CHERYL JONES
Lynwood,IL
Summary
Systems Foodservice Director and Registered Dietitian with proven leadership in contract and private ownership sectors. Expertise in recruitment, hospitality, food and beverage management, fine dining, and clinical dietetics within Fortune 500 companies. Strong background in regulatory compliance for food and housekeeping in healthcare settings. Committed to mentoring and developing future leaders in the industry.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Culinary Consultant
Self Employed
01.2024 - Current
- Culinary support to CCRCs and Assisted Living communities. Regulatory inspection readiness, management development, associate training, menu and recipe development, staff plans, equipment recommendations, procurement. Currently at Plymouth Place in LaGrange, IL., implementing new menu management and regulatory compliance readiness. Also assisting with the opening of a new kitchen.
Sr. Consultant
VIZIENT, INC.
01.2017 - 12.2024
- Subject Matter Expert, specializing in foodservice and environmental services.
- Helping members identify spend management opportunities, quality improvement and customer satisfaction.
- Go to for Regulatory compliance in healthcare foodservice and EVS.
Systems Foodservice Director
AMITA HEALTH ADVENTIST MEDICAL CENTER, HINSDALE- ADVENTIST HEALTH SYSTEM
01.2016 - 12.2016
- Managed accounting and operational controls for accurate reporting and billing.
- Conducted inspections of prepared foods, work area and equipment, to include kitchen, storeroom, pantry, service, and retail areas, for compliance with the requirements of all applicable policies, procedures, rules, standards and/or health, sanitation, and safety laws; report results of inspections.
- Provided direction for therapeutic team.
General Manager - Aramark
NORTHWESTERN MEDICINE/CENTRAL DUPAGE & DELNOR HOSPITAL
01.2014 - 12.2016
- Provided complete oversight for outsourced food services, problem solving and resolution of differences.
- Participated in contract negotiations, providing technical expertise and recommendations. Recruitment of all Culinary Directors and Managers. Onboarding and Training.
Corporate Culinary Leader
KISCO SENIOR LIVING
01.2013 - 12.2014
- Culinary leader for Kisco Senior living providing corporate support for 20 communities in six states specializing in full-service, Fine dining.
Regional Food & Beverage Director
LIFESPACE COMMUNITIES, INC.
01.2011 - 12.2013
- Corporate Culinary leader for the region to include Harbours Edge, a luxury Resort Retirement Community and 11 other upscale retirement Communities.
- Recruited and onboarded all Director level roles, budgeting, regulatory compliance, training, menu design, vendor management, special function planning new program implementation and renovation management.
District Manager
UNIDINE CORPORATION
01.2009 - 12.2011
- P&L and operations responsibility for 10 senior care communities serving clients in Assisted and Independent living. Implementation of the Unidine standards; new menus, front of the house training, production standards and dining room enhancements.
- Oversight of the dining service programs including recruitment, hiring, regulatory compliance, service enhancements and customer relations.
Vice-President of Operations
VIBRANTLIVING LLC
01.2004 - 12.2009
- Campus oversight for all ancillary support services: Recruitment, renovation, grounds, culinary, Security, housekeeping, facilities management, and Laundry for a community serving 500+ residents in a CCRC environment.
District Manager
ARAMARK
01.1991 - 12.2004
- Oversaw program of 24 healthcare facilities throughout the states of Indiana, Illinois and Michigan. Services included Housekeeping, Laundry, Dietary, Clinical Equipment, and Plant Maintenance. Facilities included Acute and long term care organizations ranging from 200 residents to 800 patients.
Sr. Director of Food and Nutrition Seevices
Morrison Healthcare/Shirley Ryan Ability Lab
04.2024 - 2025
- Oversaw all aspects of food service operations, including menu planning, food preparation, and quality control
- Managed a team of 63 staff members, providing training, guidance, and performance evaluations
- Developed and implemented cost-effective strategies to optimize food production and minimize waste
- Collaborated with vendors to negotiate contracts for the procurement of ingredients and supplies
- Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations by conducting regular inspections and implementing corrective actions
- Implemented standardized recipes to maintain consistency in taste, presentation, and portion sizes
- Analyzed customer feedback to identify areas for improvement in menu offerings and dining experience
- Created innovative menus that catered to diverse dietary needs while maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction
- Developed budget plans for food service operations, monitoring expenses closely to meet financial targets
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nutrition & Dietetics
Chicago State University
Skills
- Microsoft Office Suite proficiency
- Customer engagement and support
- HACCP regulations knowledge
- Financial analysis
- Negotiation skills
- Menu management
- Project coordination
- POS technology expertise
- Supply chain logistics
- Mentoring program development
- Recruitment expertise
- Quality assurance practices
- Retail experience
- Financial reporting
- Culinary knowledge
- Change management strategies
- Healthcare experience
- Administrative operations expertise
- Vendor management
Certification
- ServSafe
- Registered Dietitian
Links
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjones517
Timeline
Sr. Director of Food and Nutrition Seevices
Morrison Healthcare/Shirley Ryan Ability Lab
04.2024 - 2025
Culinary Consultant
Self Employed
01.2024 - Current
Sr. Consultant
VIZIENT, INC.
01.2017 - 12.2024
Systems Foodservice Director
AMITA HEALTH ADVENTIST MEDICAL CENTER, HINSDALE- ADVENTIST HEALTH SYSTEM
01.2016 - 12.2016
General Manager - Aramark
NORTHWESTERN MEDICINE/CENTRAL DUPAGE & DELNOR HOSPITAL
01.2014 - 12.2016
Corporate Culinary Leader
KISCO SENIOR LIVING
01.2013 - 12.2014
Regional Food & Beverage Director
LIFESPACE COMMUNITIES, INC.
01.2011 - 12.2013
District Manager
UNIDINE CORPORATION
01.2009 - 12.2011
Vice-President of Operations
VIBRANTLIVING LLC
01.2004 - 12.2009
District Manager
ARAMARK
01.1991 - 12.2004
Bachelor of Science - Nutrition & Dietetics
Chicago State University
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