Meet the Panel

Joe Thornton
Chief Executive Officer, Scooter’s Coffee

Joe Robert Thornton is an experienced senior executive with more than 40 years of large-scale operations, human resources, and strategic leadership.

In his current role, Joe serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Scooter’s Coffee, and previously, Joe served as Chief Operating Officer for HMSHost, Chief Operating Officer at Jamba Juice, Senior Executive at Starbucks, and 14 years at Blockbuster Video.

Joe is a published author, with his recent book release, his third book, in January 2024- The Depths Of Mediocrity: Eliminating Indifference.

Mary Kay Bonoma
Chief Operating Officer, Illinois Restaurant Association

Mary Kay serves as Chief Operating Officer of the Illinois Restaurant Association, where she directs the successful operations, strategic partnerships, and special events of the organization. She oversaw the initial conception of Chicago Gourmet and has been essential to the growth of the festival into one of the country's premier food and wine events. She executes the long-term goals and initiatives of the Association and works to promote, protect, educate, and improve the restaurant industry in Illinois.

Cristina Desmond
Central Region President, Breakthru Beverage

Cristina Desmond is responsible for all aspects of market and business operations performance, including growth strategies for our supplier and customer partners, for the Central U.S. Region, including Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin. Cristina is a highly versatile leader with a proven track record in achieving the business objectives of Breakthru’s partners and in challenging and empowering her associates with a focus on their continued growth and development. With more than 20 years of industry experience, Cristina joined Charmer Sunbelt in 2002 and has held various roles with increasing responsibility with a focus in commercial sales, strategic planning, national accounts trade marketing and sales execution. Prior to her current role, she served as Market EVP for Breakthru Pennsylvania where she was responsible for all market performance and business operations.

Michelle Speziale
Managing Director – Customer Development, E. & J. Gallo Winery

TBA

Anna Szczesniak
Director Communications, Women Who Breakthru Chair, Breakthru Beverage [moderator]

Anna Szczesniak is a dynamic marketing and communication professional with over 15 years of experience in the F&B and travel industries. As the Director of Communications at Breakthru Beverage Group, she leverages her results-driven mindset and passion for innovative communication to deliver unique and impactful solutions that drive business growth. Anna's expertise lies in her ability to influence stakeholder decisions through persuasive communication and seamless collaboration. Anna also serves as the co-chair of Women Who Breakthru, an employee resource group dedicated to promoting the advancement, support, and empowerment of women within Breakthru.

Michelle Weaver
Senior Director – Commercial Analytics & Insights, Women Who Breakthru Chair, Breakthru Beverage [moderator]

Michelle Weaver is an experienced analytical professional, ethical leader and culture creator. Driven by passion and curiosity, she takes pride in telling powerful stories through analytics. She has been a leader in the beverage alcohol space for thirteen years.  She is currently the Senior Director of Commercial Analytics and Insights for Breakthru Beverage Group and the co-chair of Women Who Breakthru, an employee resource group.  Her primary focus is to lead and enhance Breakthru’s analytics strategy and create a superior data driven culture.