Cindy Windham, a General Manager at Metz Culinary Management (Metz), received a very special and deserving honor on Wednesday January 29, 2025, presented by Dennis Michaels, a District Manager at Metz. Michaels presented Cindy with Metz’s 2024 General Manager of the Year award!

Metz provides culinary services for Grafton’s Berryville campus, as well as several other Grafton facilities. Grafton has partnered with Metz since July of 2018 and has treasured the relationships built with the Metz team.

Under Cindy’s leadership, the Metz team goes above and beyond for our students and staff each day. We are constantly impressed by their incredible food, outstanding events, and immaculate attention to detail. Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, staff appreciation event, etc., the Metz team treats our Grafton students and staff like family, making every day feel special.

“Each year, Metz District Managers are tasked to nominate a General Manager that exemplifies not only our Metz mission but our client partner’s vision as well. There were many great candidates in contention for this award, but Cindy stood out for her outstanding catering and ability to go above and beyond each day,” Michaels proudly shared.

Michaels continued by sharing just how impressive this recognition is, “To put it in perspective, Metz has nearly 500 accounts consisting of hospital systems, school districts, airports, etc. and Cindy was selected as the top candidate. Cindy has consistently gone above and beyond in creating an outstanding experience, driving operational excellence, and fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation within her team and Grafton staff.”

Overwhelmed with excitement and emotion, Cindy happily shared what this award means to her, “I’m very humbled and surprised. It makes me happy that my efforts are recognized. It is overwhelming to think that they think so highly of me.”

Cindy’s immediate follow-up response regarding her team speaks volumes about her character and the kind of leader she is.

“This award makes me want to recognize my own team more. My team is like my family. I can count on every single person. They always pull through when I need them. They make my job a pleasure and are a great group to be around. They are also a very diverse group with really great talent. It is fun to see the different foods they like to make, and their own ideas come to life,” Cindy shared with pride.

Our Berryville team has built a strong relationship with Cindy over the last seven years and was thrilled to join in on the celebration.

Grafton COO, Tony Sanders, has treasured working with Cindy for many years and was elated to be a part of this special moment for her.

“Cindy has impeccable taste and style. It is reflected in the products she creates. It is impressive how she can decorate a table and the food that goes on it. It’s very classy and brings joy to the students and staff. Not only is she talented, but she’s such a nice person and I think that’s very rare. She makes all the students and staff feel comfortable and welcomed,” Sanders enthusiastically shared.

Berryville’s Executive Director, Rachael Reeder, was thrilled to share a few words about Cindy. “You are so deserving of this. The quality and care that goes into the food is so important. Often on tours or during placement, families will ask about the food, and it always eases their minds when they see the amount of time, energy, and attention that is put in by the Metz team,” Reeder happily shared.

The partnership between Grafton and Metz is mutually valued. Michaels concluded by sharing how much this partnership means to the Metz team, “Our partnership with Grafton means everything. It is great to have an open and transparent relationship. Grafton and Metz share similar core values. It means everything to us to be able to support Grafton’s mission and goals.”

On behalf of the entire Grafton team, we would like to extend a huge congratulations to Cindy on this incredible accomplishment! Words can’t express enough how much we appreciate Cindy and the entire Metz team. Thank you for bringing delicious food, memorable events, and huge smiles to our students and staff! The exceptional quality and care you provide brings comfort and joy to so many!