HEE Advisory Council
Known by the Company We Keep
The HEE Advisory Council is a volunteer seat that helps navigate the content of the HEE program . We know our HEE family has day-to-day responsibilites, so our goal is not to tie them up with additional tasks. HEE is a family, so our board serves as the head of the family, helping us to create memorable experiences for our HEE participants.
The council offers advice, insight, as well as recommendations on topics, program format , activities to speakers. Their guidance is also instrumental in helping to keep HEE a unique entity in the hospitality marketplace. We are truly grateful to have some of the best of the best helping to guide us with every program.
Note from Stuart:
“As Co-Chairman of the Hospitality Executive Exchange , it has been a wonderful way to connect, re-connect and truly engage with my peers over the last decade. HEE is a unique opportunity , where as an operator, you don’t feel the pressure to be here or there. The agenda is cultivated so that we do everything as a group, allowing time for real conversations to happen making it truly one of the best programs for actually getting business done.
HEE promotes conversations that create change and there’s virtually no topics off limits. The program has become known for very spirited discussions that lead to engaging learning among peers and real results as valued take-aways. Through-out my career, being inspired by my colleagues and learning from them has allowed me to grow and HEE fosters that opportunity.
HEE has become extremely popular over the last 5 years because it is the leader in the market, focusing on conversations & relationships that has proven success. It is truly a family of resources. HEE is very relaxed and laid back, yet one o f the most upscale and high-end offerings in the marketplace. Every location is an inspiration and the customization of every agenda allows the platform to really provide value for all participants.
I would love to visit with you regarding the program should you have any questions or want to know more. ” Stuart
HEE Advisory Council 2019
Stuart Melia, Co-Chairman
Michael Tolley, Education Chair
Kevin Ball
Vince Barrett, Newcastle Hotels
Jeffrey Bartfield, Proximo Spirits
Michael Bombard, Straight Up Solutions
Beth Borkosky, American Beverage Marketers
Fred Brown, Green Glass Global
Steve Byrne, Tavisstock Restaurants
Kathy Casey, Kathy Casey Liquid Kitchen
Tom Conte, MS Walker
Chris Coursen, Hospitality Glass Brands
Brandon Crisler, Trellis Wine Group
Matt Durbin, Durbin Consulting
Ed Eiswirth, Royal Caribbean
Adam Flierl, Cinepolis Cinemas
Donna Frederick, Beam Suntory
Kim Gouch, Ignite Creative Services
Scott Hempstead, Boston Beer Co.
Michael Herchuck, American Social
William Hinkebein, ABM
Mitchie Kanda, Houlihans
Nik Kundra, Partender
Cory Lattuca, Grimaldi’s
Frank Lewis, AMC
Bob MacNevin, LeVecke Corp.
Danny Moch, Campari America
David Morgan, OTG
Carolyn Morris, Trinchero Family Estates
Brittany Taylor Olson, Nespresso
Bryan O’Rourke, Oneida Hospitality Group
Jayne Portnoy, JP Consulting
Philip Raimondo, Stoli Group USA
Nichelle Ritter, The Food Hall
Stuart Robinson, Heaven Hill
Jennifer Rubright, Deutsch Wine & Spirits
Richard Schneider, Spectra Foodservice
Joe Smith, Monin
Jose Suarez, Coco Lopez
Diane Svehlak, Q Mixers/Dress the Drink
Trudy Thomas, Gaylord Hotels
Nicole Thurman, Lavazza Coffee
Celia Waddington, Ignite Creative Services
Danny Williamson, Furious Spoon
Katherine Wojcik, Kimpton Hotels
HEE Proudly Supports Industry Charities
CORE
CORE (Children of Restaurant Employees) recently celebrated its 15th year helping families in the food and beverage industry. CORE grants support to children of food and beverage service employees navigating life-altering circumstances. Give back to the industry that has given so much to each of us.
Helen David Relief Fund
HDRF was created by Tony Abou-Ganim, as a way of honoring his cousin Helen who beat two battles with breast cancer . She is truly an inspiration to those living with the disease. HDRF helps women in the Bartending community affected with breast cancer.
NRAEF
The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation educational initiatives provide culinary, management, food safety and employability skills training to build a pipeline of talent for the restaurant industry. The NRAEF awards scholarships to students and educators to provide continued education.
Fight Jimmy Fight
Our dear friend and one of our 2013 HEE Icon Award Winner, Jimmy Skeadas was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in 2018. HEE is committed to help raise awareness and funds, to help with medical expenses. Those who know Jimmy, know how much he has contributed to our industry.