Board of Directors
Joe has over 40 years of sales and management experience in the food and beverage industry. Currently the Senior Vice President of Sales at Monin and responsible for all sales in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean, Joe’s leadership over the last ten years has guided Monin towards many beverage excellence honors by valued customers and organizations. These include the Cheers Small Non-Alcoholic Beverage Supplier of the Year award nine years in a row, and Vibe’s Non-Alcoholic Supplier of the Year 2010. Additionally, OSI has named Monin Supplier of the Year for each of the last four years and Darden has bestowed on Monin the William B.
Darden Award. Prior to joining Monin, Joe’s career included major accomplishments in sales and sales management positions at Ocean Spray Canberries,Inc. and Hills Brothers Coffee. Joe is currently the Chairman of the Board for CORE, Children of Restaurant Employees, and an active member of ABI. A graduate of Northeastern University, he splits his time at home between Boston and Florida.
Darden Award. Prior to joining Monin, Joe’s career included major accomplishments in sales and sales management positions at Ocean Spray Canberries,Inc. and Hills Brothers Coffee. Joe is currently the Chairman of the Board for CORE, Children of Restaurant Employees, and an active member of ABI. A graduate of Northeastern University, he splits his time at home between Boston and Florida.
A veteran of 35 years in the hospitality industry, Brian founded Meliora Consulting as a full-service consultancy focused on the hospitality industry, with emphasis on entertainment venues, restaurants and bars when he recognized the opportunity existed to help others achieve the same levels of business success and career fulfillment that he had enjoyed for those 35 years. Prior to founding Meliora, Brian was President, On Site Products, North American Concerts for Live Nation, with responsibility for ancillary revenue streams for Live Nations’ 42 amphitheaters and 6 select clubs and theaters, which host 13 million music fans at close to 1400 shows annually. Brian began his professional career with Marriott Hotels and Resorts in property-based positions, where he rose through the ranks in restaurants, bars and catering, ending up a Director of Food and Beverage at a young age.
Brian’s next opportunity came with a move to France, where he was a proud member of the pre-opening and opening teams of the Euro Disney Resort complex. After three years in France, Brian returned to the States, where he continued his tenure with Disney at Walt Disney World’s Pleasure Island, responsible for the day to day operation of this retail, dining and entertainment complex.
From Pleasure Island and Disney, Brian moved to Universal Studios, Florida, where he spent a brief time heading up the operational development of Universal’s City Walk there. After that stint, he returned to Marriott International, spending almost eight years in restaurants and beverage at the corporate level, eventually becoming corporate Vice President, Global Restaurants and Beverage.
Brian joined Harrah’s Entertainment in June 2005 as Vice President, Global F&B Operations and was responsible for leading the strategic direction of the food and
beverage programming for the world’s largest casino company. After that role, he transitioned into a position on the corporate development team, in which Brian
was charged with international concept and new project development for the casino company.
When not working on ways to help others achieve their business objectives, Yost remains active in the industry through his participation in numerous advisory
boards, as well as through his role as a member of the Board of the 501 (c)(3) charity Children Of Restaurant Employees (CORE).
Sherry is currently CFO of IMI Agency and has been a part of the CORE accounting process since its’ inception. In 2015, she was honored to become more of an integral part of CORE as the Treasurer. She came to IMI originally in 1999 through the CPA firm where she worked as a traveling, part-time Controller for several small to midsize businesses in metropolitan Atlanta. In 2003 she was given the opportunity to work solely with IMI as their Accountant and became CFO in 2008. Her Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Kennesaw State University has allowed her to work in a variety of interesting businesses over the last 30 years, ranging from the Prosecuting Attorney’s Council of Georgia to a Kendall Motor Oil distributor. None of those experiences have been able to compete with the energy of the beverage industry and the heart of CORE. After making all the numbers work, Sherry makes lots of happy memories with her daughter.
