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CONNECTING THE CHART MEMBER COMMUNITY
HOT SUMMER NEWS JULY/AUGUST 2026
VISIONARY TRAINERS TRANSFORMING HOSPITALITY
Breaking Barriers, Creating Pathways
Planting Seeds of Opportunity in Jamaica
Sheila Johnson is grounded in a strong belief: every person deserves to feel welcome, respected, appreciated, and special. That philosophy shapes how she leads more than 3,000 service professionals across the Salamander portfolio.
2026 Commitment to People Recipient
“To Sheila, culture is not a program. It’s a daily commitment.”
Despite overseeing a growing collection of award-winning properties, Sheila remains remarkably hands-on. She visits properties regularly, hosts town halls, and shares her vision directly with team members. Under her leadership, Salamander has invested heavily in employee development by expanding its L&D team, creating leadership programs for managers and supervisors, and
When Salamander expanded into Jamaica through the Half Moon Resort, Sheila’s commitment included educational technology donations to schools, partnerships that create career opportunities for local residents, and fundraising efforts that support scholarships and youth programs.
Sheila Johnson Founder & CEO Salamander Collection
supporting a growing network of frontline trainers across the organization. She has led the enhancement of parental leave programs and vacation benefits, reinforcing the importance of well-being both inside and outside the workplace. “Sheila is a bold and consistent voice for diversity, equity, and inclusion. She is a courageous advocate for social justice and a tireless advocate for service professionals.”
What’s New in The Lobby? CHART’s new LMS is evolving all the time to become your central point of learning, connection, and celebration. Check out The Breakroom, where you can discover Brain Breaks, a Relaxation Station, and some cute photos posted by members to brighten your day. Logging in is easy! Access the platform at chart.org > Trainer Development & Events > Competency LMS or go to chart.wisetail.com. We use Single Sign-On (SSO), so you can click the “CHART_LOGIN” button and log in using your existing CHART credentials. From leading educational initiatives in Jamaica to creating opportunities for hospitality professionals of color through The Family Reunion event, Sheila leverages her influence to open doors and strengthen communities. Her philanthropic vision comes to life through the Sheila C. Johnson Design Center, where she champions underserved Black communities by focusing on job creation and economic advancement. We are proud to honor Sheila at CHART 110 Boston at the Commitment to People dinner on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.
Meet Your Candidates for the CHART 2026-27 Board of Directors Electronic voting opens July 6, 2026. CHART members in good standing are eligible to vote if they have attended one or more of the last three conferences. Those CHART members eligible to vote will receive an email on July 6, 2026. If you do not get this email and believe you are eligible to vote, please contact susan@chart.org. If you are a member but have not attended any of these events, you are eligible to vote in-person at the Boston conference. View candidate statements online now at chart.org > scroll to News > Announcements.
Dr. Jennifer Belk White, Ed.D., SPHR, SHRM-SCP, CHT Vice President of Human Resources General Hotels Corporation Incoming President - no need to vote for Jen!
James Frank Manager, Learning & Development Dine Brands Global Also running for President-Elect
Paul Miramontes, CHT Senior Manager, Learning & Development | Galardi Group - Wienerschnitzel
Philip Pinkerman Learning, Development, & Recruiting Manager Bristol Farms
Kim Evans Director of Training, Hopdoddy Burger Bar
Anna Mason, CHT Director of Learning & Development Edley’s Bar-B-Que
Angelina Sabatini, CHT Manager of Training Live Nation Entertainment
PresidenTalks Celebrating Curt Archambault’s Enduring Impact
30 years ago, he walked into his first CHART Conference alone and uncertain (as he tells it). It’s hard to imagine that Curt today. Confident and collaborative, Curt credits CHART as the best thing that has happened to him professionally. He’s experienced a journey of learning, leadership, and community. That journey has now become his legacy. What Curt experienced, he now creates for others. Curt’s CHART journey has achieved many milestones through the years. In 2002, he volunteered on his first conference team. In 2008, he led as CHART President. In 2023, he returned to the board as our Education Strategist where he has served for the past three years. The Ed Strat role is typically a two-year commitment, but in true Curt fashion, he went the extra mile. During his tenure, Curt not only led the launch of The Lobby, CHART’s new LMS, but filled it with articles,
CHART President Kelly McCutcheon
courses, and discussion forums. What began as an enhanced way to track competency completion quickly became a community hub. Additionally, over the past few years, the structure and content of our competency tracks received a huge overhaul, thanks to Curt’s tenacity. He’s built a strong succession of competency facilitators and mentors who will carry his work forward. Some contributions are measured in programs launched, systems built, or results achieved. Curt’s legacy is all that and more. His people-first approach has shaped his years as Education Strategist and leaves a lasting mark on our community. At our last in-person meeting, Curt gifted each board member a small light with a note describing how we contribute to the team. As my eyes fall to that light sitting on my desk today, I am reminded of how Curt lights the way for so many of us.
