Our Team

Anna Ray

Anna has been immersed in the hospitality industry since 2006, building a well-rounded career that spans Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee. With experience in both front-of- house and back-of-house operations—including roles in savory and pastry kitchens—she brings a deep and diverse skill set to everything she does. Her true passion, however, lies in education. Of all her roles, teaching culinary students at a local college in Rome, Georgia, is by far her favorite.

Anna is a proud graduate of Culinard at Virginia College, where she earned associate degrees in Pastry, Baking & Confectionary Arts , as well as Culinary Arts. She later completed her bachelor’s degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from the Art Institute, further reinforcing her expertise in both kitchen operations and leadership.

Known for her love of food and food safety, Anna thrives on teaching others and equipping the next generation of food service professionals with the skills and standards they need to succeed. She believes strongly in the power of the small details—because when the little things are overlooked, the big things often follow. Her approach to life and work is grounded in grace, reflected in her favorite chapter, Psalm 139.

Anna has been married to her husband, Brandon, since 2010, and together they are
raising three wonderful children. When she’s not in the classroom or the kitchen, she enjoys gardening with a farm-to-table focus, outdoor cooking, and camping with her family.

Beth Brewer

When it comes to food safety, Beth Brewer doesn’t just teach the rules—she brings them to life. With a career spanning more than 30 years, Beth is a passionate, high-energy instructor who has been educating food service professionals since 1993. Her mission is simple but powerful: to inspire a culture of food safety that protects both businesses and the people they serve.

Beth began her career as a high school Family & Consumer Sciences teacher, where her engaging teaching style made her a standout in the classroom and a popular speaker at professional development events. After retiring from the school system, she brought that same dynamic energy to a broader stage—motivating food service teams across the Southeast through her work as a sought-after food safety speaker.

Beth holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Family Resource Management and a Master’s in Home Economics Education—both from Auburn University. Her work and advocacy have been featured in regional publications, and her name has become synonymous with impactful, memorable training.

With her infectious enthusiasm and practical approach, Beth empowers her students to take ownership of their roles in food safety. Her presentations are not just classes—they’re a call to action for food service professionals to be confident, informed, and proud of the critical role they play in protecting public health.

Bill Passavanti

With over 35 years of experience in the food service industry, Bill brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and real-world insight to his role at TSC Associates. A graduate of San Diego State University, Bill has spent the last two years as part of the TSC team, where he continues to share his expertise with the next generation of food service professionals.

Bill began his career in restaurant management and went on to enjoy a long, successful tenure with Sysco Atlanta as both a Marketing Associate and District Sales Manager. Throughout his career, he earned numerous local and national sales awards—testament to his dedication, industry acumen, and leadership.

Today, Bill and his wife Trish live in the scenic mountains of North Georgia, where they embrace the outdoor lifestyle. Their greatest joy comes from spending time with their five adult children and growing number of grandchildren (four so far!).

For Bill, teaching with TSC is more than just a job—it’s a chance to stay connected to
the industry he loves while helping others grow and succeed.

Charlie Brewer

Charlie Brewer brings a dynamic blend of experience, passion, and service to TSC Associates. A proud graduate of Auburn University with a degree in Agricultural Economics, Charlie has been a Registered ServSafe Proctor since 2015 and became a certified Responsible Vendor Alcohol Instructor in 2024.

Charlie’s professional journey includes years of experience working at Auburn University and in private environmental consulting. He thrives in the classroom setting and is passionate about making alcohol safety and compliance education both approachable and effective. His enthusiasm for teaching and proctoring is matched by his commitment to excellence in every training he delivers.

Outside the classroom, Charlie is a dedicated family man who shares two wonderful children, Sarah and Chas, with his wife Beth, a fellow TSC instructor. Married since 1993, Charlie often serves as Beth’s trusty chauffeur as they travel together to various training venues across the region.

When not teaching, Charlie enjoys restoring antique clocks—a craft that speaks to his patience and precision. He also takes pride in maintaining a beautiful yard, which has twice earned his home the coveted Opelika “Yard of the Month” title. Whether he’s fixing things around the house or helping run the sound board at church, Charlie is always finding ways to lend a hand. He actively serves on several church teams and committees, staying grounded in service and community. Charlie is also devoted to historic home preservation. He lovingly restored their historic home in Opelika and served on the Opelika Historic Commission for nine years and presided over the commission for six years as president.

