Laurie’s role is that of Senior Vice President and General Manager of Next Day Gourmet, a $300 million operating company of U. S. Foodservice, a $19-billion broad line foodservice organization serving independent, national, and health care accounts.   Laurie is in the top 100 leaders at U.S. Foodservice, a company employing over 25,000 associates.   Next Day Gourmet is a national leader in the distribution of Equipment and Supplies to the Foodservice industry.    At “NDG” she is responsible for Sales, Marketing, Procurement and Operations. 

Laurie continues to build an increasingly successful career in the foodservice industry.   At U.S. Foodservice she has been promoted 13 times in 21 years.  From her entry level customer service role to her success as a Division President she continues to post outstanding business achievements.   Laurie was recently awarded the Bob Tobin Leadership under Fire Award for her success in turning around a troubled $250 million division in less than 18 months.   Laurie contributes her success to the “high level of curiosity” that she brings to work every day.  The combination of her  hard work and intense questioning and listening together have enabled her to develop a deep competence in all facets of business administration, sales, supply chain, operations, quality, customer relations, finance, human resources & marketing.   Laurie is recognized as a dynamic, industrious, intuitive leader with a passion for driving profitability and business results while building high performance teams and positive and sustainable customer relationships.   Laurie is a passionate negotiator-she loves it!  And when you ask her what the best compass is for any organization she will tell you to understand your customer’s experience and that will lead you where you need to go.  

Laurie is a graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College with a B.A. in Business Administration and Psychology. She has a certification in Foodservice Management from Cornell University.  She is an active volunteer with the Women’s Foodservice Forum on the Industry Influencer Sponsorship Committee and as a Regional Connect Panelist.  Laurie has supported the foodservice supplier community as a Keynote Speaker at the International Foodservice Manufacturers Associate Category Management College. 

Laurie lives on the west side of Minneapolis, MN with her husband Andy, daughter Courtney (14), and son A.J. (11).  As a family they enjoy many sports and activities together, especially golf, boating & skiing.