ARLINGTON, Va. – October 4, 2023 - The National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) has announced that Karalynn McDermott of Eversys has been named the 2023 Coffee Legend of the Year. The award will be presented at NAMA’s Coffee Tea & Water, happening November 6 to 7, in Indianapolis, IN.

A career veteran in coffee equipment technology, McDermott is the second woman to be honored as NAMA’s Coffee Legend of the Year. She is a patent holder in coffee equipment technology and credited with contributions in pulse brewing, IoT Capabilities, thermal holding systems, and brewing equipment programming to achieve excellent coffee bloom.

“Karalynn embodies what it means to be a legend in the coffee industry. Her innovations touch every consumer who enjoys a piping hot – or refreshingly cold – cup of coffee today,” says NAMA President & CEO Carla Balakgie, CAE. “As a NAMA volunteer leader, Karalynn is extraordinarily generous with both her time and insight, driving initiatives that advance the convenience services industry through valuable and enduring personal connections and as a contributor to industry education.”

McDermott currently serves on the NAMA Board of Directors, and she has been an active volunteer with NAMA throughout her tenure in the convenience services industry. McDermott has served on numerous NAMA committees, including the Education Committee, Executive Committee and Coffee Services Committee.

About the Coffee Legend of Year Award

The NAMA Coffee Legend of the Year award honors a coffee services pioneer, innovator, leader and visionary who is passionate about coffee and willing to share their passion to educate and help others succeed. Coffee Legend honorees are fixtures and leaders in their community. They possess a willingness to expand conventional practices and follow ethical business standards in accordance with the NAMA code of ethics.