Accomplished Food and Nutrition Director with 25 years of proven expertise in leadership and strategic planning. Excels in designing and implementing innovative nutritional programs to enhance health outcomes. Adept at fostering collaborative teams and driving operational excellence in food service management.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
SYSTEM DIRECTOR OF FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES
LUMINIS HEALTH
Maryland, MD
07.2023 - 03.2024
Oversaw all aspects of food and nutrition services for a non-profit regional health system catering to 1.8 million individuals in Anne Arundel and Prince George’s County.
Developed strategic plans for each operation aligning with organization's mission, vision and values leveraging system's Annual Operating Plan and Vision 2030 objectives.
Collaborated with leaders and executives to achieve patient experience goals while maintaining regulatory compliance.
Guided cross-functional teams through the development and implementation of innovative menu and menu software solutions.
Created detailed reports on system performance metrics for senior management review.
Identified opportunities for process optimization and developed plans to improve efficiency.
Coordinated with vendors and company personnel to facilitate purchases.
DIRECTOR OF FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES
LUMINIS HEALTH - Anne Arundel Medical Center
Annapolis, MD
01.2023 - 07.2023
Directed operations for food and nutrition services at a 384-bed acute care hospital and Behavioral Health Substance Abuse and Mental Health inpatient treatment center, responsible for producing 1.75 million meals per year.
Led a successful cultural transformation within the department and implemented the RISE value system, effectively managing a team of 126 employees.
Achieved cost savings of 500K by overseeing a 10-million-dollar budget and effectively managing labor and supply.
Achieved a positive operating margin of 8.2% and generated $3.5 million in revenue in FY23.
SENIOR MANAGER OF FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES
LUMINIS HEALTH - Anne Arundel Medical Center
Annapolis, MD
07.2022 - 07.2023
Provided leadership to the Clinical and Patient Services teams in a 384-bed acute care hospital
Created benchmarks for quality of care provided to patients
Implemented computrition bedside ordering process
Collaborated with Food Service Management team to elevate quality ratings.
Played a key role in spearheading efforts to remove non-value added tasks and increase efficiency as co-chair of GROSS committee.
Provided strategic direction to departmental heads regarding resource allocation decisions.
Established effective communication channels between different departments within the organization.
Analyzed customer feedback to develop strategies for improving customer service experience.
Utilized problem-solving skills to resolve conflicts between customers, vendors, and internal staff members.
CLINICAL NUTRITION MANAGER
LUMINIS HEALTH - Anne Arundel Medical Center
Annapolis, MD
07.2018 - 07.2022
Oversaw the management of clinical dietitians at a 384-bed medical facility.
Designed customized nutrition services and programs to meet the needs of the health system
Successfully maintained continuity of care by working closely with outpatient dietitians.
Partnered with Food Service Management team to optimize quality ratings by crafting and implementing a tailored menu for acute care settings.
Directed and supervised dietetic internship programs.
Implemented evidence-based, standardized estimated needs for all patient demographics.
Implemented nutrition-focused physical exams to improve regulatory compliance for coding and billing of malnutrition.
CLINICAL NUTRITION COORDINATOR
MEMORIAL HEALTH SYSTEM
Pembroke Pines, FL
03.2016 - 09.2016
Managed a diverse team of 20 dietitians in various positions, including full-time, part-time, and per diem roles. Oversaw their operations within a 384-bed acute care hospital, outpatient facilities, and other ancillary services of the Memorial West Hospital system.
Collaborated with food service, nursing, medical staff, and administration to ensure seamless coordination of patient and family care.
Implemented guidelines for evidence-based nutritional care and services, while managing budget and dietitian workload to provide outstanding services
Implemented updated Policies and Procedures to ensure regulatory compliance.
Led menu development change control committee and implemented changes into Health Touch software for health system
Provided technical support to staff members regarding software applications and hardware systems.
Conducted training sessions for clinical and foodservice staff, facilitating the implementation of daily huddles.
REGISTERED DIETITIAN
MEMORIAL MANOR
Pembroke Pines, FL
04.2015 - 03.2016
Oversaw and coordinated nutritional services for individuals living in a 120-bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility
Coordinated resident and family centered care by collaborating with interdisciplinary team, food service, nursing, medical staff, and administration
Created a comprehensive Quality Assurance/Performance Improvement initiative aimed at improving regulatory compliance and enhancing resident satisfaction
Developed and implemented updated guidelines for a more resident-focused approach.
Designed a comprehensive 4-week select menu cycle in Geri Menu, including nutrient analysis and diet extensions
Evaluated new products and recipes for nutritional content before including in new menu.
Facilitated professional development by offering training and mentorship to foodservice and nursing staff.
