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Second Annual SFA Way Awards Honor Staff

Specialty Food Association

Bill Lynch, president of the Specialty Food Association, hosted the second annual SFA Way Awards, along with talent and culture VP Aki Cipriani. The event was held on Monday and recognized eight staff members that represent the company’s values.

The winners were voted for by their peers. An additional honor, the Stephen Leeman Award, was given to the staff member that received the most votes across all award categories. This award is named after the first president of the SFA (formerly NASFT, the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade), dating back to 1952, whose signature was first on the Association’s certificate of incorporation.

The 2022 SFA Way Award winners are as follows:

Exceptional Service

Janet DeCarlo, manager, member relations, Northeast

Integrity

Tressa Kennedy, director, operations

Accountability

Sandra Archer, manager, accounts receivable

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Katina Williams, director, brand marketing

Respect/Support

Laura Lozada, VP, operations

Collaboration

Jon Cross, user experience manager

Transparency

Lysa Teal, SVP, finance and planning

Anthony Bavaro, director, financial planning and analysis

Ongoing Learning

Stephen Shepard, director, IT systems and security

Stephen Leeman Award

Tressa Kennedy, director, operations

Related: James Beard Foundation to Host Chef Action Summit; Walker's Director Receives Knighthood from King Charles III