This week, in acknowledgement of the contributions and dedication of young professionals in its workplace, Aramark is recognizing its exemplary young talent with the fourth annual Aramark 40 Under 40 Awards, presented by the Aramark Young Professionals (AYP) employee resource group (ERG).
Hundreds of Aramark’s young professionals, across the enterprise and internationally, were nominated for their impact on Aramark and their line of business, broader industry influence, and community outreach. A dedicated advisory committee reviewed the nominees and selected the 40 awardees who will participate in professional development programming hosted by the AYP ERG, which aims to connect, engage, and empower young professionals and their allies through a network that cultivates future leaders.
“Congratulations to all the 40 Under 40 Awards recipients and this year’s A2L Emerging Leader and Trailblazer awardees. Thank you for your impassioned contributions to Aramark,” said Carl Mittleman, Aramark International’s Chief Operating Officer and Executive Sponsor of Aramark Young Professionals ERG. “Because they are rooted in service, these 42 young leaders live our mission and do great things for their colleagues, our partners, and our communities every day. I look forward to watching them to continue to thrive at Aramark.”
Introducing Aramark's 2024 40 Under 40 Class
Collegiate Hospitality
- Bethany Comegys
- Christopher Duffy
- Jennifer Scott
- Juan Villanueva
Corporate
- Alyx Douglas
- Hilary Hannon Saylor
- Katelyn Repash
Corrections
- Aaron Dillon
- Brittnee Smith
Destinations
- Johnny Addison
- Katie Davis
Facilities
- Ashley Messner
- Meghan Garsey
Healthcare+
- Andre Baldarrago
- Jessica Leonard
- Keith Jones Jr.
International
- André Schlesinger Pupkin
- Baojin Lin
- Devin Dyson
- Diana Carolina Silva Mundaca
- Isaac Rico Gallardo
- Niki Boyce
- Sally Kye
- Shona Connolly
- Ying Shi
Refreshments
- Ben Nebergall
- Erika Lynn Waldersen
- Justin Flor
- Sami Sultan
Sports + Entertainment
- Amanda Kikta
- Casey Hodgkiss-Petty
- Colleen Pozo
- Sean Duggan
Student Nutrition
- Beth Ann Engelland
- Joy Otadoh
Workplace Experience Group
- Alexandria Ayala
- Brenda Granados
- Colleen Siddall
- Kellie Farrelly
- Marisha Olson
The awardees will participate in personal and professional development programming this week including:
Keynote Speech from Greg Creed
Former CEO of Yum! Brands and current Aramark Board member, Greg Creed, will join awardees and share his career strategy insight.
“Leading with Intention” Panel
Four Aramark leaders will share their experience overcoming barriers, advancing their careers within the company, and leading with intention. The panel includes:
- Bart Kaericher (moderator), President and CEO of Aramark Healthcare+
- Chef Alicia Rivera (panelist), Executive Chef, Lewisville Independent School District
- Bernie Shannon (panelist), Vice President of Global Supply Chain & GPO Distribution
- Justin Crews (panelist), Vice President of Growth, Student Nutrition
- Shannon Nichols (panelist), Vice President of Operations, Refreshments
“Building the Roadmap to Success” session with Executive Coach, Julie Swift
Executive Coach, Julie Swift, will lead awardees through a discussion about being an authentic leader in an ever-changing world.
Aramark’s commitment to empowering and engaging young professionals extends well beyond its annual 40 Under 40 Awards. Recently recognized with the 2024 Handshake Early Talent Award for its early talent engagement activities and efforts, Aramark also offers unique internship and early career opportunities that provide hands-on growth, mentorship from industry leaders, and a variety of work environments with its Accelerate 2 Leadership Program (A2L) and Step Up to Leadership (S2L) programs.
Aramark Accelerate 2 Leadership Program (A2L) Emerging Leader Award
In addition to the 40 Under 40 recipients, Aramark is recognizing an emerging leader from the A2L program, which offers recent graduates an accelerated career path to a leadership role within Aramark. This year’s A2L Emerging Leader honoree is Michael Montesano, Food Service Manager in Collegiate Hospitality.
Aramark Trailblazer Award
The AYP Trailblazer Award celebrates an employee who has significant tenure with the company, was a previous member or leader within the AYP ERG, and continues to “blaze a trail” for Aramark’s young professionals. Arin Council, Vice President of Operations for Refreshments, will be recognized with this award.
To learn more about Aramark’s early career opportunities, visit https://careers.aramark.com/career-area/early-careers/.
