Confessions of Kris Schroeder

Swedish Medical Center's Kris Schroeder doesn't understand blue foods.

Kris Schroeder, administrative director of support services for the Swedish Medical Center in Seattle, and the first president of AHF, would love to add a few inches to her height and admits to a hesitation with blue-colored foods.

What is the best part about your job?

Every day is an adventure! I work with several amazing teams that all appreciate adventure just as much as I do… at least most of the time.

What is the worst part about your job?

The need to prioritize and not being able to engage in all the creative initiatives my teams imagine.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?

Leading teams to create new business models and mentoring others. The number of miles walked and mountains climbed. Honors from peers such as the Ivy Award and the Silver Plate.

What is the most unusual foodservice/catering request you have ever received?

A customer wanted a custom-decorated cookie personalized for each member of his department.

If you weren’t in foodservice what would you be doing?

I’d really love to be a motivational speaker.

Which talent would you most like to have?

Baking artisan breads in an outdoor wood-burning oven.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

That’s easy, I’d be taller!

What is your greatest fear?

I fear not, except in extreme weather on glaciers.

What is your favorite meal?

Thanksgiving dinner outdoors with friends. Everyone contributes something. We smoke the turkey, use cast-iron Dutch ovens and stay warm by the fire.