The North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers presented the 2025 William W. Carpenter Award to Rob Connelly, CFSP, executive chairman and chairman of the board, Henny Penny Corp. and the Louise O’Sullivan Award of Excellence to Mike Whiteley, retired executive vice president, sales & marketing, Hatco Corp.

NAFEM presented the 2025 William W. Carpenter Award to Rob Connelly, CFSP, executive chairman and chairman of the board, Henny Penny Corp. and the Louise O’Sullivan Award of Excellence to Mike Whiteley, retired executive vice president, sales & marketing, Hatco Corp.The association’s highest honor, the Carpenter Award “recognizes an industry professional who has continually contributed to NAFEM’s success and to the enrichment of the industry.” Connelly served as NAFEM president from 2020 to 2022, a term that coincided with the pandemic and an international lockdown, presenting unprecedented challenges.

“Rob led the organization virtually, and was laser focused on bringing the industry together as partners, collaborators, innovators and ultimately, as survivors,” said Steve Spittle, CFSP, NAFEM president and chief commercial officer, Middleby Corporation.

O’Sullivan Award of Excellence “recognizes a long-time NAFEM volunteer for their tireless work on behalf of the association who is not a board member or officer at the time of the award.” During his more than years of contributing to the industry and to the NAFEM board of directors, Whiteley was especially encouraging and available to rising leaders, per a NAFEM release.

“He embodies the collaborative spirit of the award,” Spittle said, “and was one of my first mentors when I became involved and joined the NAFEM board. Mike provided me with counsel and advice, amazing experiences and lifelong friendship.”