Mara wants to live in a world where dinnerware, flatware and glassware are the hottest topic of conversation
over the culinary creations of highly acclaimed chefs and trending cocktails by the most sought after
bartenders. As both a sales and marketing guru with more than 14 years of experience in Hospitality &
Beverage, she has worked for Cardinal International, Constellation Brands, Beam Suntory, and IMI Agency,
and Villeroy & Boch. Her roles have always centered around the PEOPLE, which motivated her to be a part of something bigger—a co-founder and Board Member of CORE that supports the people and families that service all of our businesses. When she’s not strategizing her next hotel opening or customizing innovation solutions for chain accounts, you can find her training, helping others with health goals, posted up at a hipster bar sipping craft beer and wine or watching her favorite sports teams—the Steelers, Spartans and the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Soccer teams.
over the culinary creations of highly acclaimed chefs and trending cocktails by the most sought after
bartenders. As both a sales and marketing guru with more than 14 years of experience in Hospitality &
Beverage, she has worked for Cardinal International, Constellation Brands, Beam Suntory, and IMI Agency,
and Villeroy & Boch. Her roles have always centered around the PEOPLE, which motivated her to be a part of something bigger—a co-founder and Board Member of CORE that supports the people and families that service all of our businesses. When she’s not strategizing her next hotel opening or customizing innovation solutions for chain accounts, you can find her training, helping others with health goals, posted up at a hipster bar sipping craft beer and wine or watching her favorite sports teams—the Steelers, Spartans and the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Soccer teams.
Larry joined IMI Agency in 2000, following 23 years on the alcohol and non-alcohol National Accounts Supplier side of the business. After working for Suppliers who support National Beverage Programs (Anheuser-Busch, Paddington, DIAGEO and Island Oasis), Larry joined IMI Agency and over the past 15 years led the building of IMI’s Hospitality Client roster to over 30 National On-Premise Chains. Obsessively dedicated to Building Better Beverage Business with each IMI Client, Larry and his Team become each Client’s strategic beverage consultant and legally permissible activation arm in creating effective and profitable beverage programs. Larry’s proudest accomplishment in his 38 years in the industry is assisting in the establishment and growth of CORE.
John Niekrash is a 37-year veteran of the spirits industry. John says of his work on the CORE Board of Directors, “I consider being a Founding Member of CORE and being a part of such a heartfelt and beneficial charity the most rewarding achievement of my career.” John recently accepted a position as President of Salute American Vodka.
Jeffrey began his sales and marketing career as a second-generation employee of the Joseph E. Seagram
Company in New York City in 1978 and currently serves as the Vice President of National Accounts at
Proximo Spirits.
Company in New York City in 1978 and currently serves as the Vice President of National Accounts at
Proximo Spirits.
Michael is the current SVP of Innovation and Customer Service at Legends Hospitality. He has over 25 years of experience in the concessions F&B world, having worked with and maintained contacts at most of the major industry leaders in that segment. Additionally, Michael has been the advocate for CORE within the Legends organization and continues to a supporter through their hosting of events and annual membership.
Colleen Brennan is a wine industry professional recognized for her innovative sales and marketing achievements which span over 20 years in the beverage and restaurant industries. She is currently vice president of national accounts for Rodney Strong Wine Estates, where she is responsible for business development, marketing, strategic planning, budgeting and sales for all on premise national account chains. Prior to joining Rodney Strong in 2012, she was director of global accounts and the on-premise marketing specialist at Ste. Michelle Wine Estates where she supervised sales to more than 30 restaurant chains. In this role, she increased sales by 65% over a six-year period and was recognized as the 2007 Salesperson of the Year for Antinori Italian wine brand.
Brennan has also held executive level positions with leading restaurant companies including O’Charley’s and Cypress Companies. She served as director of beverage marketing at O’Charley’s, in charge of managing and growing beverage programs and profits for the restaurant chain’s 200 locations. Brennan’s consultative and creative approach to sales and marketing includes developing an innovative wine and spirits training tool for servers at O’Charley’s that dramatically increased product knowledge and beverage sales. She also created successful incentive contests that boosted sales and team member morale. One promotion resulted in over 200,000 incremental beverages sold during the first 10 weeks alone, representing a 200% increase in sales of one featured drink which became O’Charley’s top-selling beverage. Brennan’s creative strategies earned her a Cheers Beverage Excellence Award for best beverage promotion during this time. As director of restaurant marketing at Cypress Companies, owner of several chain concepts including Denny’s, Houlihan’s and An Tobar Irish Pub, she oversaw all marketing activities for 60 restaurants and pubs across five states. Brennan began her restaurant industry career at Pizzeria Uno Chicago Bar and Grill where she served as a field marketing manager for all corporate-owned locations in Florida.
