Mary Freundlich was appointed president of the international board of directors for 2026 by Les Dames d’Escoffier International, a global organization dedicated to advancing and supporting women leaders in food, beverage. In addition, LDEI also unveiled a collection of newly elected slate of officers and chapter liaisons.
Marilyn Freundlich, LDEI PresidentFreundlich’s foodservice industry background includes co-founding POPtions! Popcorn in 2007. She remained with POPtions! until 2019 when Freundlich launched Inclusively Yours Ceremonies, which creates “inclusive, personalized ceremonies for couples of all cultures, orientations, and belief systems.” She’s also been a longtime member of and leader in LDEI’s St. Louis chapter.
The following are LDEI’s 2026 International Board of Directors appointments:
- Barb Pires, first vice president – Atlanta Chapter
- Beth D’Addono, second vice president – New Orleans Chapter
- Kate Howell, third vice president – London Chapter
- Leigh Sloss-Corra, secretary – Birmingham Chapter
- Anastasia Nickerson, treasurer – Boston Chapter
- Nancy Vienneau, chapter board liaison – Nashville Chapter
- Elise Russ, chapter board liaison – San Antonio Chapter
- Belinda Smith-Sullivan, chapter board liaison – North Carolina Chapter
- Stephanie Jaeger, immediate past president – British Columbia Chapter
