The National Restaurant Association announced that Phil Kafarakis, chief innovation & member advancement officer, has been elected to the Meals On Wheels Association board of directors.
“Phil’s extensive experience in the food industry enables him to bring a unique and critical perspective to our Board of Directors,” says Vinsen Faris, Meals On Wheels Association board chair. “We are most appreciative to him and the National Restaurant Association for their willingness to contribute his valuable time to volunteer service for Meals On Wheels’ benefit.”
Kafarakis’ record of business achievement extends across multiple channels of food distribution, several product categories and in emerging global markets. Prior to the National Restaurant Association, Kafarakis was vice president, Food Service for McCormick & Co., where he was responsible for the launch of the McCormick for Chefs marketing platform. His background also includes senior roles with Cargill Incorporated, Aqua-Novus Corporation, Jones Dairy Farm, and Kraft Foods Inc.
“Phil is widely known and respected throughout the world of foodservice and business for his innovative thought leadership and ability to grow organizations,” says Ellie Hollander, president and CEO of the Meals On Wheels Association of America. “We are excited to parlay his keen insights and knowledge into helping our programs become stronger, so they can nourish more lives.”
“Meals on Wheels programs have played an extraordinary role in the lives of seniors across the country and I am excited to be a part of their national leadership organization. As they continue to lead the charge in providing such a vital service to those in need, I look forward to finding new ways to expand and promote their outreach,” says Kafarakis.
While the Meals On Wheels Association board has historically been made up of senior nutrition leaders from programs across the country, a change to its Bylaws in 2013 sought to diversify the leadership to also include experienced individuals from other sectors. Kafarakis is the first to be added as a result.