Brennan currently serves on the Board of Directors for The California Restaurant Association’s Education Foundation and on the Board of Directors for Children of Restaurant Employees (CORE). She has also served on several industry boards including the American Beverage Institute (Committee Chairperson),Cheer’s Magazine and the Millennium Group. Brennan holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Political Science from Yale University.
As Principal and Co-founder of GuestCounts Hospitality, Barry provides the vision, strategy and leadership behind its unique restaurant, nightlife and catering concepts. Barry has led the development of distinctive
concepts that have transformed dining, nightlife and special event scenes on the East Coast. Barry and his business partner, Larry Cohen, have built a growing multi-division company with revenue exceeding $40
million. Prior to forming GuestCounts Hospitality, Barry operated some of the most impressive and successful food, beverage and entertainment facilities in the Northeast. In addition to his experience in food and beverage operations, he has expertise in marketing, public relations and entertainment production. Barry has a longstanding involvement with Nightclub & Bar/NCB Media Group, the leading national online resource and
convention and trade show for the on-premise alcoholic beverage industry. Barry currently serves as Vice Chairman of its Advisory Board, and speaks at its annual conference and tradeshow. Barry is regularly tapped
as an authority to present at other major hospitality conferences including, Chain Leader Live and G2E’s Global Gaming Expo and is frequently quoted for his expertise in various consumer and trade publications.
Barry also serves on the Advisory Council of non-profit CORE (Children of Restaurant Employees). Barry grew up in the Bronx, New York. In 1973, at the age of 18, he and his family moved from New York when his
father became a partner in Atlantic City’s long-established Stanley Restaurant. The family remained in South New Jersey opening a restaurant/bar in a new regional shopping mall in Deptford in 1975. While working at
his father’s new restaurant, Barry attended the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 1979.As Principal and Co-founder of GuestCounts Hospitality, Barry provides the vision, strategy and leadership behind its unique restaurant, nightlife and catering concepts. Barry has led the development of distinctive concepts that have transformed dining, nightlife and special event scenes on the East Coast. Barry and his business partner, Larry Cohen, have built a growing multi-division company with revenue exceeding $40 million. Prior to forming GuestCounts Hospitality, Barry operated some of the most impressive and successful food, beverage and entertainment facilities in the Northeast. In addition to his experience in food and beverage operations, he has expertise in marketing, public relations and entertainment production. Barry has a longstanding involvement with Nightclub & Bar/NCB Media Group, the leading national online resource and convention and trade show for the on-premise alcoholic beverage industry. Barry currently serves as Vice Chairman of its Advisory Board, and speaks at its annual conference and tradeshow. Barry is regularly tapped as an authority to present at other major hospitality conferences including, Chain Leader Live and G2E’s Global Gaming Expo and is frequently quoted for his expertise in various consumer and trade publications. Barry also serves on the Advisory Council of non-profit CORE (Children of Restaurant Employees). Barry grew up in the Bronx, New York. In 1973, at the age of 18, he and his family moved from New York when his father became a partner in Atlantic City’s long-established Stanley Restaurant. The family remained in South New Jersey opening a restaurant/bar in a new regional shopping mall in Deptford in 1975. While working at his father’s new restaurant, Barry attended the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 1979.
concepts that have transformed dining, nightlife and special event scenes on the East Coast. Barry and his business partner, Larry Cohen, have built a growing multi-division company with revenue exceeding $40
million. Prior to forming GuestCounts Hospitality, Barry operated some of the most impressive and successful food, beverage and entertainment facilities in the Northeast. In addition to his experience in food and beverage operations, he has expertise in marketing, public relations and entertainment production. Barry has a longstanding involvement with Nightclub & Bar/NCB Media Group, the leading national online resource and
convention and trade show for the on-premise alcoholic beverage industry. Barry currently serves as Vice Chairman of its Advisory Board, and speaks at its annual conference and tradeshow. Barry is regularly tapped
as an authority to present at other major hospitality conferences including, Chain Leader Live and G2E’s Global Gaming Expo and is frequently quoted for his expertise in various consumer and trade publications.
