Hospitality Pathways Conference

CEO, Kitchen of Purpose

For over 25 years, Brian MacNair has operated at the intersection of culinary passion and systemic social change. As a visionary leader in the non-profit food scene, MacNair’s career has been defined by a singular, powerful theme: building and scaling dynamic organizations that turn the power of food into lasting human dignity. During a transformative 10-year tenure at DC Central Kitchen, he eventually served as Chief Development Officer. Together with Chef José Andrés, they started World Central Kitchen, with MacNair serving as its inaugural Executive Director. Tasked with building the dynamic organization from the ground up, MacNair laid the operational, financial, and strategic foundations for what would become a premier global food relief model. Today, MacNair serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Kitchen of Purpose (formerly La Cocina VA). Having helped consult on the organization’s original setup in 2012, his return as CEO represents a full-circle moment of leadership.

Director of Workforce Development for the Delaware Restaurant Association and the Delaware Restaurant Foundation

Ruthann Messick she leads statewide workforce initiatives that connect people to meaningful careers in the hospitality industry. With more than a decade of experience in workforce development, she oversees grant-funded programs, registered apprenticeships, youth career pathways, and industry partnerships that strengthen both businesses and communities. Ruthann is passionate about creating opportunities, building collaborative partnerships, and helping individuals achieve long-term career success through hospitality.

Vice President, One Stop Operations

Elizabeth Perez Gonzalez brings over 17 years of workforce development experience with Career Resources, Inc. (CRI), specializing in employment services, program operations, compliance, and community workforce initiatives. In her current role as Vice President of One Stop Operations, Elizabeth oversees the daily operations of the American Job Centers in the Southwest Region, leading teams, strengthening community partnerships, and advancing CRI’s mission of connecting individuals and employers to meaningful workforce opportunities.

Program Services Director, Project Return

Rachel supports individuals as they transition from incarceration back into their communities. A graduate of Belmont University with a degree in Social Entrepreneurship, she’s is passionate about creating opportunities for people to build successful and sustainable futures. Rachel helps individuals connect them with employment opportunities, supportive services, and resources that promote long-term stability and success. Her work is grounded in the belief that every person deserves the opportunity to thrive in their next chapter, and she is committed to advancing pathways that foster dignity, empowerment, and meaningful community reintegration.

Vocational Services Manager, Peckham, Inc.

Calley specializes in building strong employer partnerships and inclusive talent pipelines. With over 15 years of experience, she connects businesses with skilled candidates they might otherwise overlook—helping employers solve real hiring needs while expanding access to opportunity. At Peckham, Calley leads employer engagement strategies, developing customized workforce solutions, advising on inclusive hiring practices, and creating sustainable pipelines that work for both businesses and job seekers.

Vocational Training Services Coordinator, Peckham, Inc.

Stephen leads workforce development programs connecting youth and individuals with disabilities to meaningful employment opportunities. With more than 16 years of experience in human services and workforce development, he is passionate about helping people build confidence, develop skills, and achieve competitive, integrated employment. A Certified Case Manager, Stephen oversees innovative career readiness and employment programs while fostering partnerships with schools, employers, vocational rehabilitation agencies, and community organizations. 

Principal, Culinary Coach LLC

Culinary Coach, a culinary workforce development consultancy based in the Richmond, VA area. Duane has spent his career building training-to-employment pathways that move people from the kitchen door into durable hospitality careers, designing and delivering culinary cohort programs in partnership with community colleges, community-based organizations, and the City of Richmond. He also serves as Work-Based Learning Coordinator at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. His earlier roles include Senior Director of Workforce Development at RISE Richmond, Director of Post-Secondary Pathways at Rise Academy, and program coordination and enrollment leadership at the Culinary Institute of America.