June, 2, 2025, Bellevue, Wash. – Transforming Age announces its next strategic move to grow the nonprofit organization’s mission impact to create unlimited possibilities for older adults with the acquisition of peace love food, llc a global culinary consulting practice providing culinary support for global food manufacturing companies, independent and national chain restaurants, the older adult and longevity industry as well as the international airline and hospitality industry. As part of the acquisition, Transforming Age brings on peace love food Founder Chef Laureen Herzig, who joins the Transforming Age leadership team in a dual role as President of peace love food and Vice President of Culinary Services, Transforming Age. With over 35 years of culinary and food innovation experience, Chef Herzig brings a wealth of expertise and creativity to Transforming Age’s growing network of nonprofit affiliates and partners serving older adults. Chef Herzig founded peace love food to help companies in global food marketplace scale healthy, innovative and creative culinary solutions. Since 2012, peace love food has collaborated with clients such as Delta Air Lines, Turbochef Technologies, Quacker Oats, The Original Cakerie and countless others on R&D, strategy, trend analysis, menu and recipe development, and commercialization.
For Transforming Age, the acquisition of peace love food and onboarding of Chef Herzig is representative of the nonprofit organization’s commitment to transforming the perception of age by driving large scale, innovative and holistic advancements in longevity and healthspan recognizing the deep connection between food, nutrition and healthy aging. The investment is also part of a broader strategy to grow Transforming Age’s partnerships mission sphere and making world changing innovative solutions available to its partners and industry peers.
“Food isn’t just fuel. It’s a critical determinant of how long and how well we live,” says Transforming Age President and CEO Torsten Hirche. “We see an opportunity to holistically integrate innovative scientific research with inspired culinary arts to advance food product offerings and optimize for longevity for all humans. This is the beginning of an exciting new chapter in our mission to enhance lives and make a societal impact.”
Chef Herzig’s diverse background managing large-scale culinary programs and launching innovative food products will be instrumental in Transforming Age’s new partnership venture while also adding value to the Transforming Age network. Chef Herzig leadership will elevate the Transforming Age culinary experience, leveraging her background in innovative healthy menu design, sustainable sourcing, front-of-the-house service, training, and development. As part of the organization’s mission to transform the perception age, the strategic initiatives championed by Chef Herzig play a pivotal role in exceeding customer expectations, enticing the palate, and supporting the overall wellness and longevity of every resident.
“Food is life,” says Chef Herzig, “That’s why my personal manifesto aligns so well with the mission of Transforming Age. I believe that through imagination and collaboration we can deliver innovative solutions that provide holistic nourishment for the mind, body and soul. I am so excited to bring new concepts and ideas to life here at Transforming Age and to be part of an organization dedicated to making an impact for older adults.”
In addition to founding peace love food, Chef Herzig’s impressive career includes positions as the Corporate Chef for Mrs. Smith’s Bakeries, Executive Chef for the NBA Sacramento Kings, and Innovation & Development Chef for Rich Products. Most recently Chef Herzig served as the Vice President of Culinary Operations for Retirement Unlimited, a multi-facility senior living organization with communities on the east coast and before that as the Director of Culinary Operations for Discovery Senior Living which has over 300 senior living communities across the USA and an annual food and beverage budget of $400M.
“We are thrilled and honored to be able to bring Chef Herzig on to our leadership team to be a resource for our partners and affiliates,” says Ken Noreen, Chief Operating Officer at Transforming Age. “Her focus on industry trends, best practices, training, culinary strategy and innovation will help advance our mission.”
Chef Herzig is a graduate of Niagara University with a BS in Hospitality Management. She is an active member of the American Culinary Federation, The Association of Healthcare Foodservice, American Food & Wine Institute and serves on the executive boards of Bound for Glory Camp, and Chairperson for Membership Modernization Task Force for Les Dames d’ Escoffier International. In her free time, she enjoys attending live blues performances, traveling with her husband John, and exploring local fare.