Barry also serves on the Advisory Council of non-profit CORE (Children of Restaurant Employees). Barry grew up in the Bronx, New York. In 1973, at the age of 18, he and his family moved from New York when his
father became a partner in Atlantic City’s long-established Stanley Restaurant. The family remained in South New Jersey opening a restaurant/bar in a new regional shopping mall in Deptford in 1975. While working at
his father’s new restaurant, Barry attended the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 1979.As Principal and Co-founder of GuestCounts Hospitality, Barry provides the vision, strategy and leadership behind its unique restaurant, nightlife and catering concepts. Barry has led the development of distinctive concepts that have transformed dining, nightlife and special event scenes on the East Coast. Barry and his business partner, Larry Cohen, have built a growing multi-division company with revenue exceeding $40 million. Prior to forming GuestCounts Hospitality, Barry operated some of the most impressive and successful food, beverage and entertainment facilities in the Northeast. In addition to his experience in food and beverage operations, he has expertise in marketing, public relations and entertainment production. Barry has a longstanding involvement with Nightclub & Bar/NCB Media Group, the leading national online resource and convention and trade show for the on-premise alcoholic beverage industry. Barry currently serves as Vice Chairman of its Advisory Board, and speaks at its annual conference and tradeshow. Barry is regularly tapped as an authority to present at other major hospitality conferences including, Chain Leader Live and G2E’s Global Gaming Expo and is frequently quoted for his expertise in various consumer and trade publications. Barry also serves on the Advisory Council of non-profit CORE (Children of Restaurant Employees). Barry grew up in the Bronx, New York. In 1973, at the age of 18, he and his family moved from New York when his father became a partner in Atlantic City’s long-established Stanley Restaurant. The family remained in South New Jersey opening a restaurant/bar in a new regional shopping mall in Deptford in 1975. While working at his father’s new restaurant, Barry attended the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 1979.
Sharyn is President of BSI Conferences, Inc., creators and producers of The Flavor Experience, a leading food & beverage conferences for corporate level chain executives in culinary, beverage, marketing, and
related fields. Sharyn is co-creator of the VIBE Beverage Conference. Prior to working at BSI Conferences, Sharyn consulted to leading companies in the food & beverage industry to develop or renew events and
special programs for their business, including Nation’s Restaurant News, Restaurant Business, and Hospitality Design and multiple major beverage firms. She was employed as the NRA Board of Directors’
and Political Action Committee liaison. Sharyn is also a mentor and Judge for ProStart, an educational program for students interested in the careers in the foodservice industry. The Flavor Experience invites
accomplished ProStart students to work at the conference each year. Sharyn lives with her husband and business partner, Bruce Iler, in Ventura CA, their definition of paradise.
related fields. Sharyn is co-creator of the VIBE Beverage Conference. Prior to working at BSI Conferences, Sharyn consulted to leading companies in the food & beverage industry to develop or renew events and
special programs for their business, including Nation’s Restaurant News, Restaurant Business, and Hospitality Design and multiple major beverage firms. She was employed as the NRA Board of Directors’
and Political Action Committee liaison. Sharyn is also a mentor and Judge for ProStart, an educational program for students interested in the careers in the foodservice industry. The Flavor Experience invites
accomplished ProStart students to work at the conference each year. Sharyn lives with her husband and business partner, Bruce Iler, in Ventura CA, their definition of paradise.
LaMonte Jones is currently a Director for PepsiCo Foodservice, headquartered in White Plains, NY. He is responsible for leading the strategic direction of the Sales & Marketing – Emerging & Fast Casual Restaurant team for the United States. LaMonte is a 21 year veteran of PepsiCo with past assignments leading the U.S. Multi-Cultural Marketing agenda during his tenure at Pepsi Bottling Group’s headquarters in Somers, NY and the sales and marketing department at PepsiCo Direct in Winston-Salem, NC. With an enthusiastic and genuinely friendly attitude, LaMonte radiates a sincere passion for delivering value and benefits to his customers and network of colleagues. An accountant and marketer by vocation, LaMonte earned his B.S. & MBA in Business Administration at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville. After graduating, he spent 10 years at Household Finance Corporation (HFC) in various management roles leading up to the AVP, Assistant to the President; where he led several key Human Resource projects across the U.S. He is currently pursuing his PhD in management. Among many internal accolades, LaMonte’s recognition includes 2008, Who’s Who in Atlanta, 2009 Atlanta’s 100 Most Influential Men, and 2010 Top 40 Emerging Young Leaders. In addition to Warrick Dunn Charities, he is a board member for the Greater North Fulton County Chamber of Commerce. Today, LaMonte resides in Marietta, Georgia, with his wife Sophia and sons Jejuan and Julian. He is an active member of Word of Faith Family Cathedral Church where Bishop Dale C. Bronner is the presiding senior pastor.
