Whitsons Leadership
Whitsons has entered into a new and exciting partnership with GenNx360 Capital Partners, a private equity firm. GenNx360’s investment in Whitsons will enable us to focus on driving our mission of Enhancing Life One Meal at a Time™, offering new and innovative products and services and expanding our reach to serve additional communities wholesome and delicious meals well into the future.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
DAPHNE DUFRESNE, CHAIR OF THE BOARD
Daphne Dufresne is a Managing Partner of GenNx360 and Whitsons’ Chair of the Board. She has extensive investment experience, having previously been a Founding Partner of RLJ Equity Partners. Daphne also has extensive experience investing in the food industry, and currently serves on the Board of Directors of UNFI. She previously led the acquisition of and successful sale of Fleischmann’s Vinegar, where she was Chair of the Board of Directors. Click here to learn more about Daphne.
LLOYD TROTTER, BOARD MEMBER
Lloyd Trotter is a Co-Founder and Managing Partner of GenNx360 Capital Partners. Prior to co-founding GenNx360, Lloyd had an illustrious career with General Electric, from where he retired as its Vice Chairman, having started his career as a field service engineer 40 years earlier. While at General Electric, Lloyd was also the founding member of GE’s African American forum. Click here to learn more about Lloyd.
RISHI VERMA, BOARD MEMBER
Rishi is a Principal at GenNx360 Capital Partners. Rishi has extensive investment experience and has previously served on the Boards of several GenNx360 portfolio companies. Click here to learn more about Rishi.
PAUL WHITCOMB, BOARD MEMBER
Paul Whitcomb is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Whitsons Culinary Group. Paul grew up in the family business and has over thirty years of experience in the foodservice industry. Paul has served in many areas of the organization, meeting each challenge with a fresh and intuitive perspective that has been invaluable to Whitsons’ success. He is also a member of the Society for Food Service Management, Food Service Consultants International and the International Facilities Management Association. Click here to read a message from Paul.
EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT TEAM
BETH BUNSTER, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
As CFO, Beth is responsible for developing and implementing the company’s long-range financial strategy, including securing financing for future growth. She is also the executive who oversees Human Resources, Recruiting, Information Technology and Accounting. Beth’s expertise has been in making Whitsons an efficient, cutting-edge management operation. She created a continuous improvement process for our corporate systems by identifying and implementing new enterprise systems for accounting and manufacturing. She has streamlined many accounting and HR processes, and we have seen an increase in productivity by over 100%. Beth has played an active role in Whitsons’ growth and evolution from a local restaurant to a complete food service resource employing over 3000 team members and serving diverse industrial, educational and municipal organizations throughout the region. Beth received her BBA in accounting from Hofstra University, and also took courses at SUNY Stony Brook University. Her professional affiliations include: Society for Foodservice Management, Long Island Center for Business and Professional Women and the CFO Roundtable.
KELLYANN FRIEND, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER - CONTRACT MANAGEMENT
Kellyann brings over 36 years of experience with Whitsons and has played a crucial role in the organization’s development. She is well known for her commitment to excellence and her flair for creating unique strategic solutions. Recognized as a key leader in the industry, Kelly has served on the Board of Directors for the Society for Hospitality and Foodservice Management and is an active member of the School Nutrition Association. She is also a Certified Dietary Manager and Food Management Professional. Kelly brings a vast wealth of knowledge across all business segments, as she has held various leadership positions throughout the Whitsons organization.
PAUL BURNUP, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER – PREPARED MEALS
Paul joined Whitsons with more than 25 years of experience in the food industry. As Chief Operating Officer of Whitsons’ Prepared Meals division, Paul provides leadership and direction for this business segment. He is directly responsible for the supervision of our culinary center operations, where he works with our team to ensure the qualitative and financial success of our program. He also manages and oversees our culinary depots and works with the culinary and sales teams to develop new products for our customers and new business opportunities for the Prepared Meal Division. Paul also oversees Emergency Nutrition Services.
MICHAEL MARINARO, VICE PRESIDENT OF SUPPLY CHAIN & TECHNOLOGY
As Whitsons’ Vice President of Supply Chain and Technology, Michael is responsible for overseeing and administering all aspects of the company purchasing programs, including researching new suppliers and manufacturers, facilitating strategic relationships, researching and testing new products and ingredients, monitoring vendor issues and coordinating with the marketing department on promotional programs. He has made great strides in building vendor relationships and procuring quality products in line with our nutritional focus and green initiatives. He is also responsible for the company’s overall technology strategy, including infrastructure, communication systems and Whitsons’ proprietary Dine Central, intranet and ERP/MRP systems. Michael holds a degree from Hofstra University.
VINCENT "OZZIE" ORSILLO, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF GROWTH & STRATEGY
With over 28 years dedicated to school nutrition services, Ozzie Orsillo has worked with hundreds of school districts in the Northeast region, helping them meet their school dining program objectives. He is well known in the industry for his customer-focused approach, integrity and professionalism. A lifelong New Englander, Ozzie brings more than 46 years of contract foodservice sales and operational experience to the company. Ozzie has been part of Whitsons’ team since 2007, introducing our school nutrition services into the Massachusetts and New Hampshire markets, as well as expanding our account base in Connecticut.
GREGORY ROBBINS, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & GENERAL COUNSEL
As Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Gregory Robbins brings with him with more than 30 years of law firm and in-house corporate law experience to Whitsons. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Hofstra University and a Juris Doctor from New York University School of Law, and is admitted to practice law in New York and Connecticut. Greg supports all of Whitsons’ lines of business directly from the corporate office.
PAUL WHITCOMB, PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Paul Whitcomb is a company owner and member of Whitsons’ Board of Directors. As President and CEO, Paul plays a leadership role in all areas of the company’s operations, steering the company in new directions and increasing scope of services, maximizing quality, streamlining operations and developing new markets for business growth. His talents are critical in promoting Whitsons in our target markets.