Celebrating Our 2025 Chartwells K12 National Award Winners

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Honoring the extraordinary individuals whose leadership, creativity, and dedication make a lasting impact on students, schools, and communities across the country.

Each year, associates from across Compass Group gather in Orlando for a special celebration that recognizes the outstanding achievements of teammates from the U.S. and Canada, including members of our Chartwells K12 community.

Building on local and regional recognition throughout the year, Chartwells K12 leaders honored one national award winner in each of six categories. These exceptional individuals enjoyed true star treatment during their stay in Orlando, culminating in the Compass Night of Stars gala filled with well-deserved tributes to their accomplishments.

Please join us in congratulating this year’s national award winners from Chartwells K12!

Account of the Year: Rochester Community Schools, MI/Marsha Dziewit

Under Marsha’s leadership, the Rochester Community Schools dining program has transformed into a model of innovation and engagement. Over the past year, her team enhanced participation by 6% for lunch and 22% for breakfast, hosted nearly 80 interactive programs, and introduced new chefs to elevate the dining experience. From student farmers markets and Discovery Kitchen events to Global Eats celebrations with celebrity chefs, Marsha has helped create memorable, meaningful connections between students and school meals.

Area Leader of the Year: Jamie Davies – New England Region

A trusted leader and regional go-to resource, Jamie brings calm confidence and unmatched expertise to his role as Area Director. Managing some of the region’s largest and most complex accounts, Jamie has maintained a perfect retention record while driving growth and fostering new business opportunities. As Regional Safety Captain and mentor to emerging leaders, Jamie’s impact extends beyond his own accounts, shaping the future of the New England Region.

Chef of the Year: Laurie Phillips-Cox – Rhode Island Schools

Chef Laurie supports 26 districts across Rhode Island, serving over 30,000 meals daily, and she does it with warmth, creativity, and care. Whether launching new salad bar concepts, hosting smoothie bike events, or leading knife skills training, she approaches every task with a “yes” mindset. Known for her kindness and attention to detail, Chef Laurie has set a statewide standard for safety, teamwork, and culinary excellence in every kitchen she visits.

School Leader of the Year: Kenyo Smalling – Huntington Beach Union High School District, CA

In just one year, Kenyo transformed a struggling dining program into one of the region’s top performers. His leadership rebuilt client trust, strengthened team morale, and boosted student participation by 10%. With a focus on collaboration and accountability, Kenyo created a culture of partnership that now serves as a model across the district and beyond. His passion for people and performance shines through in every success.

School Lunch Hero of the Year: Billie Kern – Mosinee School District, WI

Billie’s contagious laugh and genuine care make her a beloved part of the Mosinee school community. Known for her dedication to safety and service, Billie has helped her team maintain a perfect safety record and improve a la carte sales. Outside of work, she leads the district’s “Build a Backpack” program, ensuring students in need are ready for each school year. Billie embodies the heart of Chartwells, exemplifying kindness, teamwork, and a commitment to making a difference.

Support Associate of the Year: Chef Gaetano “Guy” Mastrangelo – Mid-Atlantic Region

With 25 years at Compass Group, Chef Guy is a true ambassador for the Chartwells mission. His enthusiasm and “can-do” attitude have made him a familiar face across the Mid-Atlantic region, where he supports everything from cost control and sales efforts to career days and community fairs. Known for building lasting relationships with clients, teams, and students, Chef Guy’s passion and positivity leave an impression wherever he goes.

These six honorees exemplify the best of Chartwells K12, from innovation and leadership to compassion and dedication to helping students thrive. Their achievements inspire all of us to continue making mealtime the best part of every student’s day.

Want to bring the same passion, creativity, and student engagement to your school community? Click “Get Started” above to connect with our team!