Board Emeritus
Paul recently retired from a 40 year sales and marketing career at DIAGEO, where his experience included marketing/ promotion, distributor management and National Accounts. Paul founded Casa LaConte, a beverage consulting business, after leaving DIAGEO and resides with his wife Donna in Naples, FL.
Recognized as one of the “Marketing 100” by “Advertising Age”, Stan was responsible for the creation, development and implementation of the “Cheers” branded theme restaurant concept based on the television
series. Stan pioneered the development of other specialty concepts including micro-breweries, sports grills, wine bars and Irish Pubs in non-traditional environments, and has led creative teams that worked with popular
names to develop proprietary branded concepts such as FOX Sports Skybox, Jose Cuervo Tequileria, Casa Bacardi, Dewar’s Clubhouse and others. Stan has also worked with celebrity chefs to develop innovative
concepts bearing their name, including Todd English’s Bonfire & Bonfire Bar, Martin Yan’s Yan Can, and David Burke’s Burke in the Box, as well as entertainment icons, such as Dick Clark and Sammy Hagar, to
develop concepts around their music and backgrounds. Stan’s industry specialties include concept development, training, marketing, purchasing, branding and identity, franchising, merchandising, design, and operations.
series. Stan pioneered the development of other specialty concepts including micro-breweries, sports grills, wine bars and Irish Pubs in non-traditional environments, and has led creative teams that worked with popular
names to develop proprietary branded concepts such as FOX Sports Skybox, Jose Cuervo Tequileria, Casa Bacardi, Dewar’s Clubhouse and others. Stan has also worked with celebrity chefs to develop innovative
concepts bearing their name, including Todd English’s Bonfire & Bonfire Bar, Martin Yan’s Yan Can, and David Burke’s Burke in the Box, as well as entertainment icons, such as Dick Clark and Sammy Hagar, to
develop concepts around their music and backgrounds. Stan’s industry specialties include concept development, training, marketing, purchasing, branding and identity, franchising, merchandising, design, and operations.
Advisory Council
Anjali has always taken the road less traveled, from couchsurfing through Europe and covering IMG Fashion Weeks in Manhattan and Mumbai, to working as an incognito maid in London and becoming an expert in medical billing (always striving for the unsexy experiences). Due to an obsession with anything gastronomy, her F&B experience ranges from food-hacking in college dorms (ask her about the “Orange Chicken”) to writing restaurant reviews for LA Splash and running front of the house at a thriving Japanese concept created by one of Morimoto’s apprentices for 6 years. Today, she’s co-founder and VP of Customer Success at Partender, a global startup that started in Gainesville, FL that reached over 15,000 bars on its system in less than two years and is the first company since Facebook to have both the Winkevoss Twins and Zuckerbergs on the same team. She’s most excited about sharing her story in hopes of inspiring others — especially in the industry — to challenge the status quo and realize how much potential there is to make things better.
Donna has been in the spirits industry over 40 years, with over 23 years in the national account segment specializing in hotels. Donna joined CORE as a way to give back to the people who are part of the food and beverage industry.
Scott is currently the Director of National Accounts-On Premise for Boston Beer. He has worked for Boston Beer since 1998. He is a certified cicerone and has been on CORE’s Advisory Council since its inception.
Maureen started her beverage career during college working in restaurants, hotels and wine bars. In 1992, she went to work with Southern Wine and Spirits in Orlando, Florida. Maureen moved to the supplier side of the industry in 1993 when she went to work for The Boston Beer Company as account manager in Atlanta, GA. Maureen spent 13 very successful years selling Samuel Adams Beer. In 2001 she was promoted to National Account Manager Hotels & Fine Dining US.
Maureen left Boston Beer Company in 2005 to go to work with FIJI Water where she play an integral role in developing their “On Premise” national accounts and growing their business in the national hotels i.e. Hilton, Marriott, The Ritz Carlton, Intercontinental and Hyatt Hotels.
