Nutrition & Foodservice Edge Magazine - September/October 2024 - 44

Award
AMBASSADOR AWARD
The Ambassador Award is given to
an administrator, dietitian, or other
industry colleague who demonstrates
commitment to the CDM, CFPP
credential and supports the nutrition
and foodservice department leader
through mentoring.
Marcus Braz is the Area Chief
Executive Officer with Encompass
Health in Sarasota, Fla. In his role,
he has been an advocate and mentor
for the director of nutrition, as well
as the department. Through his
support and insights, directors have
been able to develop initiatives that
improve systems, as well as patient
outcomes and overall satisfaction.
Marcus sees the potential in all his
employees, and empowers them
to work towards their goals and
further education. He encouraged
several employees on his dietary
team to pursue the CDM, CFPP
credential, providing financial
assistance and time off to prepare
for the exam. Marcus showcases his
directors' talents and abilities as a
CDM, CFPP and ensures his staff is
supported and set up for success.
ANFP APPLAUDS 2024
RECIPIENTS
Congratulations to the following honorees.
ANFP presented recognition awards at the Annual Conference & Expo (ACE) in Reno, Nev., in June. The ANFP Awards
Program celebrates innovators and applauds those who advance and support foodservice professionals and the CDM,
CFPP credential. Award recipients are individuals and ANFP Corporate Partners that consistently demonstrate unwavering
dedication to the association and the foodservice industry.
Congratulations to the 2024 ANFP award recipients! ANFP celebrates the critical work they are doing across the country
to provide innovative leadership and promote the value of the CDM, CFPP credential.
STUDENT OF THE YEAR
AWARD
The Student of the Year Award
recognizes a current student enrolled
in an ANFP dietary managers program
who exemplifies dedication, hard
work, and commitment to earning the
credential and pursuing a career in the
foodservice industry.
Jessie Anderson's career has been
rooted in hospitality and food service,
and a cross country move to Florida
brought her into health care as a cook.
While staffing levels were low, Jessie
stepped up, often working 70+ hours
a week to cover any needed positions.
She was rewarded with a promotion to
supervisor within months of starting.
One of her first priorities was to earn
the CDM, CFPP credential. Leaning on
her director as a mentor, Jessie quickly
advanced through the lessons while
still working full-time and taking care
of her daughter. Jessie looks forward
to the next steps in her career, and has
defined a clear roadmap for managing
her own foodservice department. She
has shown a willingness to reach out
to mentors and coworkers, and has
created a positive impact within her
department.
HORIZON AWARD
The Horizon Award recognizes a member
that has been in the nutrition and
foodservice industry for five years or less
and is new to management. They have
demonstrated a desire for future growth
within their facility and community.
They also display leadership in fostering
equality, diversity, and inclusion in the
workplace.
Maria Alvarado is committed to
making a significant difference, both
locally and globally, by promoting
health and wellness in youth. She
Marcus Braz
Jessie Anderson
Ambassador Award
Student of the Year Award
44 NUTRITION & F OOD SER VICE EDGE | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2024

Nutrition & Foodservice Edge Magazine - September/October 2024

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