IFMA Shares 2025 Silver Plate Winners

IFMA The Food Away from Home Association has announced the winners of the 71st annual Silver Plate Awards.

“We feel it is more important than ever to celebrate our extraordinary industry through the Gold & Silver Plate Awards. These are the dedicated people who, in good times and not-so-good times, employ millions and serve food-away-from-home to millions more,” says Phil Kafarakis, IFMA president and CEO, in the release. “From foodservice in schools, airports, hospitals and convenience stores to traditional chain and independent restaurants, and in many other locations, food-away-from-home is connected to every community and everybody.”

The 2025 IFMA Silver Plate winners include the following:

• Business & Industry/Foodservice Management: Gary J. Crompton, president and CEO of Aramark Workplace Experience Group
• Chain Full Service: Kevin Hochman, CEO and president of Brinker Int’l.
• Chain Limited Service: Michael Skipworth, president and CEO of Wingstop
• Colleges & Universities: Patti Klos, senior director of dining services at Tufts University
• Elementary & Secondary Schools: Whitney Ellersick, executive director for nutrition services at Hillsboro School District
• Grocery, Convenience & Specialty Retail: Geoff Alexander, president and CEO of Wow Bao
• Healthcare: Ryan Conklin, director and executive chef culinary and nutrition services at UNC Health Rex
• Travel & Leisure Foodservice: Richard Schneider, chief development officer at Areas USA

A jury of trade press editors and previous award winners chose the recipients. A presentation of the Silver Plate Awards and the announcement of the Gold Plate recipient will take place at the association’s Gold & Silver Plate Awards Celebration in May.