HEE Advisory Council

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The HEE Advisory Council is a volunteer position made up of food and beverage professionals to provide insight and guidance for the content, growth and planning of the HEE program.   

Stuart Melia, Brittenn Cocktail Productions

Mike Tolley, Beverage by Design

Kevin Ball, Affinity Gaming

Vince Barrett, Network Hospitality 

Jeffrey Bartfield, Proximo Spirits

Beth Borkosky, American Beverage Marketers

Mark Boyton, Putt Shack

Kathy Casey, KCLK

Chris Coursen, Hospitality Brands

Brandon Crisler, Trellis Wine & Spirits

Matt Durbin, Durbin Consulting

Ed Eiswirth, Royal Caribbean

Adam Flierl, PLA

Kim Gouch, Ignite Creative Services

Michael Herchuck, American Social

William Hinkebein,  American Beverage Marketers

Mitchie Kanda, Houlihans

Jeffrey Koch, Shaw Ross Importers

Nik Kundra, Partender

Cory Lattuca, Upward Projects

Brian Lebredo, Texas Roadhouse

Danny Moch, Campari America

Bryan O’Rourke, Oneida Hospitality Group

Jayne Portnoy, JP Consulting 

Philip Raimondo, The Kerry Group 

Stuart Robinson, Heaven Hill 

Jennifer Rubright, Deutsch Wine & Spirits

Anthony Ruizcalderon, Sazerac

Richard Schneider, Areas

Joe Smith, Monin

Jose Suarez, Coco Lopez

Diane Svehlak, Q Mixers

Trudy Thomas, Red Pebbles 

Celia Waddington, Ignite Create Services

Ben Wamboldt, Trinchero Family Estates

Danny Williamson, Furious Spoon

Brandon Wise, Sage Hospitality 

Katherine Wojcik, Kimpton Hotels

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. 

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.  

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.  

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.