For more than 30 years, Cassia regional director of nutrition and culinary Sheri Ruehle has been a dedicated leader in the senior living profession, starting as a registered dietician with Elim in 1990.
Premier Foodservice took notice, awarding Sheri the 2024 Premier Foodservice Illuminating Excellence Award.
“Sheri has not only made a huge impact in culinary but has also served in multiple roles; including helping to execute changes with assisted living regulations and contracts, opening new buildings and working in operations overseeing several assisted living/independent living locations,” the nomination for the award stated.
Sheri helped create professional partnerships. Specifically, the Passion for Dining & Nutrition helped Cassia with the staffing crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the Cassia Culinary Academy she developed provides hands-on culinary training for Cassia culinary staff.
“Sheri always strives for excellence within our organization,” wrote the nominator. “She is always researching and looking for ways to improve, from finding new menu ideas and the latest food trends to finding new technologies and has even written multiple grants. One of the customer service grants she wrote helped with the development of our Cassia service standards.”
Those service standards are compassion, integrity, excellence, innovation, stewardship, unity, respect and collaboration. Cassia employees can receive pins recognizing them for demonstrating those service standards in their daily work. Sheri has received all eight pins after being nominated by several of her coworkers nominated her.
“It’s clear that Sheri’s work is the embodiment of our standards and values,” the nominator wrote.
Peers recognize Sheri for fostering a passion for innovation and nutrition within Cassia’s culinary teams.
“Sheri embodies the values and qualities that the Premier Illuminating Excellence Award seeks to honor,” the nominator concluded. “Her dedication, leadership and contributions have not only made a significant impact in her respective field but have also inspired others to strive for excellence.”
About the Award
Premier Foodservice presents the Illuminating Excellence Award to the Premier Foodservice member operators who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in the food or nutrition field. These winners represent the highest level of operational talent and ingenious thinking, while remaining steadfast to their mission.
