Patty Lemke receives Lifetime Achievement Award
Lifetime Achievement Award
Patty Lemke is retiring this summer after a distinguished 35-year career in the hospitality industry, most notably with Kelber Catering, the exclusive caterer and concessionaire of the Minneapolis Convention Center (MCC). She began her journey with Kelber in 1993 and returned in 2016 as General Manager and CEO. Under her leadership, Lemke guided a nationally recognized team dedicated to delivering exceptional guest experiences. She played an instrumental role in advancing Kelber’s legacy of sustainability, including championing local food sourcing, compostable packaging, and reducing food waste by partnering with local farmers and food shelters. Lemke was a champion of internal talent development, mentoring team members and promoting from within, with many current leaders having grown their careers under her guidance. A strong advocate for inclusion, she proudly led a majority women-owned organization with significant female leadership representation.
May 8, 2025