More than a fellow Board Member, Curt is a friend. Through the years, he has offered me a kind ear, a wise word, and a high bar. Curt, thank you for your vision, your generosity, and your belief in people. Your legacy will continue to shine. I am excited to share that Audrey Benet will step into the Education Strategist role. Audrey has already made an impact through her work as this year’s Membership Board Member. She also played an instrumental role in the launch of The Lobby and will continue to build on the strong foundation of her predecessors. Curt, as I wrap up my tenure as CHART President, I am inspired by your story. Maybe this isn’t the end of my journey either. Maybe I’ll follow in your footsteps and one day return to serve as Education Strategist. And when I do, I know you’ll be right there to guide the way.
Meet Your Boston Conference Team The spark behind Light the Way? These incredible volunteers! Get to know the people shaping the Boston experience, and hear their answer to an insightful question about what makes them shine. Q. From the Freedom Trail to the Tea Party, Boston changed history. How will you make a moment memorable for a guest today?
Registration Co-Director Chris Severance Executive Director of Operations - Learning and Development | Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar
When the world feels dark and chaotic, hospitality is our superpower! All it takes is a warm smile and genuine kindness for the day to be a bit brighter for our guests.
Facilities Co-Director Shannon Ciccotelli Director of Training and Development | Jim ‘N Nick’s Community Bar-B-Q
Teach someone something today that changes how they show up tomorrow. More equipped people create exceptional moments for every guest.
Volunteer Co-Director
Be present, be genuine, and go beyond expectations. It's the small moments that create the biggest memories.
Paul Miramontes, CHT Senior Manager, Learning and Development | Galardi Group - Wienerschnitzel
First Time Attendee Co-Director Rachel Richal Vice President, Restaurant Experience & Training Buffalo Wild Wings – Inspire Brands
It’s simple - add a little fun to the experience. When people have fun, those moments turn into memories that last… with the added bonus of bringing a little more joy to the world, one experience at a time.
Service Event Co-Director Sarah Roha Director of Manager Training Twin Peaks Restaurants
Sports is my go-to for an initial conversation with a guest. Each visit the banter continues; their game is on the TV, and they are the MVP.
Silent Auction Co-Director Anna Mason, CHT Director of Learning & Development | Edley’s Bar-B-Que
For me, memorable moments arise from human connection; consciously making an effort to be present and genuinely responding to the needs of the guest. Being seen and heard creates a lasting impression. I strive to do this with every guest interaction.
Every interaction is an opportunity to leave someone better than we found them. Today, I will create a memorable moment by listening with intention, serving with heart, and helping someone feel truly seen.
Registration Co-Director Jennifer Bonilla, CHT, CGSP Senior Manager, Workforce Strategy & Career Development (North America) National Restaurant Association
Facilities Co-Director Tom Law Director of Training Golden Corral Corporation
I will make myself available and truly listen to them.
When I think of guests, I include not only those we serve externally but also our internal guests: trainers, franchisees, team members, and managers who support them every day. I make it a priority to show my appreciation through handwritten notes, public recognition, and personalized thank-yous. When our people feel valued, that positivity naturally carries over to the guests we serve.
Hospitality Co-Director Winona Bullis Director of Field Training GoTo Foods
Hospitality Co-Director Matthew Rowe Senior Manager, Training/Restaurant Excellence | Tasty Chick’n
Because the best moments aren’t scripted–they’re felt. And that’s what I aim to create every day.
Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers P.O. Box 2835 Westfield, NJ 07091 chart.org (800) 463-5918
Please send content to flipCHART Managing Editor | Lisa Marovec, lisa@chart.org Deadline is 1st of the month for the next month’s issue | Back issues: chart.org Bid from Afar!
Silent Auction to Support CHART Scholarships
Whether you’re present in Boston or not, you can participate by bidding on something fabulous, and feel fabulous doing it too! Check out the tantalizing items on the 32auction website www.32auctions.com/CHARTBoston. Every year, CHART partners with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) and the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) to offer scholarships to two deserving college students in hospitality, culinary, and hotel programs. Last year, we raised a record amount – let’s beat it this year!
Do you have branded swag, gift cards, hotel stays, speaking/training sessions, or other items or experiences you or your company could donate? Email ppinkerman@bristolfarms.com or amason@edleysbbq.com.
Member News
Jennifer Bonilla is now Senior Manager, Workforce Strategy & Career Development (North America) at the National Restaurant Association.
Chaley Butler is now Director of Training and Development at Ryman Hospitality Properties.
Anthony Walden is now Director of Training at GoTo Foods.
Matt Clark is now Field Training Manager at Buffalo Wild Wings GO – Inspire Brands.
Travis Smith is now Senior Training Manager, People Development & Culture at Pyramid Global Hospitality.
Dean Andrews is now Director of New Restaurant Openings at Jim 'N Nick's Community Bar-B-Q.
Kevin McCarthy is now Executive Vice President Systems & Brand Standards at Teriyaki Madness. Jim Rich, formerly Vice President of Training at Mendocino Farms, started his own consultancy, JimRichHospitality.
Audrey Benet is now Director of Training at Checkers & Rally’s.
Christina Gerome is now Senior Director of People & Retention at Flower Child.
Jay Hartwig is now Senior Director of People & Retention at Fox Restaurant Concepts.
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