NAFEM Gives Top Honors

At its annual business meeting last week, NAFEM presented the 2025 William W. Carpenter Award and the Louise O’Sullivan Award of Excellence.

Rob Connelly, executive chairman and chairman of the board at Henny Penny Corp., took home the William W. Carpenter Award, the association’s highest honor. The award recognizes an industry professional who has continually contributed to NAFEM’s success and to the enrichment of the industry. Connelly’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,” says Steve Spittle, NAFEM president and chief commercial officer, Middleby Corp., in the release.

Mike Whiteley, retired executive vice president, sales and marketing, Hatco Corp., earned the Louise O’Sullivan Award of Excellence. The award 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. Whiteley spent 20-plus years contributing to the industry and to the NAFEM board of directors.

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

NAFEM’s annual business meeting took place just before the start of The NAFEM Show at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. For show coverage, see FER’s media gallery by clicking here.