Jill Conklin, director of sales development, USA, for Winston Industries, was named the eighth recipient of the School Nutrition Association Individual Industry Member of the Year Award.

Conklin, who has been involved with school nutrition programs for more than nine years, was nominated by SNA Nutrition Committee Chair Julia Bauscher, SNS, for her ‘demonstrated… dedication to the school nutrition profession’ and her ‘special passion to support members in serving children worldwide.’

As an SNA member, Conklin has worked tirelessly on behalf of school nutrition professionals worldwide, both as an individual and in her position with Winston Industries. Conklin views herself as an educator and is very focused on the professional development of school nutrition professionals.

Not only has Conklin traveled across the country providing free training workshops to school nutrition professionals, she also encouraged Winston Industries to participate in the School Nutrition Foundation scholarship program. Through her leadership, Winston now provides $20,000 in professional growth scholarships to SNA members to further their career development.

Conklin has focused her efforts beyond domestic school nutrition efforts. An active supporter of the Global Child Nutrition Foundation, SNA’s international arm, she is working to provide all children access to nutritious food. Conklin has served as a delegate to GCNF’s flagship program, the Global Child Nutrition Forum, as well as served as a volunteer GCNF Ambassador. With her recommendation, Winston Industries has sponsored an international policy scholar to attend SNA’s annual Legislative Action Conference.

The 2010 Individual Industry Member of the Year Award will be presented to Conklin during SNA’s 64th Annual National Conference in Dallas, Texas on Tuesday, July 13, 2010. Conklin, along with the 2010 SNA Outstanding Director of the Year, will also be honored at the Global Child Nutrition Foundation’s ‘A Possible Dream Gala’ in March 2011 in Washington, DC.

The Food Channel will be in Dallas for complete on-the-scene coverage of the SNA’s annual conference beginning July 11th.