NAFEM Presents High Honors at The NAFEM Show

The North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers (NAFEM) presented the 2025 William W. Carpenter Award and the Louise O’Sullivan Award of Excellence during its Annual Business Meeting, Tuesday, Feb. 25, at the Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, Ga.

The William W. Carpenter Award was bestowed to Rob Connelly, CFSP, Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Board, Henny Penny Corporation. The association’s highest honor, it recognizes an industry professional who has continually contributed to NAFEM’s success and to the enrichment of the industry. Rob’s term as NAFEM president, 2020 – 2022, coincided with the pandemic and an international lockdown, presenting unprecedented challenges.

“Rob led the organization virtually, and was laser focused on bringing the industry together as partners, collaborators, innovators and ultimately, as survivors,” said Steve Spittle, CFSP, NAFEM president and chief commercial officer, Middleby Corporation.

The Louise O’Sullivan Award of Excellence recognizes a long-time NAFEM volunteer for their tireless work on behalf of the association who is not a board member or officer at the time of the award.

The 2025 recipient is Mike Whiteley, retired executive vice president, sales & marketing, Hatco Corporation. During his 20+ years of contributing to the industry and to the NAFEM board of directors, Mike was especially encouraging and available to rising leaders.

“He embodies the collaborative spirit of the award,” Spittle said, “and was one of my first mentors when I became involved and joined the NAFEM board. Mike provided me with counsel and advice, amazing experiences and lifelong friendship.”