Daniel Powers
La Vergne,TN
Summary
Accomplished food service management professional with over 14 years of experience leading large-scale correctional facility operations across Tennessee and Kentucky. Proven success in optimizing cost efficiency, maintaining compliance standards, and mentoring multidisciplinary teams. Recognized for leadership excellence, operational performance, and the ability to achieve strategic organizational goals.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
TDOC General Manager Food Service
Aramark Correctional Services – Tennessee Department of Corrections
Tennessee
07.2021 - Current
- Supervise daily activities in 7 correctional facilities, coordinating multiple kitchen operations to maintain safety and quality standards.
- Monitor compliance with department policies and health department guidelines to uphold state standards.
- Engage with key stakeholders from Tennessee Department of Corrections to facilitate communication and support operational objectives.
- Mentor and collaborate with cross-contract teams to drive performance through effective communication and leadership.
- Manage bulk purchasing to maximize cost savings for holiday meals and contingency needs.
- Oversee comprehensive documentation and compliance audits to facilitate quarterly, annual, and ACA audit preparations.
- Promote accountability and ongoing development within teams to enhance overall service delivery.
- Nurture strategic relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to support ongoing success and cultivate loyalty.
Multi-Unit Food Service Director / Regional Support - TDOC
Aramark Correctional Services – Tennessee Department of Corrections
Tennessee
04.2017 - 07.2021
- Facilities Covered: Turney Center, River Bend Maximum Security, Turney Center Annex, DeBerry Special Needs Prison, Tennessee Prison for Women
- Supervised up to 14 staff and 90 inmate workers, ensuring operational consistency and compliance, of production of over 50,000 meals monthly for staff and inmates.
- Managed inventory valued over $200,000 with contingency plans for uninterrupted operations, while reducing waste.
- Used Kronos payroll software for scheduling, reporting, and payroll accuracy.
- Enhanced kitchen productivity and sanitation through improved procedures and staff training.
Food Service Director
Aramark Correctional Services – Kentucky Department of Corrections
Kentucky
12.2013 - 04.2017
- Directed a staff of 10 and 120 inmate workers, producing 87,000 meals monthly.
- Managed $35,000 food inventory and achieved 430.6% EBIT increase.
- Conducted In2Work training classes with an 85% completion rate.
- Introduced “Fresh Favorite Grill,” enhancing food options for staff and inmates.
- Maintained labor and payroll efficiency via Kronos system management.
Food Service Director
Bell County Forestry Camp
Kentucky
04.2012 - 12.2013
- Supervised 4 staff and 30 inmate workers; maintained payroll oversight via Kronos.
- Generated weekly financial reports for the regional team.
- Designed chemical control policies ensuring safety and compliance.
- Facilitated inmate education programs through In2Work classes focused on skill development.
Front Line Supervisor
Bell County Forestry Camp
Kentucky
08.2011 - 04.2012
- Directed inmate food service operations while maintaining strict health department compliance.
- Collaborated with the Kentucky Department of Health to uphold food safety standards.
Education
High School Diploma -
Pike County Central High School
Pikeville, KY06-1998
Skills
- P&L management
- Budget development
- Purchasing and planning, inventory control
- Operations management
- Performance improvement
- Customer relationship management
- Leadership and team building, staff motivation
- Efficient multi-tasker, verbal and written communication, detailed oriented
- Staff management
- Staff training/development
- Goal setting
- Problem resolution
Certification
- ServSafe Certification – Expires August 29, 2028, | Certificate #24445629
- ServSafe Certified Instructor & Registered Proctor – Certificate #4356982
Timeline
TDOC General Manager Food Service
Aramark Correctional Services – Tennessee Department of Corrections
07.2021 - Current
Multi-Unit Food Service Director / Regional Support - TDOC
Aramark Correctional Services – Tennessee Department of Corrections
04.2017 - 07.2021
Food Service Director
Aramark Correctional Services – Kentucky Department of Corrections
12.2013 - 04.2017
Food Service Director
Bell County Forestry Camp
04.2012 - 12.2013
Front Line Supervisor
Bell County Forestry Camp
08.2011 - 04.2012
High School Diploma -
Pike County Central High School
Awards & Recognition
Aramark General Manager of the Year – 2023
Aramark Gold Award – Sell and Serve with Passion – March 2016
Aramark Bronze Award – Sell and Serve with Passion – May 2015