Top Execs Nab WFF Awards

RH Staff

Leadership group Women's Food-service Forum (WFF) has bestowed two of its highest awards to a pair of key industry executives. The group has tapped Pat Anton to receive the 2007 WFF Trailblazer Award. Lynette McKee is the recipient of the 2007 WFF Emerging Leader Award.

"We congratulate the outstanding commitment and dedication these women have demonstrated to the WFF and to the food-service and hospitality industries," says Mary Bentley, WFF president. "We celebrate their exceptional leadership and honor their contributions and continued support of elevating women leaders."

Anton, currently president of the Anton Family Foundation and a former WFF chair, was co-founder and former president/c.e.o. of Anton Airfood. She played a key role in promoting gender and minority diversity at the company, where half of all manager/ supervisor positions are held by women.

"Pat has made a lasting positive impact on gender diversity and career advancement for women both as a role model and through her inspiration to others," notes John Machuzick, president of General Mills Food-service, the company that sponsors the award. "We congratulate Pat for her many achievements and for receiving this great honor."

McKee is currently vice president of franchising and new business development for Dunkin' Brands. She has led a push which has seen Dunkin' Donuts become the number-two franchising operation as ranked by Entrepreneur.com's 2007 Franchise 500. The company also finished number one in the food-service category and number three overall on the list of fastest-growing franchises. McKee has also served on a number of committees and been on the board of directors for such groups as the International Franchise Association, Women's Food-service Forum, Multicultural Food-service and Hospitality Alliance and the National Minority Franchise Initiative.

Ecolab sponsors the WFF Emerging Leader Award. "Ecolab recognizes the great commitment and dedication Lynette has demonstrated over the years and her support of elevating women leaders both through her work with the WFF and within her own organization," says Doug Baker, chairman, president and c.e.o. of Ecolab. "We congratulate Lynette on her achievements and look forward to her continued contributions to the food-service industry."

The two honorees will receive their awards during the Emerging Leaders Awards Dinner, which will take place on April 17 at the WFF Annual Leadership Development Conference in Orlando.