Recognition for President of Aramark Sports and Entertainment

Every year the award, which debuted in 2011, acknowledges the achievements of 50 women who have demonstrating broad, deep, and varied responsibilities and contributed to the sports sector in multiple ways.

To date, 440 women have been selected as recipients of the award.

Birdwell provides leadership for more than 150 award-winning food and beverage, retail, and facility service programs in premier stadiums, arenas, convention centers, performance venues, and cultural attractions across North America. Prior to assuming her role as President and CEO in February 2020, Birdwell was Vice President-Central Region for Aramark Sports and Entertainment. She also served as Vice President for Aramark Sports and Entertainment in the West Region. She joined Aramark in 2002 as General Manager at NRG Park in Houston, Texas.

She has previously been the recipient of several accolades during her years of service with Aramark, including “Sports and Entertainment division General Manager of the Year”, “District Manager of the Year”, the Aramark President’s Safety Excellence Award, the Aramark President’s Innovation in Safety Award, the President’s Leadership Award, and the “Ring of Honor” Award.

Birdwell has also served as a member of the Super Bowl LI Host Committee, and as Chair of the Aramark STAR Team – a community outreach program providing job training, fundraising, and volunteers for various Houston charities.

Commenting on the award, Aramark Chief Operating Officer, Marc Bruno, said: “Alison’s vision, leadership and commitment to innovation have been instrumental to the ongoing growth and success of Aramark’s Sports and Entertainment business, and we are both honored and grateful that SBJ has recognized her for the outstanding contributions she’s made, and continues to make, to the industry.”

The journal will publish a profile of Birdwell on 27 September, with an awards presentation ceremony to be held in New York City in October.