In September 2009 Maureen joined Ste. Michelle wine Estates as the Director of Global Accounts, Hotels. In 2016 she was promoted to National Director Global Accounts, Hotels. Maureen has also been active with the American Hotel and Lodging Association; she joined in 2001, and became an active member on the Allied Executive Board. She passed her MHS “Master Hotel Supplier” certification in 2003. In 2010 Maureen served a 2 year term as Chair Woman to the AHLA Allied Executive Committee; She helped spearhead and revive the Food and Beverage Board to the AH&LA during her Chair term.
Patrick has been involved with CORE for many years and joined the Advisory Council in 2018. Patrick works for IMI, a full-service third party consultant agency for the hospitality industry. Patrick has been with IMI for 10 years and is the Director of Account Management, working on lodging, fine dining and entertainment clients. CORE has been very important to Patrick since it’s inception. Patrick grew up with health issues and loves to see the help CORE can bring to families in need within the hospitality industry.
Ryan Maher started in the beverage alcohol industry in May 1996 and has never looked back-legally selling beer, wine or spirits for 21 years (coincidence?). He is the VP of National Accounts on and off premise for Tito’s Handmade Vodka where he has worked since 2012, and has found a wonderful home selling America’s Original Craft Vodka. Ryan lives in Seattle and has been married to Carrie Maher for 10+ years and they enjoy downtime entertaining and chasing their 3.5 year old son Redding around the Pacific NW and beyond! CORE has been close to Ryan’s heart since he started in National Accounts with former companies, but when the opportunity for Tito’s philanthropic goals to mesh with CORE it really took on new meaning.
Brittany Taylor Olson has been involved in the adult beverage industry for over 20 years. She has worked for a family owned beer distributor in Chicago, General Mills, Bacardi USA, Beam Suntory and most recently Tito’s Handmade Vodka where she was the Director of National Accounts On Premise. A graduate of Indiana University Bloomington, her love for working with charitable causes started with her role as PR Director for Indiana University Dance Marathon which raises money for Riley’s Children Hospital in Indianapolis. After criss-crossing the United States for different positions ( Orlando, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Chicago, Minneapolis, Nashville, San Diego and Miami ) she resides in her hometown of Chicago, IL. Brittany has been married for over 10+ years and enjoys spending time with her son Cooper (8) and their wonderful chocolate lab Wrigley. She became involved with CORE in order to help those in need in the hospitality industry.
Christoph was named General Manager at the Renaissance Indian Wells Resort & Spa on June 19, 2017. In his prior role as Vice President, Americas Food and Beverage Operations, Christoph was responsible for the Culinary, Event Management, and Restaurant & Bar disciplines. Christoph partnered with Marriott’s Area Vice Presidents to deliver positive balanced scorecard results, resolve operational issues and ensure consistent execution of Brand initiatives. He provided oversight of the Americas Restaurant, Bar and Greatroom renovations and he led the CFRST Food & Beverage sustainability team, primarily focusing on Courtyard Refreshing Business and its Bistro concept. He served as the voice of the markets in developing global food and beverage strategies and was responsible for the execution of the Food & Beverage training platforms such as culinary, restaurant, event management and bar arts.
Prior to this current position, Christoph was General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Marina Del Rey. Earlier roles include General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Phoenix, Hotel Manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel and Director of Operations for the Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel. Before his move into the role of Regional Director of Food & Beverage for the South-Central Region in 2000, Christoph served as Director of F&B for the Santiago Marriott and the Aruba Marriott & Stellaris Casino. He built the foundation to his career in the Culinary discipline as Executive Chef of the Aruba Marriott & Stellaris Casino, Executive Chef at Marriott’s Mountain Shadows Resort & Golf Club in Scottsdale, AZ preceded by several Culinary Sous-Chef, Banquet Chef and Cook’s positions dating back to his start with Marriott in 1985 at the Gaithersburg Marriott. Christoph is a graduate of the Culinary Apprentice Program and the Trade School of Baden Switzerland.
