Alison Birdwell is President for Aramark’s Sports and Entertainment division, where she provides leadership for more than 150 award-winning food and beverage, retail service and facility service programs in premier stadiums, arenas, convention centers, performance venues, and cultural attractions across North America.   

Prior to assuming this role in February 2020, Alison was Vice President-Central Region for Aramark’s Sports and Entertainment. She also served as Vice President for Sports and Entertainment in the West Region. Alison joined Aramark in 2002 as General Manager at NRG Park. 

Throughout the course of her Aramark career, Alison has overseen the opening of world-class facilities, such as Rogers Place -- home of the Edmonton Oilers, and led operations for multiple sports championships, including Super Bowls, World Series and NCAA Final Fours, and major events and mega concerts, like Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo and U2 and Kenny Chesney. She also coordinated Aramark’s Hurricane Katrina relief efforts at NRG Park in Houston.

Alison has received numerous accolades over the years at Aramark, including the distinction of being named Sports and Entertainment’s General Manager of the Year and District Manager of the Year. She has also been recognized with the 2011 Aramark President’s Safety Excellence Award, 2009 Aramark President’s Innovation in Safety Award, and 2005 President’s Leadership Award. 

She is active in many of Aramark's training programs and serves as coach and mentor in the Fast Track and Pathways to Leadership programs at Aramark. As former chair of Aramark’s Houston area Star Team, Alison remains actively involved in the local community and volunteer efforts. 

Early in her career, Alison rose through the ranks to become a seasoned hospitality professional, including various roles with Hilton, Marriott, and Wyndham. 

Alison is a board member of Boston University’s School of Hospitality. She completed her undergraduate degree in hospitality management from Boston University and earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Miami.