Charlie is proud to be part of the TSC team, where his dedication to safety, education, and hospitality shines through in every session.

Gil Stiff

Gil is a founding partner of TSC Associates, LLC, which he co-established with his wife, Judy, in 2010. Together, they launched the company with a mission to provide professional Risk Management training tailored to the hospitality industry. Today, TSC Associates is a trusted provider of ServSafe® Manager Certification, food safety training for staff, allergen awareness, and responsible alcohol service courses throughout the Southeastern United States.

Gil brings decades of experience to the company. Before launching TSC, he spent several years as a general manager and area supervisor for various restaurant operations, followed by a distinguished 30-year career with Sysco Food Services. At Sysco, he held leadership roles in sales, marketing, strategic planning, and training—ultimately retiring in 2010 as Director of Training for Sysco Gulf Coast.

Since 2002, Gil has been a Certified ServSafe Instructor and Registered ServSafe Examination Proctor for the National Restaurant Association. His passion for education and industry excellence continues through his leadership at TSC and as a past member of the Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association. In 2018, he was a participant with his wife Judy in an extensive seminar on food safety education and training with the National Restaurant Association.

Gil’s lifelong commitment to hospitality, training, and mentorship continues to shape TSC’s mission: empowering professionals with the tools and knowledge to succeed. He currently enjoys his extra time in semi-retirement, spending it with his family and playing golf.

Greg Jasinski

Greg brings over 43 years of food service experience to the classroom, with a career that spans restaurant management and area supervision for well-known brands including Bennigan’s, Boston Market, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, and Texas Roadhouse.

For 27 of those years, he served as Managing Partner of the Texas Roadhouse in Gainesville, Florida—one of the earliest locations in what would grow to become a nationwide chain of more than 675 restaurants.

A proud graduate of LaGrange College in Georgia, Greg holds a B.A. in English and Theatre. His background in communication and storytelling adds depth and relatability to his teaching, helping students connect with the material through real-world insight. As a certified ServSafe® instructor and proctor for over 20 years, Greg is passionate about sharing his knowledge with food service professionals at all levels.

Greg truly enjoys teaching food safety and is committed to helping others excel in their careers. He believes that by educating industry leaders, he can empower them to succeed and make meaningful contributions to their organizations. He listens carefully to student and customer feedback, always looking for ways to improve and personalize the classroom experience. His goal is to ensure every student feels seen, supported, and confident in their ability to succeed. And of course, he likes to keep things fun—bringing personal stories and humor into each class to create an engaging, memorable learning environment.

Beyond the classroom, Greg is an avid reader of professional development books and enjoys kayaking, e-biking, bowling, travel, and all things Disney with his girlfriend, Cassie. He also values spending time with his family—three sons, Jonathan, Kyle, and Kevin—and his two grandchildren, Isabella and Max.

Greg believes that success isn’t just about what we accomplish, but how we live and enjoy the journey. It’s a mindset he brings into every aspect of his work and life.

Jessica Orta

With 10 years of experience in food management, Jessica’s professional journey began at the age of 16 when she became an Assistant Restaurant Manager. This early start in the industry honed her leadership skills and ability to manage teams in high-demand settings.

A graduate of Rehobeth High School, Jessica furthered her education with three years at Wallace Community College, followed by two years at Troy University, where she received her Paralegal Certification.

In addition to her legal qualifications, Jessica is an Alabama Notary and Court Interpreter. She is fluent in both English and Spanish, enabling her to connect with a wider array of clients and support them in reaching their goals. Jessica is passionate about making restaurant and alcohol training more accessible, particularly for those who may face language barriers.

Outside of her professional life, Jessica is married to Alejandro, and together they are raising their two children, Isabella and Adriel. The family are active members of St. Columba Catholic Church. When she’s not working, Jessica enjoys traveling to Mexico, indulging in good food and drinks, and creating lasting memories with her family.

JJ Rogers

James Rogers—known to most as “JJ”—brings over 16 years of professional culinary experience to his role at TSC Associates. A seasoned chef, JJ has worked in a wide range of food service settings including locally owned restaurants, high-end hotels, banquet halls, and private clubs. Throughout his career, he’s held leadership roles such as Lead Cook, Sous Chef, Kitchen Manager, and Executive Sous Chef.

A trained culinarian with a passion for excellence, JJ was awarded the bronze medal at the 2018 Magic City Classics Culinary Competition, and he remains an active member of the American Culinary Federation. His expertise in both high-volume operations and fine dining environments brings depth and authenticity to every class he teaches.