During college, Ken began his career with a marketing internship on the campaign, then at night it was off to evening jobs bartending and waiting tables. After college, he moved worked in sales for Johnson & Johnson, which lead to various sales positions at the number one distiller, Seagram’s. After sales positions in NJ, MA, and NY, Ken was assigned as GSM of Seagram’s Colorado. After three years, Ken joined a 191-year old start up that later became Beam Suntory. This exciting company grew as brands were acquired and new product innovation started to kick in. At Beam Suntory, Ken’s positions included State Manager of Southern California and Nevada, Regional Specialty Brands Manager, Sales Manager, Central Region, and both VP of Imports and Specialty Brands and National Accounts. Today, he continues to work as the VP of National Accounts On-Premise. Ken has been married 33 years to his wife Lisa, a Special Education teacher. He has two daughters Katie (30) and Jillian (20). Ken is the proud founder of the Holiday Meals for Military program run by Operation Homefront, a program that has provided a better holiday meal to over 60,000 families, and is on the advisory board of the National Restaurant Association “Marketing Executives Group”.
Nora Lee is a 30+ year veteran in the Beverage Alcohol business. She has been blessed with a successful career in sales & marketing with Fortune 500 companies such as Procter & Gamble, E & J Gallo, Hiram Walker, Allied Domecq Spirits & Wine, Fortune Brands/Beam, and Constellation Brands and currently is employed by Delicato Family Vineyards as National Accounts Manager. She resides in Tampa, Florida and has been a part of CORE since 2004.
Lou is currently the VP of Food and Beverage with Vail Resorts. In addition to working with beverage partners to build comprehensive strategies for longterm sustainable success in the hotel and resort segment. Lou possesses a deep wealth of knowledge from over 30 years of food and beverage operational and development experience from running global teams, to independent hotels as well as years of actual hands on success Lou had an unprecedented career with Marriott International rising from an hourly cook to the Global Vice President of Restaurants, Bars and Events. He gained his operational prowess through years of experience as an Executive Chef and Direct of Food and Beverage in resort, convention and urban hotels in New York, Bermuda, London, Maui, Philadelphia and San Diego. After earning his MBA from San Diego State University, he joined the corporate team of Marriott International to lead and direct multiple projects both domestic and international. From ground up new build luxury resorts, creating global training programs, developing new lifestyle brands, or strategizing beverage programs for premium, lifestyle and luxury segments, Lou’s reach was expansive and vast. He also held the position of Senior Vice President Food and Beverage for an independent hotel group specializing in lifestyle and luxury hotels and resorts building ground up programs on strategic planning, financial modeling, concept development, operational success, procurement and beverage programing.
Lou has always been passionate about giving back to his community. Seeing first hand the struggles many of his staffs families endured from dishwasher to Exec Chef he felt compelled to act. Whether preparing meals for families at Ronald McDonald House, hosting fundraisers, or as Chairperson of Taste of Lahaina in Hawaii in which all proceeds went back to the community. Lou has always tried to do the right thing to make the lives of those around him a little bit better if even for just a moment.
Autumn is the Director of National On-Premise Accounts at FIJI Water, JUSTIN Winery, and Landmark Vineyards. She was taught at a very young age that we should appreciate what we have by donating to good causes and to always make time to volunteer. Autumn has everything from trash clean-ups and visiting convalescent homes to peer-counseling, building homes for families in need, and raising money for children with brain tumors. Autumn wants to be a positive role model for her own children by showing them how important it is to help others no matter how busy life can get. One of her favorite quotes of all time is by Anne Frank: “No one has ever become poor by giving.”
Staff
Lauren started her professional journey in the Journalism world receiving her Bachelor of Science in Communication and Information at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville with a minor in Business Administration. She had a short stint in the Hospitality Industry before spreading her adventurous and inquisitive wings across the Atlantic. Lauren spent a year abroad in Spain teaching English to students aged 4 to 85 and returned to the US more self-aware and with a whole new outlook on life. Lauren landed in Chicago where she received her Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management, a Certificate in Executive Leadership and a Certificate in Meeting and Event Management. In Chicago, she volunteered with numerous organizations and it was her volunteer work with CORE that brought all of her skills, interests, and experiences full circle. Lauren has been with CORE since November 2011 and has had the honor of serving as CORE’s Executive Director since early 2013. As Lauren says, “CORE is where my passion presented itself loud and clear and now my career happens to be one of my favorite pastimes— helping others.”
