very complementary to my management responsibilities and gave me a perspective and an edge in terms of my career opportunities.
EDUCATION: B.S. in Foodservice Management and Associate's degree in Culinary Arts from Johnson & Wales-Providence.
MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF MY JOB: Finding ways to consistently exceed our customers' expectations and to position our company in ways that set it apart from the competition.
SFM AT A GLANCE
MISSION: "The Society for Foodservice Management provides professional development through research and information, continuing education and member interaction in a collaborative environment."
MEMBERS: 950-1000
HEADQUARTERS: SFM
304 West liberty Street-Ste 201
Lousiville, KY 40202
PHONE: 502-583-3783
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Greg Hobby
WEB SITE: www.sfm-online.org