Aaron Brown serves as President of TouchPoint Support Services. He is responsible for optimizing the relationship with Compass Group’s largest account, Ascension Health, as well as the engagement and wellbeing of TouchPoint’s team members, who provide dining, environmental, and other support services across the United States.

Aaron comes to this role with a passion for hospitality, health and wellness, and for Ascension’s faith-based mission to support the underserved. He feels a close connection with the patient experience, given his own personal experience as a cancer survivor. Aaron sees a unique opportunity to support the largest faith-based hospital system in the world by providing the hospitality services that are so essential to each patient’s healing.

Aaron helped launch TouchPoint in 2011 and has since served a variety of other sectors and roles. He first joined Morrison in 2003, where he rose through the ranks as he took on increasing levels of operational responsibility. Jumping then to TouchPoint, he helped launch one of the most successful sectors in Compass Group, overseeing the growth of a division that delivered the company’s highest employee engagement. In 2014, Aaron accepted the challenge to move to senior living, where he initially oversaw the successful divestiture of Bateman and then assumed responsibility for Morrison Living’s Western Region. His return to TouchPoint is both a career highlight and a personal homecoming to a company known for its embrace of purpose and the kind of servant leadership that fosters innovation and trust.

Aaron is a registered dietitian with degrees in kinesiology and food and nutrition from Kansas State University. He and his wife Jody, who is also a cancer survivor, live in Fort Worth, Texas. In his spare time, he enjoys weightlifting and woodworking. An avid golfer, Aaron combines his love of the sport with mentorship as a volunteer for First Tee, a nonprofit that teaches kids life lessons and values through golf.

Aleshia McMath, Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) for Compass Group North America, is firmly guided by the belief that “People are our purpose and DEI is our promise.” With an extensive background in Human Resources and management, she provides strategic direction, leadership and advocacy for organization-wide DEI efforts. She partners with leaders across the Compass Group businesses to drive intentional diverse and inclusive initiatives that inspire associates to “be the difference” within our organization, the communities we serve and the clients we support. She is committed to elevating marginalized voices, modeling an inclusive culture, and collaborating with communities and clients for a better future. She is a member of the Johnson and Wales University Leadership Advisory Board, Leadership Council for St. Jude’s, Compass Global Culinary Council and Compass Group Human Rights Working Group. Compass Group USA was named one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity 2023 by Newsweek and 2023 Best Places to Work for People with Disabilities by Disability:IN.

Ann Sheridan leads corporate communications for Compass Group USA, the largest contract food and support services company with annual revenues of $23 billion. In this role, Ann oversees the company’s internal and external communication strategy which includes employee engagement, public relations, and executive support. In addition, Ann also supports the corporate giving strategy and is a liaison to the global communications team at Compass Group.

Prior to this role, Ann spent the first part of her career with Compass Group as the Director of Communications for Canteen, the largest unattended retail foodservice company in the country with the largest footprint of vending machines and micro market platforms. By humanizing communications, Ann and her team helped significantly improve employee engagement for Canteen’s 10K associates and externally position the company to increase brand awareness amongst clients and consumers A former broadcast journalist with Cox Media Group for more than 20 years, Ann believes that effective communication must inform, engage and entertain. In her career as a reporter in Charlotte, Ann won numerous awards including several Emmy Awards for telling her own story about her personal battle with breast cancer. Her reporting led to the creation of Ann’s Fund at Atrium Health which provided money to women who could not afford mammograms.

Ann is a graduate of American University and has resided in Charlotte since 1994 with her husband Steve. They have three grown children; Maria (Duke ‘18), Julia (NC State ‘21) and Jake (Duke ‘21). She enjoys running on Charlotte’s beautiful greenways, attending sporting and arts events in the Queen City and visiting all the new restaurants that are transforming the city’s culinary scene.

Beatrice Moise is a Board Certified Cognitive Specialist and a Neurodiversity Coach and Consultant for individuals and businesses. A trained Cognitive Specialist and Mental Health professional with a specialty in Behavior, Bea is an expert for NBC and the neurodivergent expert for Verizon. She uses her personal and academic experience for training and to help others understand the complexity of neurodiversity and communication. She authored the 2022 book, Our Neurodivergent Journey: A Child Like Mine, and she works to create a positive work environment for all.

