Ashley Hylbert
In a press release on Tuesday, October 20, Les Dames d’Escoffier's Nashville Chapter announced its '20-'21 board with chapter member Dee Patel serving as board president.
The Managing Director of the historic Hermitage Hotel is joined by Andrea Lindsley, partner at DVL Seigenthaler, as vice president; Cara Graham, owner and general manager of Lockeland Table as treasurer; Robin Dennis Burns, wine consultant, as secretary; and Nancy Vienneau, food writer and author, as past president. Other Les Dames Nashville board members include: Claire Crowell, Irwin Fisher, Mary B. Hammet, Erin Kette, Charlotte Miller, Natasha Powell, Jenn Sheets, Karen Vanarsdel, Cindy Wall, and Lisa Marie White.
“I am honored and humbled to be entrusted as chapter president,” said Patel. “This extraordinary group of women represent so much talent, commitment and expertise in our city. Together, I believe we can carry forth the mission of Les Dames, while simultaneously seeking innovative and impactful ways towards future successes.”
Les Dames d’Escoffier is a philanthropic organization of women leaders in the food, fine beverage, and hospitality industries. Despite being one of the organization's newest chapters, Les Dames Nashville has already donated more than $19,000 in targeted giving throughout the Nashville community just this year. This giving includes support for disaster relief and career support for women whose businesses were impacted by the March tornadoes and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
To learn more about Les Dames d'Escoffier's Nashville chapter, visit lesdamesnashville.org.