Michigan Hospitality Foundation
  • About
    • Meet the Team
    • Contact Us
    • Our Sponsors
  • Workforce
    • Training Resources >
      • Restaurant Ready Program
      • Apprenticeship Programs
      • HOPES Program/MI Department of Corrections Training Program
    • Recruitment >
      • Hire ProStart
      • MRLA Job Board
  • Student Programs
    • ProStart >
      • Michigan ProStart Invitational
      • Hire ProStart
      • ProStart Teacher Resources
      • MI Department of Education CTE
      • ServSafe Training
    • HTM >
      • HTM Teacher Resources
      • MI Department of Education CTE
    • Student Scholarships
  • Employee Programs
    • Relief Application
    • ServSafe Training
    • Healthy Hospitality
    • Mental Health Resources
    • Industry Advancement
  • Support
    • Our Sponsors
    • Relief Fund
    • Volunteer Locally
    • Sponsorship Opportunities
  • Events
    • HOPES Program/MI Department of Corrections Training Program
    • Teacher Trainings
    • Michigan Prostart Invitational
    • Student Events
    • The Nate Santelli ProStart Summer Camp
    • MRLA Stars of the Industry Awards

​Meet the Team:
​Michigan Hospitality Foundation Trustees

Picture
Jessica Babcock, Suburban Inns
“A common myth about employment in our industry is that there isn’t a future in hospitality. I’m involved in the Michigan Hospitality Foundation to help change that mindset and create more excitement for the career opportunities we can provide!”
Picture
Geoff Bonham, Gordon Food Service
“I believe the future of the hospitality industry is strong but it's going to require our best and brightest. That's why I'm committed to supporting the state of Michigan's future through our Education Fund and its leading edge programs.”
Picture
Larry Brown, Affinity Group
“The most valuable gift one can give another is their time; it costs very little but when you do, you give that person a part of your life.’ This life lesson from an early age drives my service on the Foundation Board, to help impact the lives of emerging and future champions of our industry.”
Picture
Susan Damron, Schuler's Restaurant
Picture
Kevin Kirtley, Mission BBQ
“It is an honor to be a voice for our industry and collectively protect our most important asset: our people. This, now more than ever will be our true test and barometer of leadership.”
​

Picture
Steve Loftis, Harbor Restaurants
“By providing pathways and opportunities through ‘hands-on’ real-world experiences, students involved in our EF programs along with mentorship opportunities with industry professionals are now thriving in our industry.”
Picture
Sean Marr, Secchia Institute for Culinary Education
“With a lot of hard work, I was able to quickly excel post-high school in the hospitality industry; which was fueled by the guidance of my ProStart instructor and the ProStart program as a whole. The EF allows me to share my knowledge and experiences with the future of our industry.”
Picture
Ken Miller, Millennium Restaurant Group
“The foundation’s programs develop future industry leaders, and I am dedicated to the cause.”
Picture
Jeff Neely, Inspired Concepts
“Together we can Inspire, Lead and Transform each other to be the best we can be through education, passion, drive and focus. I am proud to serve as chairman of the MRLA Educational Foundation and I look forward to helping tomorrow’s leaders learn, grow and develop into the future of hospitality.”
Picture
Jane Newton, Creative Dining Service
“Hospitality is an industry where you can start as a housekeeper, a dishwasher, or a caterer and become an Executive Chef, a General Manager or a business owner! I am passionate about supporting more careers in hospitality and normalizing discussions about mental health. Organizations need to foster an environment that is psychologically, mentally, physically and socially safe. You do not have to choose between this and a career in hospitality. You can have both!”
Picture
Paula Recinella, Culinary Institute of Michigan
“Women were not as welcome in the kitchen when I started out as they are now. Despite that, I pursued an education in the hospitality industry. I want to be the best role model and mentor I can be for all of my students, especially the many young women I encounter daily in my job and serving as a trustee for the MRLAEF.”
Picture
Erika West, Sedona Taphouse
“The hospitality industry feels like family to me. I’ve been in the industry since the age of 14.  It’s been an honor to see and help develop those around me. To be a part of a board that looks to protect/look out for this industry is an amazing opportunity. I look forward to seeing what we can achieve together!”
Picture
Justin Winslow, Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association
“Employees are the greatest asset of the hospitality industry. The MRLA Educational Foundation provides education and support to those talented individuals.”
Picture
Chris Woodruff, Lake Michigan College
“The work we do is vitally important to help people of all ages, backgrounds and education start or continue careers in the hospitality industry. I am proud to serve on the MRLAEF board because I know we make a difference in preparing a diverse workforce for the best industry globally for career opportunities.”
Picture
Matt Yardley, Sysco Food Services of Michigan
“I am involved because I am passionate about foodservice and helping to introduce our young chefs and students to our industry.”

​Michigan Hospitality Foundation Staff

Picture
Amanda Smith, Executive Director
Picture
Jake Osburn, Culinary Expert
Picture
Mario Gonzales, Workforce Program Coordinator
Picture
Sarah Metcalf, ​Director of Events and Education Advancement
Support MHF
Picture
Picture
Picture
Contact
225 West Washtenaw
Lansing, MI 48933

Phone:  (800) 968-9668 

Privacy Policy
  • About
    • Meet the Team
    • Contact Us
    • Our Sponsors
  • Workforce
    • Training Resources >
      • Restaurant Ready Program
      • Apprenticeship Programs
      • HOPES Program/MI Department of Corrections Training Program
    • Recruitment >
      • Hire ProStart
      • MRLA Job Board
  • Student Programs
    • ProStart >
      • Michigan ProStart Invitational
      • Hire ProStart
      • ProStart Teacher Resources
      • MI Department of Education CTE
      • ServSafe Training
    • HTM >
      • HTM Teacher Resources
      • MI Department of Education CTE
    • Student Scholarships
  • Employee Programs
    • Relief Application
    • ServSafe Training
    • Healthy Hospitality
    • Mental Health Resources
    • Industry Advancement
  • Support
    • Our Sponsors
    • Relief Fund
    • Volunteer Locally
    • Sponsorship Opportunities
  • Events
    • HOPES Program/MI Department of Corrections Training Program
    • Teacher Trainings
    • Michigan Prostart Invitational
    • Student Events
    • The Nate Santelli ProStart Summer Camp
    • MRLA Stars of the Industry Awards