In Service Society Leaders | Meet Our Team
Learn about the dedicated team behind In Service Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit empowering hospitality professionals worldwide.
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John Garda serves as President of In Service Society, leveraging over 15 years of leadership, creative, and consultative experience across the hospitality industry. In this role, he provides strategic direction, outreach, and systems development, drawing on his industry experience, time within the U.S.B.G., and his credentials in finance, spirits, and operations. Passionate about preserving the craft and enriching the lives of industry professionals, he dedicates himself to creating purpose-driven communities through education, inspiration, and connection. Beyond his work in the non-profit, John also founded a church, reflecting his commitment to fostering supportive networks and driving meaningful impact wherever he serves.
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Jessica Manchenton, Senior Market Manager at Empirical Spirits and Vice President of In Service Society, brings over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry—ranging from bar leadership to founding professional community groups. With degrees in Baking & Pastry and Hospitality Management, Jessica is committed to expanding education, access, and connection for all who work in the craft. A career highlight was guiding her bar team to be named the “One to Watch” for North America’s 50 Best Bars, reflecting her belief that shared knowledge fuels collective success. Beyond her professional achievements, Jessica is an avid photographer who loves capturing the vibrancy of bar culture, camera in one hand and a drink in the other.
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Ray Tremblay is the creative force behind the beverage programs at COJE Management Group, which includes seven full-service restaurants, two nightlife venues, and a coffee shop. As Corporate Director of Beverage, Ray brings over 20 years of industry experience—spanning Boston, Nashville, Miami, Chicago, and national stages—into every cocktail list he curates. His background includes time behind the bar, leadership roles as a beverage manager and director, and national recognition as a spirits ambassador and educator for Diageo Reserve, where he helped shape cocktail programs and training initiatives across the country. Ray has spoken at leading industry events including SXSW, Tales of the Cocktail, Next Gen Restaurant Summit, and Thirst Boston to name a few, and his work has been featured in publications such as Forbes, Parade, Time Out, Boston Magazine, and FSR. He is also the founder of One 2 One Hospitality, a consulting and brand strategy firm focused on education and growth in the on-premise space, and co-founder of the Dutile-Tremblay Community Fund, which supports children with autism and trade-focused scholarships.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/raymond-tremblay121/
Insta: @Raymondatlas
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Jena Ellenwood is an award-winning bartender, cocktail educator, writer and community organizer based in Astoria, NY. Her cocktails have been featured on menus at Dear Irving in Manhattan, The Sparrow Tavern in Queens, highlighted for events such as Cartier’s annual gala and in publications such as Vinepair, Liquor.com, Imbibe, Punch, Wine Enthusiast, and the book A Quick Drink. Her writing can be found in Bon Appetit, Thrillist, The Vintner Project, SPILL, The Crafty Cask, and Vinepair among other publications. She is the co-founder of Spirited Ladies NYC, a community meet up for women+ in the spirits space, a featured part of the Ada Coleman Project Database, and the former president of the Barman’s Fund in NYC.
For more information on Jena and the cocktail classes she teaches at Dear Irving & The Astor Center, please visit her website www.jenaellenwood.com, and for cocktail photos, videos, and the occasional picture of her cat @jena.lane on IG.