JJ joined TSC Associates in 2018 and is a Certified Instructor and Proctor with the National Restaurant Association’s ServSafe® program. His teaching style is enriched by real-world stories from the kitchen, helping students connect with the material in a meaningful and memorable way.

Whether he’s in front of a classroom or reflecting on his years behind the line, JJ is driven by a deep love for the food service industry and a commitment to sharing what he’s learned with the next generation.

Judy Shimoda-Stiff

Judy is a founding partner of TSC Associates, LLC and a proud graduate of Auburn University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree. Her career began in sales and marketing within the food service industry, focusing on servicing major food distributors and military bases across the region.

In 2010, Judy and her husband, Gil Stiff, combined their extensive experience and shared passion for the industry to establish TSC Associates. Their mission was to provide high-quality food safety education, beginning with ServSafe® Food Manager Certification classes. That same year, they partnered with the Alabama ABC Board and successfully became an approved trainer and provider for the Alabama Responsible Vendor Program.

Judy has continued to contribute to the broader food service community. In 2018, she participated in national roundtable discussions focused on instructional materials for ServSafe and the National Restaurant Association. She has also served as a board member of the Alabama Restaurant Association. Judy is a certified ServSafe® instructor and proctor, and she remains deeply committed to supporting food safety and professional growth across the industry.

When she’s not teaching or supporting TSC’s mission, Judy enjoys spending time with her large and loving family—six children, eleven grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren. She also volunteers at her local food bank, and finds joy in playing tennis and tending to her garden.

Liz Cox

With a decade of hospitality experience in Washington, D.C., Liz brings deep industry insight to every training session she leads. Before settling in Virginia Beach, she worked in a wide range of settings—from casual and fine dining to breweries and hotels—giving her a well-rounded perspective on food service operations.

Today, Liz divides her time between teaching food safety and working as a 911 Paramedic for a fire and emergency services department in Virginia. She holds a B.S. in Economics from George Washington University, and her qualifications include ServSafe Instructor certification, Cicerone Level One, and BarSmarts.

Liz loves the outdoors and spends much of her free time with her rescue pitbull – whether it’s paddleboarding at the beach or hiking the Appalachian Trail.

Passionate about bringing people together and fostering community, Liz believes in the “upstream” approach: stop problems before they start. Her philosophy is simple but powerful—education is the key to success. As she often says, “You don’t know what you don’t know.” That’s why she’s committed to delivering clear, practical instruction that empowers others to build strong, informed standards in their workplace. Liz is here to help you succeed—one lesson at a time.

Marie Ward

Marie Ward is a seasoned training professional with over a decade of experience in the hospitality and service industry. Originally from Fort Walton Beach, Florida, she graduated from Choctawhatchee High School in 1998.

She began her career with TSC Associates in 2010 and became a Certified ServSafe Instructor and Proctor in 2012. As part of one of the top-ranked independent training providers in the United States, Marie continues to play a leading role in food safety education and certification across the Southeast.

Marie actively contributes to industry and community initiatives. She currently serves on the Advisory Council of the Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association and, since December 2024, on the Associate Board of the Petroleum and Convenience Marketers of Alabama. In 2025, she was honored to serve as a judge for the Alabama ProStart Invitational, helping evaluate high school students in culinary arts and restaurant management. She is also a proud member of the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce.

In her community, Marie invests in the next generation through her involvement with the Youth Leadership Committee at Harvest Church in Dothan, Alabama. She previously served as a member of the Autism Society of Alabama’s Dothan chapter, reflecting her passion for advocacy and community support.

Marie has been married to her husband, Jared, for 23 years, and they have one son, Caleb, who is 21 years old. Her career and community service reflect a commitment to leadership, education, and making a lasting impact wherever she serves.

Mark Gregory

Mark brings a wealth of leadership experience across multiple industries to his role at TSC Associates. He began his career with 16 years in hospitality management and finance, serving as an Officer with The Kessler Collection, where he honed his expertise in service excellence and business operations.

Following his time in hospitality, Mark spent a decade in the engineering consulting sector as the Construction Services Manager for NOVA Engineering, leading teams and managing complex projects. He later transitioned to the food service industry, joining Sysco Foods, where he spent 14 years in roles including Marketing Associate, Manager of Learning and Development, and ultimately District Sales Manager. After an early retirement from Sysco, Mark found the perfect fit in part-time work with TSC Associates—sharing his experience and insight with the next generation of leaders in the food industry.