CLINICAL NUTRITION MANAGER II
Jackson North Health System
North Miami Beach, Florida
01.2014 - 03.2015
Managed coordination of clinical and patient services at an acute care facility with 382 beds.
Demonstrated strong leadership skills while overseeing a diverse staff of 25 frontline workers and two managers
Managed regulatory compliance, patient safety, and patient satisfaction initiatives
Key member of the Interdisciplinary Rehabilitation team and Stroke Support Group.
Created educational materials for staff and patient education on proper nutrition.
Provided medical nutrition therapy to patients with various health conditions.
Reviewed menus and recipes to ensure compliance with dietary guidelines.
Established healthful and therapeutic meal plans and menus for individuals with health conditions.
CLINICAL NUTRITION MANAGER II
Bradford Regional Medical Center/Bradford Nursing Pavilion
Bradford, Pennsylvania
01.2010 - 01.2014
Managed the clinical nutrition department and clinical staff for a 107-bed community hospital, 95-bed skilled nursing facility and outpatient medical nutrition therapy program
Provided nutritional care and educated acute care and skilled nursing clients.
Conducted comprehensive training sessions for medical staff and food and nutrition department covering all aspects of food and nutrition.
Established and implemented operating standards to enhance patient/resident satisfaction, retain clients, and comply with regulations.
Engaged with Sodexo leadership to successfully complete various corporate projects including Diet Manual development.
Performed research studies related to clinical nutrition topics including congestive heart failure and malnutrition.
Reviewed menus and recipes to ensure compliance with dietary guidelines.
Created educational materials for staff and patient education on proper nutrition.
CLINICAL NUTRITION MANAGER I
Carroll Lutheran Village/Pickersgill, Inc./Villa Maria (Sodexo)
Westminster, Maryland
09.2005 - 01.2010
Conducted all aspects of nutritional care for a large continuing care retirement community consisting of: 103-bed skilled nursing facility; 26-bed memory care unit; 50-bed assisted living facility; and 500 residential living clients
Consulted with smaller skilled nursing facilities to provide nutrition assessment, care planning, MDS 3.0 assessment and intervention.
Assisted in the development of short-term and long-term goals related to patient nutrition needs.
Reviewed menus and recipes to ensure compliance with dietary guidelines.
Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient progress and treatment plans.
CLINICAL DIETITIAN
Doctor’s Community Hospital
Lanham, Maryland
04.2005 - 09.2005
Ensured proper patient nutrition was provided in a 219-bed community hospital
Provided comprehensive nutrition assessment and intervention services through collaboration with interdisciplinary team
Educated patients and families about nutrition, contributing as an integral part of the patient education committee.
Counseled clients on how to make changes in their diets through meal planning and shopping strategies.
Assessed patient's response to prescribed diets and made necessary modifications as needed.
Managed multiple clinical projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
PATIENT SERVICES MANAGER
Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
Baltimore, Maryland
06.2004 - 04.2005
Managed daily operations and facilitated patient meal service in a 550-bed teaching facility
Enhanced patient satisfaction by executing quality meal service delivery
Ensured adherence to Joint Commission, federal, state and local regulations
Oversaw, inspired, and guided a group of 75 union members.
Prepared monthly reports outlining key performance metrics associated with the department's operations.
Ensured that all patient inquiries were handled efficiently and effectively according to established protocols.
DIETARY TECHNICIAN
Heritage Green Health Care Center
Greenhurst, New York
01.1998 - 01.2003
Coordinated nutritional care for residents in a 120-bed skilled nursing facility
Assisted dietitian with nutrition assessments, MDS, care plans and Medicare reporting
Active member of interdisciplinary care plan team
Enhanced resident dining experience through select menus, meal service and resident satisfaction.
Assisted in the development of menus that met patient's individual needs while adhering to budgetary constraints.
Ordered supplies needed for providing nutrition services within the facility.
Education
Master's in Applied Nutrition/Business and Entrepreneurship -
Northeastern University (online)
07-2021
Bachelor's in Human Ecology (Dietetics) -
Mercyhurst University (Coordinated Undergraduate Program)
05-2004
Associate's in Math/Science -
Jamestown Community College
05-2001
Associate's in Occupational Studies (Culinary Arts) -
Alfred State College
06-1997
Skills
Leadership
Strategic Planning
Program Development
Automation Management
Teamwork and Collaboration
Food Service Management
Vendor Relationship Management
System implementation
Project Management
Professionalism
Self Motivation
Reliability
Time Management
Effective Communication
Organizational Skills
Multitasking
Task Prioritization
Problem-solving aptitude
Certification
Premier National Committee Member – Clinical Nutrition Subcommittee – 2023-present
Maryland Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Board of Directors - Nominating Committee Member, 2022-present
Maryland Academy of Nutrition and Dietetic Board of Directors – CPI co-chair 2019-2020