Brian Speck is currently a Regional Director for Canteen Refreshment Services working out of Beltsville, Maryland. He began his career with Canteen in September 2008 and has worked in varying roles in Central Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, and the Baltimore/Washington,DC, area. In 2013, he was recognized as Canteen Refreshment BE-A-Star Associate of the year. More recently, Brian was a Mentor in the Canteen Operation Equity program, as well as a Subject Matter Expert for a Canteen Customer Service Manager training program being roll out this summer to all new managers. Outside of work, Brian enjoys volunteering where his direct contact with diverse groups of individuals provides him with an expanded view of society, as well as a skill set to better connect with diverse individuals within the workplace. Brian and his wife have four children, three grandchildren, and reside in Pennsylvania.

Chief Growth Officer Chris Kowalewski is a 35-year veteran in the food and support services industry. He began his career in 1988 with Service America as an account executive selling vending and coffee services, progressed through a variety of sales roles, and was eventually promoted into sales management in 1994. He was with Service America when they were acquired by Compass Group in 1996. Chris was promoted to vice president of sales in 1997 and senior vice president in 1999. Chris has played a key role on the Compass Group North American sales leadership team in driving growth and building the company’s overall sales capabilities. He was promoted to Chief Growth Officer in April 2015. Under his direction, the sales team has sold more than $14 billion, including more than $2.1 billion in Fiscal Year 2022. Chris is a graduate of Lock Haven University with a degree in Economics and completed the Advanced Management Program at Duke University in 2011. Chris resides in South Carolina with his wife and son.

Cindy Noble is Chief People Officer of Compass Group North America, where she oversees the careers and well-being of more than 280,000 Associates. As the leader of the people strategy for the sixth largest company in North America, Cindy is dedicated to helping people unlock their true potential. Cindy’s team attracts and retains top talent, fosters an inclusive workplace, and champions programs that support the growth and well-being of our people. Cindy’s commitment to diversity is reflected in Compass Group’s consistent recognition as an employer of choice. Under Cindy’s leadership, Compass Group North America has repeatedly been named by Fortune as one of the World’s Most Admired Companies and by Forbes as a Best Employer for Diversity. Cindy was named an Outstanding LGBT+ Role Model and Empower Role Model by INvolve People and Yahoo Finance.

Courtney Willis has worked at Restaurant Associates (R/A), Compass Group USA for twenty years. She has held a variety of positions and touched multiple lines of business ranging from museums and performing arts centers to corporate dining with R/A. Courtney has a BA from Clark Atlanta University and a master’s degree and DEI certification from Cornell University. For more than two years, Courtney had two roles, first as a Regional Director of Operations, and the second as the Co-Chair/Lead for the Diversity & Inclusion Action Council (DIAC), where she focused on bringing diversity, equity and inclusion to the forefront of R/A’s company culture. She worked with tech-enabled DEI change management consultant, Reframe, to develop R/A’s cultural transformation strategy, and created the company’s first employee resource group – Black Voices – focused on building an inclusive employee experience for everyone. Courtney transitioned her work passion project into a newly created role as the first Vice President of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging & Culture for R/A. What’s important to her is creating value by supporting and empowering people to be their authentic, best selves. Courtney’s other passion is serving on the Board of Hot Bread Kitchen, a nonprofit organization that “creates economic opportunity for immigrant women and women of color through job skills training, food entrepreneurship programs, and an ecosystem of support in New York City.”

Cydni Baldwin is a dedicated professional currently serving as the Category Program Manager - Supplier Diversity at Foodbuy. With a passion for promoting inclusivity and driving economic opportunities, Cydni joined the organization in 2019. In her role, she collaborates closely with renowned third-party certifying organizations like WBENC, NMSDC, NGLCC, and Disability:IN to foster diversity and empower diverse suppliers. Education has played a vital role in Cydni's journey. She holds a Dual Master of Management degree, having pursued her studies at North Carolina State University and SKEMA Business School in Paris, France. This global exposure has shaped her perspective and enriched her understanding of business practices across diverse cultures. With her combined educational and career experience, her insights in supplier diversity and her unwavering dedication, Cydni is making a profound impact on the business landscape. Through her work, she seeks to build bridges, foster inclusivity, and empower talented individuals from all walks of life.

