Andy Villabona

About Andy Villabona

With over 15 years of experience in culinary event production and management, I am a seasoned professional who leads and supports the development, execution, and strategy of events and activations that engage culinary professionals and appeal to targeted audiences. As the Associate Director of Culinary Partnerships and Events at Share Our Strength, I oversee the planning and logistics of Taste of the Nation, No Kid Hungry Dinners, and Chefs Cycle events across multiple markets, while also contributing to the greater strategic direction of the team.My core skills include budget management, vendor and sponsor relations, volunteer coordination, fundraising, culinary skills, food, and menu development. I am driven by the mission of ending childhood hunger in America and leverage my expertise and network to create impactful and memorable experiences that raise awareness and funds for the No Kid Hungry campaign. I am proud to have been recognized as a HALO Award finalist and a Rising Star Award recipient for my innovative and effective work in experiential cause marketing and nonprofit management.

Experience

1. Associate Director, Culinary Partnerships & Events

   Share Our Strength

   Jul 2023 — Present · Chicago, IL, US

   Responsible for the development, management and execution of events and activations that engage culinary professionals and appeal to targeted audiences, while also contributing to the greater strategic direction of the Culinary Partnerships and Events team. Lead and support the management of event production and logistics across all 3 event platforms (Taste of the Nation, No Kid Hungry Dinners, and Chefs Cycle) to include vendor, sponsor, budget and culinary management and strategy.

Education

• Florida International University

  BS, Hospitality Management

  2004 — 2009