Director of the Year
Jennifer Gordon, SNS
Jennifer Gordon, SNS, is the Child Nutrition Director at Laveen Elementary School District (Ariz.), where she leads with purpose rooted in personal experience. A former “school lunch kid," Gordon found comfort and inspiration in her early connection to school meals. Now a registered dietetics professional and Arizona State University alum, she champions nutrition access and public health through innovative programs like CEP, clean label initiatives and fresh produce education. With every meal served, Gordon sees a chance to support students’ well-being and shape healthy habits.
Manager of the Year
Debbie Lehne
Debbie Lehne is the Cafeteria Manager at Hanover Elementary School in Meriden (Conn.), where she’s spent more than 14 years bringing warmth and compassion the lunchroom. After a 25-year career in management, she found a new calling in school nutrition—and hasn’t looked back. Known for her close connection with students, Lehne goes above and beyond to meet individual needs, support her team and engage with the community. Whether she’s delivering meals, planning vegetarian options or handing out cinnamon buns at a local parade, Lehne’s goal is simple: to leave a lasting, positive impression.
Employee of the Year
Javonte Johnson
Javonte Johnson is a Café Assistant at Coffee High School (Ga.), where his energy brightens every lunch period. A former student of Coffee County Schools, Johnson was inspired to join the school nutrition team by childhood memories of cafeteria visit and a YouTube video that sparked his curiosity. Now, he’s making his own impact by building connections with students, lifting up coworkers and leading with heart. Whether he’s serving meals, telling jokes or dancing with students, Johnson proves that small moments can make a big difference.
Industry Member of the Year Award
Gayle Swain
Gayle Swain is the Non Commercial Market Manager at Cambro Manufacturing Company, where she brings more than 15 years of dedication to supporting school nutrition professionals from the industry side. Though she’s not in the cafeteria serving meals, Swain plays a vital role in helping those who do: advocating for their needs, designing effective solutions and championing programs like universal meals. From lobbying efforts to equipment grant sponsorships, her passion is rooted in partnerships. For Swain, it’s about making the job easier for those on the frontlines because when students are nourished, they’re ready to learn.
State Award Winners
Director of the Year
Alabama - Shan Burkhardt, SNS
Arizona - Jennifer Gordon, SNS
California - Jodi Yager, SNS
Connecticut - Ernest Koschmieder
Delaware - Julie Kirby
Florida - Shani Byrd Hall
Georgia - Donna Hendley, SNS
Iowa - Mandy Vincet
Idaho - Bobbie Ann Coleman
Indiana - Amanda Stout, SNS
Kentucky - Toni Jackson
Massachusetts - Brandon Rabbitt, SNS
Maine - Mary Emerson, SNS
Minnesota - Jennifer Walters
Missouri - Katlyn Lanoue
Mississippi - Brittany Logue, SNS
North Carolina - Caren Berrier
New Hampshire - Lauren Crowley, SNS
New Mexico - Sandra Kemp, SNS
New York - Eric Bush
Ohio - Megan Grippa
South Carolina - Kim Johnson, SNS
Tennessee - Vickie L Dunaway
Texas - Kasandra Davis
Utah - Sheri Welch, SNS
Virginia - Eric Coleman
Wisconsin - Michael Van Bush
Vermont - Harley Sterling, SNS
Manager of the Year
Alabama - Naomy Hernandez
Arizona - Pamela Sosa
California - Angelica Recinos
Connecticut - Debbie Lehne
Delaware - Shedrece Woods
Georgia - Joyce Lane
Iowa - Melanie Peebler
Illinois - Diana Fisher
Indiana - Ellen Buhr
Massachusetts - Meleen Gaynor
Maine - Susan Drowns
Minnesota - Donna Mae Walter
Missouri - Colleen Warchola
Mississippi - Debbie Sims
North Carolina - Linda Witherspoon
North Dakota - Melissa Dockter
Nebraska - Judy Poehlman
New Mexico - Fay Compos
Ohio - Tracie Bentley
Oklahoma - Ronna Munson
Oregon - Kimberly Leung
Pennsylvania - Yvonne Westlake
South Carolina - Kathy Jacobs
Tennessee - Evelyn Kyle (Marie)
Texas - Maria Carlos
Utah - Bailey Alger
Virginia - Tracey Lewellan
Washington - Angela Noble
West Virginia - Julie Morgan
Employee of the Year
Arizona - Lavette Hutchinson
Colorado - Kris Manyik
Delaware - Linda Harris
Florida - Jennifer Mckinstry
Georgia - Javontae Johnson
Idaho - Elvia Flores
Kentucky - Ruby Allnutt
Maine - Cheyenne Treynor
Michigan - Laurie Stein
Minnesota - Barbi King
Missouri - Karen Atherton
Mississippi - Amelia Dawson
North Carolina - Angela Corsaro
North Dakota - Lauri Podoll
New York - Sierra Jones
Oklahoma - Jenny Reed
Oregon - Becky Snowden
South Carolina - Lynne Greene
Tennessee - Lauren Yeary
Virginia - Russel Foreman
West Virginia - Jodie Lockhart
Regional Award Winners
Director of the Year
Oregon - Kimberly Leung
Arizona - Jennifer Gordon, SNS
Ohio - Megan Grippa
New Hampshire - Lauren Crowley, SNS
Virginia - Eric Coleman
Kentucky - Toni Jackson
Manager of the Year
California - Angelica Recinos
North Dakota - Melissa Dockter
Arizona - Pamela Sosa
Iowa - Melanie Peebler
Connecticut - Debbie Lehne
Delaware - Shedrece Woods
Tennessee - Evelyn Kyle (Marie)
Employee of the Year
Idaho - Elvia Flores
Missouri - Karen Atherton
Arizona - Lavette Hutchinson
Minnesota - Barbi King
Maine - Cheyenne Trynor
Delaware - Linda Harris
Georgia - Javontae Johnson
Awards & Scholarships
The SNA Awards program recognizes the outstanding contributions of members and state affiliates in school nutrition, leadership, membership growth, and professional development. To explore the full range of awards and opportunities, click the button below.