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A leader in the food and beverage industry, Howard Halpern has held the prestigious title of Grand Counseiller Culinaire of the United States and served on the Conseil Magistral Paris for the Chaine des Rotisseurs, the world's oldest gastronomic organization. He holds an Honorary Doctorate from Johnson and Wales and was named The Escoffier Society’s Man of the Year in 1992. He served as Senior Advisor of Food Service Procurement to the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Committee. In 1998, he was recognized as Regional Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young. Howard has also led numerous professional and student culinary teams to medal finishes. As Chairman of Halperns’, he shares his insight and experience with the most dynamic team of professionals assembled in the industry.
Active in his family’s business since childhood, Kirk Halpern has witnessed the growth of the industry and understands its challenges as well as its potential. He holds a unique vision for his company and insists on a hands-on approach to every step in the process. Kirk served on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Meat Purveyors and holds a degree from Duke Law School.
Thanks to unprecedented response and support from the industry, Halperns’ is rapidly reaching its goal of becoming one of the largest and most respected meat distribution companies in the United States. As President and Founder of Halperns’, Kirk carries on a family tradition that began 40 years ago with drive, spirit and vision.
With more than 30 years of experience in foodservice industry, Lynne has worked alongside Howard Halpern since the inception of the family’s original meat company. Her guidance has been integral in its success. With a keen eye for strategy, she now guides Halperns’ development and marketing efforts.
Over the years, Lynne has united her personal interest in gastronomy and love of community to lead and support Atlanta’s culinary scene and countless charities. She has served on numerous boards of Atlanta’s premier nonprofit entities. She is president of The Lynne M. and Howard I. Halpern Foundation, one of her greatest passions, which supports civic efforts in Atlanta and throughout the country.
Lynne was named President of the Year by The Chaine des Rotisseurs, and also received the organization’s highest honor, “The Good of the World” award.
She was also recognized as Volunteer of the Year by Cartier.
Halperns’ has assembled an internal team of the brightest and most innovative thinkers in the meat distribution industry. They are dedicated to each customer, each order, each product – dedicated each and every day.
Ray Hicks, Laura Barnard, Ray Farmer and Jody Hicks have been a team for over 20 years. Their combined experience in operations, development, culinary expertise and customer service spans more than 85 years. That’s 85 years of experience brought to you. The team’s shared goal is for Halperns’ to become the number one center-of-the-plate supplier in the country.
Ray Hicks brings 25 years of experience and strong leadership qualities to the team, having last served as Senior Vice President/General Manager of a major meat specialty company. He holds a BA in Accounting from Georgia State and served in senior management positions in sales, production and accounting.
Laura Barnard brings over 20 years of consumer products and financial industry experience to her position as CFO of Halperns’. After earning a MBA from The University of Chicago, Laura continued her investment banking career before entering the consumer products industry serving in senior positions in planning, development and operations.
Ray Farmer is a certified Executive Chef and three-time medal winner at the Culinary Olympics in Frankfurt, Germany. His experience has established the culinary-based approach that separates Halperns’ from its competitors. Ray has been a member of the American Culinary Federation for 25 years, is a certified ACF judge and a past President of the Atlanta chapter.
Jody Hicks has a passion for customer service, developed during her 25 years in the food distribution industry. With experience in sales, purchasing and administration, she insists that her excellent track record of ensuring customer satisfaction and retention is a result of truly enjoying her work.
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