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Committees

IFSA committees offer an opportunity to have a hands-on experience with developing and improving IFSA member benefits. Participating on one of the below committees is an excellent way to utilize your skillset and to better the organization for all members.

Each IFSA committee is comprised of industry volunteers with specialized expertise in each area of focus.  To serve the best interests of the industry, IFSA committee members represent airlines and vendor companies in different regions of the globe.

If you are a member and interested in volunteering for any IFSA committee, please fill out this form.

Awards Committee

The Awards Committee is responsible for adding additional value to IFSA members through new initiatives and special projects including the APEX/IFSA Awards program and regional events.

  • Chair: Andrew Yiu, Air Canada
  • Board Liaison: Andrew Yiu, Air Canada; Diana Czapalay, gategroup 
  • Staff Liaison: Courtney Truelove

Finance Committee

  • Board Liaison / Treasurer: Jim Ball, Flying Food Group
  • Members: Kimberly Guanci, CDI Foods, LLC; Jon Harwood, dnata; Mike Henny, Delta Air Lines; Paul Mills, Virgin Atlantic; Jeremy Parsons, AMI Group
  • Staff Liaison: Lauren Costello

Government Affairs and Education Committee

The mission of the IFSA Government Affairs and Education Committee (GAEC) is to provide information, guidance and education to the IFSA membership regarding food safety and security. GAEC is responsible for providing information, guidance and education to IFSA members on food safety and security, and maintains an open dialogue with all appropriate worldwide regulatory and legislative bodies. They address industry needs by representing the industry to outside parties and government agencies, as approved by the Executive Committee. 

  • Co-Chairs: Mike Fishburn, flydubai; Rosimeire Miranda, LSG Group
  • Board Liaisons: Matrix de Vries, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines; Mike Fishburn, flydubai
  • GAEC Staff Liaison: Marian Brestovansky, Allison Cooke

Innovation & Engagement Committee

This committee is tasked with developing educational programs and services at the EXPO as well as at other IFSA and partner events as identified. Programs will feature a wide variety of industry speakers, presentations, panels and forum discussions. These valuable educational programs and insights offered to IFSA members will foster the international exchange of ideas, new information, industry best practices and the latest market trends.

  • Co-Chairs: Stathis Kefallonitis, United Airlines; Allison Hardesty, DFMi
  • Board Liaison: SJ Barton, HACO and Tim Zandbergen, ANA Catering
  • Members: Michael Baumgart, Gourmet Foods Inc.; Iris Anne Groeneweg, Foodcase International; Jessica Johnston, Alaska Airlines; Ben Kaufman, JSX; Ashley Kerber, Kaelis; Erick Ray, John Horsfall; Nicky Slater, ITW Envopak
  • Staff Liaison: Taylor Rhodes

Marketing & Communications Committee

The IFSA Marketing Committee plays a vital role in promoting both the association and its flagship Global EXPO to industry stakeholders worldwide. Committee members leverage their marketing expertise to develop compelling promotional strategies, collaborate on engaging content and expand the event’s global reach. The committee works to showcase the value of IFSA membership and Global EXPO through various channels, including digital marketing, social media and industry partnerships. They collaborate closely with other committees to ensure consistent messaging across all platforms and help attract diverse attendees – from airlines and rail operators to caterers and suppliers. Through strategic marketing initiatives, the committee helps drive attendance, enhance exhibitor participation and strengthen IFSA’s position as the leading advocate for the onboard services industry.

  • Chair / Board Liaison: SJ Barton, HACO
  • Staff Liaison: Adam Robertson

Membership Committee

This committee is focused on membership strategy, including recruiting new members and ensuring renewals. A concerted effort will also be made towards international expansion.  The committee will work to strengthen the perception of IFSA as offering year-round member benefits rather than being a single event organization.

  • Board Liaisons: Timothy McMahan, American Airlines; Paul Mills, Virgin Atlantic Airways; Jeremy Parsons, AMI Group

Planning Committee

Planning Committee is tasked with overseeing an annual EXPO Program, including venues and social functions. The committee assures that the event programs are supportive of IFSA strategic goals and objectives as well as meet the needs of all members and the marketplace.

  • Co-Chairs: Emily Jordan, AMI Group‎; Nicky Slater, ITW Envopak
  • Board Liaison: Dulce Martin, Adulce Group LLC; Kim Guanci, Campion d’Italia Foods
  • Members: Holly Armstrong, United Airlines; SJ Barton, HACO; Heather Finidori, DFMi; Mike Fishburn, flydubai; Brett Hooyerink, McGuire & Associates; Paula Jansen, Hawaiian Air; Ryan McCord Soule, Red Shovel; Ruth Punshon, Etihad Airways
  • Staff Liaison: Kristi Johnson

Sponsorship Committee

The Sponsorship Subcommittee is responsible for the overall coordination of soliciting sponsorships for the association including the EXPO and regional events. The committee is charged with increasing the association’s sponsorship revenue and providing sponsors with a substantial ROI.

  • Board Liaisons: Dulce Martin, Adulce Group LLC; Mike Fishburn, flydubai
  • Staff Liaison: Cathy Vick