Mark holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, with a specialization in Livestock Production and a minor in Business Administration, from Eastern Kentucky University. He also earned his MBA from Kennesaw State University, further strengthening his foundation in leadership, strategy, and business development.

Mark is married to Janet Gregory, and together they enjoy a blended family of five children and four grandchildren. Outside of work, Mark enjoys playing golf, traveling, fishing, boating, and—most of all—cheering on his grandchildren in their various sports.

A firm believer in the power of mindset, Mark lives by the motto: “Your attitude is all you have 100% control of—so make it a great one.” Through his work with TSC, he continues to live his best years doing what he loves: helping others grow while embracing the things that matter most.

Patrick Vermilya

With over 40 years in the food industry, Patrick brings a wealth of knowledge, insight, and humor to his work with TSC Associates. His career has spanned nearly every facet of the business—from waiting tables and bartending to restaurant ownership and food distribution.

For 23 of those years, Patrick worked with Sysco Atlanta, where he started as a Marketing Associate and climbed the ranks to retire as Vice President of Sales. His leadership, strategic insight, and passion for excellence earned him the respect of colleagues and clients alike.

Patrick’s approach to training is shaped by his deep industry experience and a strong belief in continuous learning. “The food business is such a complex industry,” he says. “To stay on top of your game, you need an open mind. I love being able to share what I’ve learned over the years to help others do just that—without sacrificing quality or safety.”

Outside of work, Patrick can often be found on the golf course—despite joking that he’s “horrible at it.” For him, the joy of the game lies in the camaraderie and laughter it brings. As he likes to say, “Golf is about spending time with your friends and having a good laugh at each other’s expense.”

Patrick lives by the motto of Charlie Chaplin: “A day without laughter is a day wasted.” It’s a spirit he brings into every classroom, meeting, and moment—reminding us all to work hard, stay sharp, and never forget to laugh.

Patty Eamich

Patty brings over five decades of hands-on experience in retail, operations, and food safety to her role at TSC Associates. Her career began in 1971 with Safeway Inc., where she worked her way up from cashier and stocker to management—demonstrating early on her commitment to excellence and growth.

In 1991, Patty joined Costco Wholesale, where she spent the next two decades holding a variety of critical roles. She managed food inventory, assisted as a category buyer, supervised nonfoods, and played a key part in employee training across East Coast warehouses.

Among her many contributions, she taught employees how to operate the E-3 inventory system and supported operational areas such as vaults and returns. In 2002, Patty transitioned into the role of Food Safety Specialist for Costco—a position in which she truly found her calling. She was responsible for monitoring food safety procedures across nearly 140 warehouses, coordinating training locations, and instructing courses through the National Environmental Health Association. Each year, she administered the Food Safety Manager Exam for more than 1,300 Costco employees through the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals.

Patty joined TSC Associates in 2018 as a food safety instructor and exam proctor. Her wealth of knowledge, industry-spanning experience, and unwavering dedication make her an invaluable member of the team.

Rebecca Brown

Rebecca—who happily goes by Becky or Rebecca—joined TSC Associates in September 2023. She oversees Finance as well as Benefits Administration and HR. Becky brings decades of legal and executive experience, most recently serving as VP of HR and Legal for Wall Street Markets, LLC, a multi-state grocery and feed & seed chain.

Earlier in her career, she served as an Assistant District Attorney for Alabama’s 20th Judicial Circuit, and prior to that, as VP of Corporate Law and Senior Counsel for Movie Gallery US, LLC and Hollywood Entertainment. There, she led legal efforts for acquisitions, leasing, and vendor contracts, helping the company expand from 700 to over 4,500 stores across North America.

Becky holds a J.D. from Cumberland School of Law at Samford University and a B.A. from Florida State University. She grew up in Bonifay, FL, and now lives in Dothan with her husband, Keith, and their two children, Katie and Graham.  She stays busy and enjoys every second of family time when Katie is home from Auburn University. Graham attends a local high school.

Outside of work, Becky enjoys travel, good food, and quality time with her family. She’s grateful to be doing meaningful work at TSC and values the company’s commitment to work/life balance. While she’s no stranger to serious matters, Becky believes in handling challenges with a sense of humor, a bit of grace, and plenty of patience.

