Avian Cox
Palestine,TX
Summary
Dedicated Food Service Manager with over 10 years in correctional facility operations. Expertise in menu planning, inventory management, and food safety compliance. Developed training programs to enhance staff performance and optimize operational efficiency in high-pressure environments.
Overview
3
3
years of post-secondary education
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Food Service Manager IV
TDCJ - Gurney Unit
Palestine, Tx
03.2025 - Current
- Assisted in facility reopening, collaborating in kitchen and unit operations to meet daily schedules.
- Assisted Bradshaw Unit Kitchen during the transfer back to TDCJ.
- Acted as alternate for the Major of Laundry, Food, and Supply during absences.
- Coordinated ordering of food and supply trucks, maintaining accurate inventory records.
- Trained new employees on food handling procedures and policies.
Food Service Manager IV
TDCJ - Beto Unit
Tennessee Colony, Texas
01.2022 - 03.2025
- Oversaw daily food service operations at a correctional facility, ensuring efficient meal delivery to inmate populations.
- Developed and coordinated meal preparation schedules, optimizing service to meet dietary needs of inmate populations.
- Supervised kitchen staff, enforcing safety standards to maintain a secure and compliant working environment.
Food Service Manager
TDCJ -Michael Unit
Tennessee Colony, Texas
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Recruited to restore operational standards at Michael's Kitchen during the Gurney Unit shutdown.
- Oversaw daily food service operations for inmate populations, facilitating timely and accurate meal delivery.
- Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations in food preparation, maintaining high safety standards.
Food Service Manager
TDCJ - Gurney Unit
Palestine, Texas
09.2017 - 01.2021
- Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations in food preparation.
- Directed daily food service operations for inmate populations, ensuring compliance with safety standards.
- Streamlined communication between kitchen staff and correctional officers to improve operational efficiency.
Correctional Officer
TDCJ - Gurney Unit
Palestine, Texas
08.2016 - 09.2017
- Enforced prison rules and regulations, ensuring safety and security for inmates and staff.
- Supervised daily activities of inmates, promoting a secure environment and adherence to protocols.
- Inspected inmate cells for contraband and safety compliance. and conducted random searches of common areas.
Intake Clerk
TDCJ - Gurney Unit
Palestine, Tx
01.2015 - 08.2016
- Processed inmate intake paperwork, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulations..
- Managed daily office operations, maintaining organized filing systems to enhance information retrieval.
- Provided comprehensive administrative support, facilitating document management through typing, filing, photocopying, scanning, and faxing.
Education
All-Wheel Diesel Mechanic
Army National Guard
12.2008 - 12.2011
Landmark Academy
Palestine, TxSkills
- Food safety compliance
- Menu planning
- Inventory management
- Staff training
- Crisis management
- Operational efficiency
- Time management
Accomplishments
- Oscar Mendoza Sergeant Mentorship Award 2017
Timeline
Food Service Manager IV
TDCJ - Gurney Unit
03.2025 - Current
Food Service Manager IV
TDCJ - Beto Unit
01.2022 - 03.2025
Food Service Manager
TDCJ -Michael Unit
01.2021 - 01.2022
Food Service Manager
TDCJ - Gurney Unit
09.2017 - 01.2021
Correctional Officer
TDCJ - Gurney Unit
08.2016 - 09.2017
Intake Clerk
TDCJ - Gurney Unit
01.2015 - 08.2016
All-Wheel Diesel Mechanic
Army National Guard
12.2008 - 12.2011
Landmark Academy