BLENDA VITE-LEON
GERMANTOWN,MD
Summary
Accomplished Director of Catering with more than 35 years of leadership experience in catering management, hospitality operations, facilities administration, and large-scale event coordination across universities, corporate headquarters, international organizations, and private clients. Recognized for exceptional organizational skills, strong financial acumen, and the ability to manage multiple high-pressure projects simultaneously while maintaining a positive, solutions-driven approach. Skilled in supervising cross-functional teams, optimizing operational workflows, developing creative menu concepts, and delivering high-quality service that exceeds client expectations. A motivated self-starter known for adaptability, strategic thinking, and consistent performance in achieving organizational goals. A clear, direct communicator who builds productive relationships with clients, colleagues, and vendors. Fluent in English and Spanish.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Catering Director
National Geographic Society (Sodexo, LLC)
Washington, DC
09.2023 - Current
- Lead all catering operations for the National Geographic Society's headquarters, overseeing high-profile events such as Explorers' Worldwide Meetings, board gatherings, VIP receptions, and large-scale conferences.
- Prepare and manage all financial documentation including annual budgets, sales forecasts, DFA reports, labor cost analysis, food production costing, invoicing, and inventory control.
- Develop, update, and strategically price catering menus and packages, ensuring accuracy in Catertrax and Market Connection systems.
- Conduct financial analysis to support cost-reduction strategies, pricing optimization, and overall profitability improvements.
- Manage the Everyday Pay system for the micro market, ensuring seamless customer transactions and accurate reporting.
- Create weekly menus in FMS for integration with Retail Ranger and the POS system.
- Provide monthly financial and operational reports to the General Manager for client presentations.
- Experienced in daily operations of micro markets, coffee shops, and cafeteria environments, including staffing, product development, logistics, and customer service enhancement.
- Develop new products, update pricing structures, and implement systems to ensure streamlined operations across all foodservice locations.
Catering Supervisor - Bartender (On-Call)
Susan Gage Catering
Washington, DC
01.2010 - Current
- Support event production including setup, teardown, logistics, bartending, fine-dining service, and VIP customer service.
Director of Catering
George Mason University (Sodexo, LLC)
Fairfax, VA
02.2022 - 09.2023
- Directed all catering operations across four university campuses, serving audiences up to 15,000 and managing five separate contracts with more than $5M in annual catering revenue.
- Maintained full P&L responsibility, analyzing financial reports, subsidies, labor expenses, food costs, and event profitability.
- Implemented the Catertrax online ordering system and enhanced culinary presentation standards.
- Managed budgets, forecasts, sales reports, DFA documentation, purchasing, inventory, and cost control.
- Supervised a large team including executive chefs, managers, coordinators, banquet staff, and student workers.
- Implemented sales strategies that significantly increased revenue, generating more than $1.8M in post-COVID catering growth.
- Collaborated with the executive chef to develop custom menus and tailor proposals for diverse clients and budgets.
Project Facility General Manager
Bravo Facility Services Group
McLean, VA
08.2022 - 02.2023
- Managed facility operations and cleaning services for events across Capital One Center, including Perch Rooftop Park and Capital One Hall.
- Oversaw staffing activities: hiring, scheduling, payroll management, training, and performance oversight.
- Built strong relationships with corporate clients, internal departments, and staff to ensure exceptional service delivery.
- Directed inventory control, equipment maintenance, and financial forecasting.
- Coordinated event logistics for receptions, gallery events, outdoor gatherings, and private reservations.
- Conducted room demonstrations and managed venue reservations for Capital One Hall and Perch Park.
- Worked closely with Facility, Parking, Security, and Campus Services teams to prepare buildings before and after large events.
- Collaborated with external vendors for contracts, event setup, breakdown, and logistics coordination.
Catering & Conference Center Director
Marymount University (Sodexo, LLC)
Arlington, VA
09.2018 - 08.2022
- Oversaw all catering and conference operations across three campuses with more than $2M in annual foodservice and catering revenue.
- Directed planning and execution for major university events including graduations, homecomings, VIP receptions, and large-scale outdoor events serving 100 to 10,000 guests.
- Developed customized menus for diverse events ranging from intimate dinners to 8,000-guest plated functions.
- Managed budgeting, financial reporting, payroll processing, and employee scheduling.
- Coordinated reservation systems, rental contracts, vendor partnerships, and conference services.
- Directed dining operations during university vacation seasons, ensuring uninterrupted service.
- Managed all logistics for national and international summer camps, including lodging, transportation, menus, and contracts.
- Ensured compliance with health and safety standards across all dining and catering locations.
- Oversaw HR responsibilities including audits, vendor partnerships, inventory control, and supply procurement.