Rhonda Woods

Rhonda has been sharing her passion for food safety with TSC Associates since July 2019. Prior to joining the team, she enjoyed an 18-year career as the Chef/Instructor for the Culinary Arts Program at Pelion High School in South Carolina, where she inspired and mentored countless young culinarians.

Known for her energetic and entertaining teaching style, Rhonda brings food safety to life in the classroom. Her goal is simple: keep clients engaged, informed, and empowered to succeed in their food service roles.

Outside of work, Rhonda proudly wears the title of “Nana” to five grandchildren. Her love language is food—she celebrates each family member’s birthday by cooking their favorite meal and, naturally, baking something sweet. Famous for her decadent 12-layer chocolate cakes, Rhonda also shares her culinary creations on her Chef Woods Facebook page and has even written for Lexington Medical Center’s blog.

Her adventurous spirit has led her to compete on a Food Network show, hold the title of Mrs. South Carolina America 2000, and believe it or not—witness a bank robbery. She also enjoys ziplining and cruising the open seas whenever she can.

Grounded by her strong faith, Rhonda finds encouragement in her favorite Bible verse, Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you.” Her life, both in and out of the kitchen, is a testament to living with purpose, passion, and a whole lot of heart.

Shanicka Eckols

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Thomas Hallford

Thomas Hallford brings over 22 years of food service industry experience to his role as President of TSC Associates. With a background in Culinary Arts, his early career included managing fine dining kitchens and working in sales for a major national food brokerage.

Since joining TSC in 2014, Thomas has led the development of software support, modernized marketing strategies, and strengthened partnerships with state restaurant associations. He also oversees staff management and conducts food safety and alcohol safety training across the Southeast.

A certified Instructor and Proctor with the National Restaurant Association’s ServSafe Program since 2004, Thomas is deeply committed to industry education. He currently serves on the board of the Georgia Restaurant Association and is the founding President of the Alabama Restaurant & Hospitality Association’s Wiregrass Chapter.

Outside the office, Thomas enjoys time with his daughter and spending time outdoors—hunting, fishing, and building projects by hand.

“Our goal is to go beyond meeting requirements—we aim to provide operators with the knowledge and tools they need to create safe, welcoming, and successful establishments. Customer service is always our top priority.”

Tiesha Wood

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Tomi Donohoe

With a Master’s degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education and eight enriching years in the classroom, Tomi cultivated a deep understanding of human connection, communication, and the power of storytelling. While her path began in education, her passion for creativity, strategy, and audience engagement led her to the world of marketing— In marketing, Tomi draws on her teaching background to craft compelling stories, understand diverse audiences, and inspire action—bringing the same passion for connection and impact that once shaped her classroom.

Outside of work, Tomi is married to Patrick, and together they lived in six countries before settling in Alabama to raise their three energetic children – Charlee Kate, Evie, and Barrett. Life is full of motion and laughter as they navigate school, sports, and all things in between. Tomi enjoys traveling, hunting down live music (and the occasional deer), and spending quality time with family and friends – especially when it involves a body of water.

“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” — William Butler Yeats This quote continues to guide Tomi as she aims to spark curiosity, engagement, and meaningful experiences—now through the lens of marketing. Whether she’s building a brand or navigating a carpool route, she brings that same energy and intention to every part of her life.

Wendi Powell

Wendi is a proud wife to Michael and mom to their amazing daughter, Marlee. Their family also includes their beloved dog Molly and “grand-pup” Winston, who always keeps things lively. Outside of work, Wendi enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring new restaurants, helping Michael with his new business, watching Alabama football, and riding motorcycles with her husband.

Although she originally pursued a degree in education, Wendi’s career took a different path—one that led her into the food service industry, where she has thrived since 2009. Over the years, she has held nearly every role in restaurant operations, spending the last 11 years in management. Most recently, she served as the Bar and To-Go Manager at LongHorn Steakhouse in Dothan, where she developed a strong foundation in leadership and customer service.

Wendi believes that great leadership comes from understanding that every person is different. She focuses on identifying individual strengths to build strong, effective teams. As she says, “If everyone were the same, life would be pretty boring!”

Now at TSC Associates, Wendi combines her passion for food safety with her love of helping others. She’s proud to be part of a company where her work truly makes an impact. Her goal is to ensure that every customer—no matter the size of their business—feels valued, respected, and well supported. Wendi continues to learn, grow, and lead by example, both professionally and as a role model for her daughter.