Sharon Charny, CBP, CTC Charmer Sunbelt Group Sharon is a 20 year veteran of the food and wine industry. She holds an accredited chef’s degree from the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco graduating at the top of her class and is a Past President of the Baltimore Chapter of NACE (National Association of Catering Executives). Sharon has held numerous positions throughout the food and beverage ranks including Restaurant Manager, Chef, and Director of Catering for the Marriott Corporation, the Highlands Inn & Resort and the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in San Francisco. Sharon has been working for The Charmer Sunbelt Group, one of the largest wine and spirits wholesalers in the country for 15 years and is currently the Regional Director of National Accounts. Since 1992, she has focused her efforts on developing innovative sales techniques combining her food and wine knowledge by creating successful wine programs for hotels, caterers and fine dining restaurants. Sharon’s unique wine training & educational program has been permanently added to the curriculum of the Marriott International’s Catering Sales Training. She is the only ‘outside’ wine educator ever invited to teach at the Marriott National Sales School & at the Morton’s of Chicago National Sales & Marketing annual conference. In addition, she has held her popular wine educational series at The Capital Grille, Restaurant Associates & the Interstate Hotel Group to assist them in increasing their wine sales. Sharon was invited to teach her unique Food & Wine Pairing Seminar, the ‘Popcork’ Experience™, at the National Association of Catering Executives annual educational conference. Sharon also assists in developing brand recognition by marketing wines & spirits in Maryland through her support of numerous local, industry fundraisers. She has continued to give back by donating her time and efforts to several local non-profit organizations such as Meals on Wheels, the National Association of Catering Executives annual fundraiser, “Uncorked” and the Maryland hospitality industry’s Holiday Bash and the Academy Awards. Sharon is the recipient of the 2006 National Academy Foundation Hospitality of the Year Award. The award is presented annually to a member of the hospitality industry who demonstrates unparalleled commitment to the Maryland hospitality community's non-profit organizations, leadership in the industry and outstanding service.