ACF Staff Spotlight

ACF Staff Spotlight

Kathy Adams

Property Membership Program Manager

Kathy Adams has been with the federation for more than 26 years. She has worked in various capacities for the ACF during her long tenure, including in member services and events. She currently manages ACF’s property membership program, communicating with and overseeing large companies, clubs and institutions looking to sign up multiple members at a time to receive bulk ACF discounts on certification and continuing education as well as other perks.

Q: Why did you first join ACF?

A: I heard about ACF through a dear friend of mine, Kathy Scioneaux, who told me about the position opening. She was the previous AAC administrator for Bert Cutino (CEC, AAC, HOF, HBOT).

Q: What is your day-to-day/week-to-week job like?

A: I interact with new and renewing members and help them decide the best use of their member benefits to meet their personal needs and goals for success. I’m often on the phone working with members. I don’t just look to sign them up for property membership; I always touch on the various services and benefits ACF offers, including the Online Learning Center,

certification programs and available discounts. I always express to them the value of connecting with their local chapter for camaraderie, networking and support and discounts with their personal certification process. I am also responsible for handling general ACF membership renewals and working with chapter board members to maintain the requirements of ACF chapter compliance.

Q: Can you tell us a little about the property membership program?

A: The property membership program provides group discounts and other support for companies signing on multiple members at a time. Some of our property members include Morrison Healthcare, Compass, Unidine, Sodexo and Delaware North as well as universities, casinos, clubs and resorts.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Working with our chefs and members around the country and the satisfaction after hanging up the phone knowing I’ve gone above and beyond for a new or renewing member. When I’m out at a restaurant I’m always conscious of how I’m treated as a customer; I enjoy providing great customer service to others.

Q: Do you have some goals or plans for 2024?

A: Continue to grow the number of property memberships we have to expand our membership base. I would also like to explore ways to improve member benefits for both professional members and students and provide digital marketing tools to grow membership — perhaps through videos that chapter officers or culinary school instructors can use to promote ACF membership.