Meet the Team

MRLA Educational Foundation Trustees

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 Restaurant and Lodging Association’s Education Foundation to help change that mindset and create more excitement for the career opportunities we can provide!"

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"

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 & future champions of our industry."

Susan Damron

Schuler's Restaurant

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."

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.”

Sean Marr

Halperns' Steak & Seafood

"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."

Chuck Melchiori

Creative Dining Services

"Coming from a family of educators and a lifelong learner I firmly believe in the importance of education in developing the future in our industry."

Ken Miller

Millennium Restaurant Group

"The foundation’s programs develop future industry leaders, and I am dedicated to the cause."

Jeff Neely

Inspired Concepts

"In the words of Walt Disney, 'if you can dream it you can do it.' Together MRLAEF and those students interested in the Hospitality industry can make those dreams come true. 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 look forward to helping tomorrow leaders learn, grow and develop into the future of Hospitality."

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 because it was my passion and my dream and it was the best move I ever made in my journey to becoming the professional that I am. I want to be the best role model and mentor that I can be for all of my students, especially the many young women that I encounter daily in my job and serving as a Trustee for the MLRAEF."

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!"

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. "

Chris Woodruff

Lake Michigan College

"I have worked in the hospitality industry since I was 16. The work we do at the MRLA is vitally important to help people of all ages, backgrounds, and education to 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. "

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."

Jennifer Zieger

Hotel Investment Services

"I am deeply passionate about inspiring, leading and injecting our youth with opportunities that broaden their minds and future. MRLAEF is positioned and driven to provide future programming for students to see themselves in the hospitality industry with professional careers they would have otherwise maybe not considered."