CFSP Spotlight: Lisa DeMartino, CFSP

NAFEM’s Certified Foodservice Professional (CFSP) designation was established in 1987 and remains the most important industry certification for foodservice equipment & supplies professionals. Today, there are more than 1,300 CFSP-certified industry leaders, comprising a respected network of individuals equipped with comprehensive professional knowledge.  

In NAFEM’s bimonthly CFSP Spotlight, one CFSP designee’s story is featured. We discuss what the program means to them, why they sought certification and how it has affected their career.

For our August CFSP Spotlight, we talked to Lisa DeMartino, CFSP, Mercer Culinary, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. DeMartino successfully achieved her CFSP certification in 2023. She is currently a member of NAFEM’s CFSP Working Group, which is charged with identifying ways to market and expand the program through advanced-level programming and licensing.

DeMartino decided to seek certification to expand her knowledge of the industry. She adds, “At that point in my career with Mercer, I was primarily focused on smallwares. I wanted to better understand every segment of the industry so I could contribute to broader conversations, gain a more complete perspective and continue growing professionally.”

Once she started the process, DeMartino was surprised by how comprehensive the program is. Every facet of opening and operating a foodservice establishment was covered. DeMartino continues, “I never realized how many details go into planning a successful operation, and it gave me a new appreciation for the complexity of the industry.”

CFSP preparation materials include interactive credit-earning modules that make exam preparation more engaging and effective. DeMartino participated in NAFEM’s annual CFSP Virtual Overview in August 2023. The Virtual Overview is NAFEM’s two-day, instructor-led CFSP overview seminar spanning two days, with 4 hours of instruction per day. It provides a comprehensive overview of the CFSP program followed by the CFSP Online Exam on the third day. “The virtual prep class was the highlight of the process for me. The instructor made the material easy to understand by connecting concepts in a way that really clicked while keeping the classes enjoyable and engaging,” DeMartino explains.

DeMartino believes that attaining CFSP certification allows participants to be even more well-versed with comprehensive industry knowledge. One of the key pillars of the program is to create a respected community of leaders who become more valuable to customers and colleagues alike. “Earning my CFSP has given me the confidence to participate in conversations across all areas of the industry and understand the terminology and challenges being discussed,” she adds. According to DeMartino, CFSP is more than a credential—it’s a reflection of someone’s commitment to continuous learning and contributing to the industry.

 If you or someone in your organization is considering obtaining the CFSP designation, DeMartino has some advice, “It can feel intimidating to balance a full-time job with studying and taking exams, especially if it’s been a while since you’ve been in a classroom setting. But the sense of accomplishment when you earn your CFSP is incredibly rewarding. Believe in yourself, take it one step at a time, and remember that the knowledge you gain will stay with you throughout your career.”

To start a CFSP group at your company, visit the CFSP page on NAFEM’s website.  If you have questions or would like to be featured in a future CFSP Spotlight, contact Kathleen Galeher, coordinator, member services, kgaleher@nafem.org;  +1.312.821.0216.