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Meet The Catering Team

Name

Mandy Markham

Title

Director of Catering

Hometown: Waterbury, Connecticut
Degrees/Certifications: Event Planning Certification, AA Hospitality Management
Catering Background: When planning my own wedding I found my passion! I enjoyed the planning process so much that I wanted to make it into a career. I got my feet wet in the catering field planning memorable events at a catering hall in Monroe, Connecticut. Now, I am soaking up the sun in Florida where I have the pleasure of planning a variety of exciting and enriching events for Woodfield members and guests.
Party Planning Words of Wisdom: The smallest detail can leave the largest lasting impression.

Name

Mariela Baez Baez

Title

Catering Manager

Hometown: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Degrees/Certifications: Bachelor of Arts, Hospitality Administration
Catering Background: Being able to be a part of someone’s special day has been my passion since I was in college. During college, I worked as an intern at a planning agency. After I moved to the United States, I entered the hotel world and worked at Marriott for over 9 years. While working at Marriott I made my way into Event Planning. Now at Woodfield, I have the pleasure of helping Members and guests plan special life events. With every event I am given the opportunity to make someone’s special day a memorable one.
Party Planning Words of Wisdom: Relax and be a guest at your event. You won’t always remember every detail, but you will remember the moments.

Name

Lauren Cunningham

Title

Catering Manager

Hometown: Derry, Ireland
Degrees/Certifications: Master of Science in Hospitality Management
Catering Background: Since interning with the Walt Disney Company, I have been keenly interested in the hospitality industry. However, it was not until I started at Woodfield as a seasonal employee that I discovered my passion for helping people plan special life moments. During a brief return to Ireland, I entered the hotel industry and took a position at Bishops Gate Hotel as an Event Sales Coordinator. Now back in the United States permanently, I relish the daily opportunity to assist Members and guests in planning events for their special life moments.
Party Planning Words of Wisdom: Details are the difference between a good event and a great one.

Name

Bart Messing

Title

Executive Chef

Hometown: Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, New York
Degrees/Certifications: Culinary Institute of America
Catering Background: I began my culinary career on a nuclear submarine as a cook in the Navy, from there I attended the Culinary Institute of America at Hyde Park, New York. After graduation, I held positions at a number of high-profile restaurants and hotels in New York City, including the Stanhope Hotel, the 3 star French restaurant La Reserve and The Essex House Hotel. Now I am happily rooted in Florida as the Executive Chef at Woodfield.
Party Planning Words of Wisdom: Anything is possible! Our individually customized menus will meet and exceed your expectations!