Tanya Sieber has accepted the role after serving Burlis-Lawson Group for the past decade.
Recipients will be announced in February and recognized at the National Restaurant Association Show, held May 22-25 in Chicago.
Several industry veterans have joined the fire-grilled chicken chain this year as it eyes uncharted territory.
Oswalt Restaurant Supply earned the Spirit of Giving Award while Gator Chef, Culinary Depot and Rapids also earned nods.
The manufacturer says the new hire ‘is well-positioned to elevate (its) culinary programs and strengthen customer relationships across the Americas.’
The Oak Lawn, Ill. resident most recently served as regional sales manager at Refrigerated Solutions Group, managing sales across six MAFSI territories and Canada.
Last week’s event provided operators, consultants and dealers with the nuts-and-bolts details they need to specify the right equipment for their projects. Equipment demos provided hands-on learning.
KFC has opened a restaurant in McKinney, Texas, that the brand says will help it learn what works and identify ideas.
Mark Easterday steps into the role after serving Middleby as executive vice president of Middleby Brand Sales.
The industry veteran joins the growing Southern, from-scratch diner group from Smalls Sliders.