New Education and Leadership Opportunities for NAMA Members

(CHICAGO) June 29, 2018 – NAMA CEO Carla Balakgie has been named to the Board of Directors of the Women’s Foodservice Forum (WFF).  In this role, Balakgie will serve two successive, three-year terms through December 31, 2023.

Women’s Foodservice Forum (WFF) is the Food Industry’s thought leader on gender equity and premier leadership development organization, working since 1989 to advance women. Based in Dallas, WFF serves thousands of individuals and hundreds of employers across the United States in all segments of the industry including operations, manufacturing, distribution, publishing, consulting and more.

Through this relationship, NAMA members will gain access to the broad array of live and virtual leadership development educational opportunities provided by WFF and informed by their Food Industry-specific research about advancing women’s progress at work. In addition, NAMA members have the opportunity to participate in customized events and education, co-curated by NAMA and WFF. NAMA Members who participate in one of WFF’s Leadership Development Workshops will receive a free WFF membership and access to the group’s proprietary Leadership Competency Assessment. Learn more at workshops.wff.org.

According to Hattie Hill, President and CEO of WFF, “Our 2018 Board brings an exciting level of talent, passion and creativity to help WFF continue to create limitless possibilities for everyone contributing to the success of the food industry.”

“I see my role at WFF as a win-win.  I look forward to my involvement and contributions to this important organization, and to a partnership that brings the vast array of WFF offerings—including professional development and leadership training—more fully to NAMA member companies,” said Balakgie.

In addition to Carla Balakgie, new board members include:

• Jamie McKeon, Vice President of Marketing for Rich Products Corporation
• Debbie Roberts, Former President, East Zone for McDonald’s USA, LLC
• Tracy Skeans, Chief Transformation and People Officer of Yum! Brands, Inc.
• Kelli Valade, Executive Vice President, Brinker International and President, Chili’s® Grill & Bar

About WFF
Women’s Foodservice Forum (WFF) is the Food Industry’s thought leader on gender equity and premier leadership development organization working since 1989 to advance women. Based in Dallas, WFF serves thousands of individuals and hundreds of employers across North America in all segments of the Food Industry, as well as the broader food ecosystem. WFF convenes the Food Industry in research, insights, best practices and measurement to LEAD THE WAY to gender equity and supports women by providing tools and resources to build leadership competencies that enhance career advancement. For more information, visit wff.org.