staff
Sheila Bennett
Development Director — National Campaigns
Sheila’s journey in the foodservice industry began as a hostess to supplement her teaching income. This began a career that allowed her to explore various facets of the restaurant industry in business development, marketing, supply chain and leadership roles to drive growth and innovation.
Her commitment to helping others is her north star. Her tenure at the National Restaurant Association’s Educational Foundation and Share Our Strength highlights her dedication to addressing meaningful causes. She led and engineered the Dine Out for No Kid Hungry, which raised significant funds, and engaged an industry.
Returning to Nashville in 2020, she continued her service through nonprofit work, aiding families during times of a health crisis and natural disasters. After her mother required, a second major surgery within six months, she decided to relocate to Florida to focus full time on family and serve as care taker.
Sheila's contributions have been recognized through prestigious awards such as being named to Nation’s Restaurant News POWER LIST - Reader's Choice Award and receiving the Nashville Scene’s Phila Patti Myint Award. She serves as an active member of Les Dames d ’Escoffier, Nashville chapter and previously the Atlanta Chapter that reflects her commitment to community engagement.
She is a culinary enthusiast, having studied at the CIA Hyde Park and le Cordon Bleu Paris. She enjoys taking culinary classes and exploring wine regions. Her passion for food extends to her hobbies, including painting, gardening and entertaining guests in her home in addition to crafting delicious doggie treats for Remi, her rescue moyen poodle.