Emily Peterson has worked in the hospitality industry since the age of thirteen. Thirty years of experience in both front and back of house and in support, entrepreneurial, consulting and corporate roles have afforded her the ability to empathize with associate stories. She is honored to act as a coach and advocate as associates plan their careers with FLIK and Compass Group. Emily joined FLIK Hospitality Group in 2018 as a project manager in the New York City region where she launched the culinary internship program and oversaw internal development of FLIK frontline associates. After the pandemic, Emily was promoted to Director of Orientation and Strategic Initiatives. In that role, she took the internships national, added hospitality internships to the offerings and re-imagined the New Manager Orientation and the university-track Manager-in-Training program. Prior to joining FLIK, Emily was an Executive Chef, wrote culinary curriculum and was a culinary instructor. She taught middle school as a New York City Teaching Fellow and was elected to Town Council, where she served one four-year term before passing the torch. She lives in New Jersey with her husband and ten-year-old son; for fun, she is a writer, a runner and a lover of summer and the ocean.

Keysa Minnifield is a senior human resources executive at Compass Group, where she has held senior roles in operations, communications, diversity, and labor relations. She takes a vision and mission and makes it reality through sound strategy development and collaboration. With an aptitude for developing and executing strategic programs focused on cutting-edge people strategies and business insights, she has demonstrated success as an inclusive strategic leader who engineers highly productive organizational structures, develops talent and builds diverse teams. Keysa has been highly successful designing and leading large and small teams with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. She has led major initiatives such as organizational redesigns for supply, information services & technology, safety and facilities management. She holds an MBA and Master of Human Resources from Webster University, senior certification in human resources and an Executive Leadership Certificate from Cornell University.
keysaminnifield@gmail.com 407-212-0212 linkedin.com/in/kminnifield

Matt Barnes is a Regional Director of Operations for Crothall Healthcare, currently working with Tenet Healthcare partners with direct oversight over the Alabama and Tennessee markets. Matt has worked for Crothall for almost 18 years. He began his professional career as a 2nd/3rd shift Operations Manager (part of Medi-Dyn acquisition) at a Level 1 Trauma Center, Regional One Health in Memphis. By 2007, Matt was promoted to Assistant Director at the same location. In 2013, he took on his first Directorship role at Saint Francis Hospital, within the Tennessee market. Under his leadership, he was instrumental in securing the current agreement with Tenet Healthcare. In 2020, Matt was promoted to Resident Regional Director, responsible for managing Tenet Healthcare Alabama market accounts. By 2021, Matt became a Regional Director over Tenet Alabama and Tennessee markets. Matt has consistently delivered exceptional results and has built his career on developing future leaders and serving others. He was also an inaugural graduate of the Compass Group EVOLVE leadership program as well as a 2019 graduate of the management program ADAPT (Advanced Development and Planned Transition). Matt credits these programs as key tools in his development and success. When he isn’t working, he loves spending time with his family, playing basketball, coaching his boys, and, most importantly, pursing a faithful relationship with God.

Michelle Currier has been with Compass Community Living (CCL) and Compass Group since 2007. She started in Operations and moved to Human Resources in 2016, then became Certified by the Society for Human Resource Management in 2017. Her passion for people, diversity, equity and inclusion allows her to be an ambassador for all team members and associates she encounters. She is the Chair of CCL’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council (DIAC), Compass Group’s DIAC Chair, and leads the “Abilities” Empowerment Resource Group dedicated to inclusion for every person of all levels of abilities. Michelle is an advocate for Autism Awareness, LGBTQ+ and those who are Neuro Diverse. When Michelle is not at work you can find her jet skiing or enjoying the lake with her wife, dogs, family and friends.

Natacha Jacque is Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) for Compass Group North America. She continually focuses on DEI initiatives to positively impact change in organizations and communities. Throughout her 20-year career, she’s held various roles in Human Resources, providing support in the areas of leadership development, employee engagement and total rewards. She is an advocate of Diversity and Inclusion Action Councils (DIACs) and a true collaborator with business leaders. She is committed to implementing the fundamental changes necessary to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable bringing their authentic selves to work. Within Compass, Natacha supports the following DIACs: ESFM, Compass One Healthcare, Touchpoint Support Services, Compass Community Living, and Canada.

