At Avendra, we gather the industry’s most knowledgeable and skilled associates to serve on our team. Our associate base includes former hotel general managers, Culinary Institute of America-trained chefs, commodity and contracting experts and data analysts to name a few. Each associate has mastered specific areas of subject matter expertise. Together, we leverage our knowledge and experience to provide you with comprehensive solutions.
Meet the Avendra Consulting Services (ACS) Experts
When you work with an Avendra associate, you are working with a well-trained, seasoned and knowledgeable professional.
Cory Dellinger
Director, Avendra Consulting Services
Cory Dellinger brings extensive supply chain management experience with specialized knowledge in international seafood procurement to ACS. Cory previously held a position focused on category management with US Foods corporate headquarters. He also brings lengthy operational experience in restaurants, hotels and catering operations. He is a Culinary Institute of America graduate.
Lance Simmons
Manager, Avendra Consulting Services
Lance Simmons’s extensive hospitality purchasing experience includes a position as purchasing director at the Gaylord National Resort Convention Center and specialized knowledge in purchasing platform utilization. Lance’s culinary background and foodservice experience also include supply chain management, market research, and project management. He is a graduate of Colorado State University and the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
Michael Brown
Project Manager, Avendra Consulting Services
Michael is a career-long Avendra associate and former undergraduate intern with a primary background in supply chain data analytics. He is a graduate of eCornell’s Food & Beverage Management certificate program and has a dual-degree in Supply Chain and Operations Management from the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland. Michael’s previous foodservice experience includes co-managing a family-owned deli and local catering business in Maryland.
Karen Holden
Vice President, Quality Assurance and Operational Analysis
With 25 years of experience in Foodservice and Hospitality, Karen Holden leads Avendra’s Quality Assurance and Operational Analysis team efforts. Her extensive experience in hospitality includes multi-unit management with HMS Host and 10 years with Marriott in distribution and quality assurance. Karen is a Charter Associate with Avendra, joining as Quality Assurance Director and lead in product cuttings. She is a graduate of University of Florida Business School and Baltimore’s International Culinary College.
Herman Schumacher
Vice President, Strategic Accounts and Field Support
Herman Schumacher’s foodservice experience includes 30 years in the restaurant, hotel and cruise industries including positions as Executive Chef, Regional F&B Director and General Manager. Herman joined Avendra in 2005 as Director of F&B Consulting. He is a Johnson and Wales University graduate.
To learn more about Avendra Consulting Services, call 866-AVENDRA or click here to email an ACS representative.