Supervisor & General Manager Assistant - Cafeteria & Catering
U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (Sodexo, LLC)
Washington, DC
01.2014 - 12.2018
- Coordinated catering operations, event logistics, and menu planning for internal and external events.
- Managed payroll, financial reports, and reconciliations.
- Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations for all foodservice operations.
Sales & Purchasing Agent
Salico Inc. & Evermax Asia Pacific Ltd.
Guangzhou, China
12.2001 - 12.2009
- Served as an international purchasing agent, managing import/export processes, product sourcing, logistics, and supplier communication.
- Coordinated purchasing trips across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe to identify manufacturers and negotiate pricing for custom-made products.
- Supported import/export documentation and customs compliance.
- Provided English-to-Spanish interpretation for international business transactions.
Owner & CEO - Sales & Logistics
B&S Trading Services Corp.
New York, NY
01.2001 - 12.2009
- Directed administrative, clerical, and operational functions for a trading and logistics business.
- Trained and supervised the sales team, maintained personnel files, and managed office operations.
- Negotiated with airlines, shipping companies, and transportation agencies for international cargo movement.
- Managed documentation for import/export procedures, consular paperwork, customs processing, and logistics coordination.
- Responsible for air and sea cargo reservations using Magallan and IATA systems.
Sales Manager & Freight Coordinator
Miranda Travel
New York City
01.1995 - 01.2001
- Managed and coordinated air, sea, and land freight operations within the US and in global markets.
- Entered into transportation contracts and maintained strong relationships with carriers and logistics partners.
- Oversaw reservations for air, sea, and land shipments, ensuring accuracy, timely departures, and adherence to customer requirements.
- Prepared comprehensive sales reports and developed detailed estimates in collaboration with the budget department.
- Created and processed air waybills, sea waybills, and accompanying documentation for international shipments.
- Led operational planning for import and export services, ensuring compliance with regulations and company standards.
- Monitored shipment progress and proactively resolved logistics issues to ensure on-time delivery.
- Provided high-quality customer service, addressing client needs and offering solutions to improve overall freight processes.
- Coordinated with internal teams to streamline workflows, reduce costs, and enhance operational efficiency.
Credit Officer & Manager
Banco de los Andes - Filanbanco
, Ecuador
01.1993 - 01.1995
- Specialist in mortgage loans, investments, bank accounts, credit officer, and office manager. Work with Ecuadorian banking regulations and the Superintendency of Banks, including financial reports, budgets, personnel management, and opening new branches.
Investment & Credit Loan Officer
Finveroro S.A.
, Ecuador
01.1991 - 01.1993
- Specialist in investments, bank accounts, credit officer, and office manager. Work with Ecuadorian banking regulations and the Superintendency of Banks
Education
Certificate -
Institute of Wedding & Event Design
Miami, FL01.2021
National Institute of Import & Export
Machala, Ecuador01.1995
University of Laws Vicente Cherrez
Machala, Ecuador01.1990
Skills
- Leadership skills
- Budget management
- Catering operations
- Financial analysis
- Event logistics
- Client relationship management
- Inventory control
- Staff supervision
- Vendor negotiation
- Food safety compliance
- Weddings background
- Project management software
- Schedule control
- Lead database management
- Catering management
- Food and beverage costing
- Catering consultation
- Business development
- Event planning and coordination
- Pricing strategy development
- Sales and revenue strategies
- Client engagement and negotiation
- Financial oversight and planning
- Cost management techniques
- Employee training programs
- Catering technology expertise
Certification
- CPR Certification
- ServSafe - National Restaurant Association
- TIPS Alcohol Safety Certification
- Bartender Certificate
- Wedding & Event Design Certificate
Timeline
Catering Director
National Geographic Society (Sodexo, LLC)
09.2023 - Current
Project Facility General Manager
Bravo Facility Services Group
08.2022 - 02.2023
Director of Catering
George Mason University (Sodexo, LLC)
02.2022 - 09.2023
Catering & Conference Center Director
Marymount University (Sodexo, LLC)
09.2018 - 08.2022
Supervisor & General Manager Assistant - Cafeteria & Catering
U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (Sodexo, LLC)
01.2014 - 12.2018
Catering Supervisor - Bartender (On-Call)
Susan Gage Catering
01.2010 - Current
Sales & Purchasing Agent
Salico Inc. & Evermax Asia Pacific Ltd.
12.2001 - 12.2009
Owner & CEO - Sales & Logistics
B&S Trading Services Corp.
01.2001 - 12.2009
Sales Manager & Freight Coordinator
Miranda Travel
01.1995 - 01.2001
Credit Officer & Manager
Banco de los Andes - Filanbanco
01.1993 - 01.1995
Investment & Credit Loan Officer
Finveroro S.A.
01.1991 - 01.1993
Certificate -
Institute of Wedding & Event Design
National Institute of Import & Export
University of Laws Vicente Cherrez