Sodexo Executive Lorna Donatone Elected as Chair of the Women's Foodservice Forum Board of Directors

GAITHERSBURG, Md., May 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Lorna Donatone, chief operating officer and Sodexo Education president was elected chair of the Women's Foodservice Forum's (WFF) Board of Directors. In this position, Donatone will help guide the WFF in its mission to advance women in the foodservice industry throughout the 2012-2013 year.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120503/NE00632 )

"Lorna has been a volunteer with the WFF for many years, has demonstrated the highest level of commitment to elevating women leaders and continuously advocates for the building of diverse leadership teams," said WFF president and CEO Fritzi Woods. "We are very honored to have her as our chair."

Donatone, who served as the WFF's chair-elect for the past year, has long been a champion for women in the workplace.  She encourages professional development through networking and mentoring and she's been honored for her work empowering young women including national recognition from Girls Inc. in 2009 and a 2010 Ascendancy Award from w2wlink.com.

"I cannot think of a better person to lead the Women's Foodservice Forum Board of Directors," said George Chavel, president and CEO of Sodexo.  "Lorna is a role model for aspiring leaders within Sodexo and the industry at large. Her passion for elevating women is exemplified by the emphasis she places on professional development, risk-taking and bringing your whole self to work.  Her authentic and collaborative leadership style will take the WFF to new heights."

Donatone's work with the WFF mirrors Sodexo's considerable efforts to promote gender equality in the workplace.  Sodexo was recently honored with the 2012 Catalyst Award for creating exceptional business initiatives that advance women in the workplace.  Sodexo earned the prestigious award following an extensive year-long review process that examined recruitment, development, and advancement of all women, and diverse women in particular.  Sodexo also just ranked fourth in the 2012 DiversityInc. list of Top 10 Companies for Executive Women.

Additionally, Sodexo was recognized by the National Association for Female Executives which named the company to its Top 50 Companies for Executive Women in 2011. The list recognizes organizations whose policies and practices encourage women's advancement and whose numbers at the highest levels of leadership demonstrate that commitment.

ABOUT WFF

The Women's Foodservice Forum (WFF) is the industry's premier leadership development organization with more than 20 years of experience advancing women in the foodservice industry. WFF serves thousands of individuals and hundreds of employers in all segments of the industry including operations, manufacturing, distribution, publishing, consulting, and more. Through highly effective and educational events such as the Annual Leadership Development Conference, Executive Summit and Regional Connects as well as professional development and rich networking opportunities, WFF provides the competence and strategic connections needed to make a positive difference in the careers of women in the foodservice industry.

For more information, visit womensfoodserviceforum.com.

Sodexo in North America

Sodexo Inc. (www.sodexoUSA.com), leading Quality of Daily Life Solutions company in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, delivers On-site Service Solutions in Corporate, Education, Health Care, Government and Remote Site segments, and Motivation Solutions such as Esteem Pass. Sodexo Inc., headquartered in Gaithersburg, Md., funds all administrative costs for the Sodexo Foundation (www.SodexoFoundation.org), an independent charitable organization that, since its founding in 1999, has made more than $17 million in grants to end childhood hunger in America. Visit the corporate blog at www.sodexoUSA.com/blog.

Sodexo, world leader in Quality of Daily Life Solutions

Quality of Life plays an important role in the progress of individuals and the performance of organizations. Based on this conviction, Sodexo acts as a partner for companies and institutions that place a premium on performance and employee well-being, as it has since Pierre Bellon founded the company in 1966. Sharing the same passion for service, Sodexo's 413,000 employees in 80 countries design, manage and deliver an unrivaled array of Quality of Life Services. Sodexo has created a new form of service business that contributes to the fulfillment of its employees and the economic, social and environmental development of the communities, regions and countries in which it operates.

SOURCE Sodexo Inc.