Nikita Sanders is Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) for Compass Group North America. Nikita holds the conviction that diversity is what makes us stronger – as a people and a planet. She comes from a military family and her work experience includes community relations, operations in the retail industry and sports sponsorships. Throughout her career, Nikita has been a champion of DEI, serving on employee resources groups, assisting with policy change, and implementing programs to meet business and community needs. Nikita is dedicated to the proposition that each person should be comfortable bringing their true authentic self to work. Within Compass, Nikita supports the following Diversity and Inclusion Action Councils (DIACs): Corporate HQ/Foodbuy, Levy, Canteen, Flik Hospitality Group, Restaurant Associates/Wolfgang Puck Catering, BAMCO, and The Education Channel (Chartwells Higher Ed, Chartwells K12 and SSC).

Noel Gomez is the Sous Chef at Q2 Stadium in North Austin, Texas. He began his career as a suite attendant at Texas A&M University working part-time in the kitchen where he discovered his passion for cooking. Since pursing a culinary career with Levy, it has opened many opportunities. In 2021, he was part of the opening team for Q2 Stadium, and in 2022 he was part of the opening team for GEODIS Park in Nashville, Tennessee, which is the largest soccer stadium in the MLS. His goal is to keep growing and learning from all the great chefs he works with to one day become a Regional Chef. His favorite pass time is cooking carne asada on the grill or smoking brisket through the night.

Omnia Helbah is an experienced Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Director at Compass Group Canada, with more than 15 years of experience in the EDI space. She has worked with several leading organizations, including Willian Osler Health System, Walmart, Sobeys, and the Canada Ministry of Attorney General to deliver innovative and efficient EDI, Talent, and Organizational Effectiveness solutions. Omnia’s current role is focused on building an EDI strategy for Canada, building effective partnerships, and working with the Compass Global team to create and leverage EDI best practices. Omnia was recognized by the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion as the “EDI Practitioner of the Year” in 2019. Omnia is also a dedicated mentor and advocate for diversity and inclusion in the workplace. She is passionate about helping young professionals to succeed and regularly volunteers her time to mentor and coach others. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Omnia is a mother to four children and loves spending weekends hiking.

Rina Amaya Pena is the Director of Dining Services for Eurest at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. She has been with Eurest for 15 years and began as a barista/cashier, then became a cook while also working a utility for a few months. In 2018, she was selected to be part of GULL (Global University of Lifelong Learning), a frontline development program. After graduating from the program, she was given the opportunity to move up and has advanced to her current position. Rina believes all her hard work was noticed – it may not have been easy, but she never gave up. Her three reasons to keep improving are her three beautiful daughters.

Sidarth “Sid” Karthakar, Microkitchen Attendant with Canteen, celebrates his five-year anniversary this September with Compass Group. He enjoys interacting with his coworkers and the other workers in the building. He is very friendly and helpful to all. Outside of work, he is studying to get his GED to increase his knowledge and skills that he can apply them at work. Day-to-day, Sid helps his team with cleaning and sanitizing the Microkitchens. He also assists with organizing the food and drink items so that they are presentable and easy for people to access. Sid also has the responsibility of ensuring that all dirty dishes are brought to the dishwasher. Sid is a very hard worker who is dedicated to his job and his team.

Stephanie Rothey is Director of Job Development at Best Buddies International. Creating a culture of inclusion and access in schools, businesses, and the community has been a driving force throughout her life and career. With a background in speech-language pathology, exceptional student education, and nonprofit management, she has been fortunate to live her passion of helping people of all abilities reach their potential. Stephanie began working with Best Buddies in the Orlando office in 2017, where she launched the Jobs program, creating opportunities for competitive employment at the local level. She then moved into a national role, managing national partnerships with dedicated employers and supporting field staff in 34 markets across the U.S. In her current role, she works with national and global companies to create large-scale hiring and training initiatives that focus on talent with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Teresa Brinati is Director of Brand Strategy and Communications for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) for Compass Group North America. She believes storytelling is essential to hospitality. Communications, marketing, book and magazine publishing, and archives have been the focus of her career in the nonprofit and corporate sectors. She is a long-time community partner in education and urban neighborhood restoration. Her compassion for helping others and her ability to make everyone feel welcomed and included, are the bedrock of her commitment to amplifying the stories of underrepresented voices across the organization and the communities we serve. Within Compass, Teresa supports the following DEI activity: internal communications and strategy, brand management, social media, heritage and history months, and Diversity and Inclusion Action Councils (DIACs). She is a member of Compass’ Human Rights Working Group.