John C. Galacz
Gaylord
Summary
Dynamic Director of Dining Services at Compass Group/Chartwells Division, recognized for driving operational performance and revenue growth in K-12 food services. Proven expertise in financial analysis and leadership excellence, fostering strong relationships with stakeholders while achieving budgetary goals and enhancing program turnaround. Culinary champion dedicated to delivering exceptional client service.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Inland Lakes and Cheboygan Area Schools
01.2018 - Current
- Created a farm-to-school program that sourced fresh, local produce, promoting sustainability
- Ensured 100% compliance with USDA regulations, state nutrition standards, and local health codes through regular training and audits
- Established a student advisory board to provide feedback on menu options, contributing to a more inclusive and student-friendly dining experience
- Lead a teams of food service staff across multiple school locations, implementing training programs that increased staff retention by and enhanced operational efficiency
- Managed annual food service budgets, consistently staying within budget while improving program quality and student satisfaction
Director of Dining Services
Compass Group/Chartwells Division
01.2009 - Current
- Spearhead the overall vision, planning, concurrent management and execution of food services for K-12 schools in three northern Michigan districts
- Consistently meet and exceed financial and operating goals and provide business planning leadership
- Accountable for all financials, P&L and reporting
- Monitor and evaluate customer financial requirements, develop appropriate budgets, and perform accounting functions including payroll and accounts payable/receivable
- Build strong and productive working relationships with administrators, Boards of Education and other district stakeholders
Inland Lakes, Harbor Springs, and Cheboygan Area Schools
01.2014 - 01.2018
- Strategically manage vastly different demographics in each of the three districts including socioeconomic status, expectations and demands of service, quality and interpersonal and professional communications
- Grew overall revenues through enhancement of the catering program and developed a newly implemented concession program for the athletics department
- Reduced labor cost through job realignments; mediated the departure of a long time unruly union employee
Cheboygan Area Schools
Cheboygan
01.2012 - 01.2014
- Hired from a consultancy to full time position to provide dedicated food service management for the district
- Redesigned five facilities upon contract award
- Managed a total staff of 24 in all five units
- Achieved improved labor cost percent through the design and implementation of a new labor structure and controls
Inland Lakes and Cheboygan Area Schools
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Directed dining services and catering for Inland Lakes
- Performed full time consulting and planning of food service programs with Cheboygan Area Schools prior to obtaining a full time contract for dining services at the schools
- Conducted successful account relationship building with Cheboygan Schools and awarded new account in 2012
Inland Lakes Schools
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Turned around a troubled account through overall improvement of operations and client relations in the first year
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration - Management
Northwood University
Midland, Michigan05.2015
Culinary Arts - Baking and Pastry Arts
Culinary Institute of America
Hyde Park, New York01.1996
Skills
- Operational Performance
- Revenue Growth
- Cost Reductions
- Leadership Excellence
- Staff Development
- Customer Relationship Building
- Program Turnaround
- Brand Awareness
- Financial Analysis
- Reporting
- P&L Accountability
- Resource Management
- Client Service
- New Account Development
- Culinary Champion
Affiliations
- School Nutrition Association of Michigan, Current President-Elect of the Executive Board, Professional Development Instructor
- National Restaurant Association, Certified ServSafe Instructor / Exam Proctor
Certification
- School Nutrition Specialist, School Nutrition Association, 2022
- ServSafe Certification
References
Available upon request
Timeline
Inland Lakes and Cheboygan Area Schools
01.2018 - Current
Inland Lakes, Harbor Springs, and Cheboygan Area Schools
01.2014 - 01.2018
Cheboygan Area Schools
01.2012 - 01.2014
Inland Lakes and Cheboygan Area Schools
01.2011 - 01.2012
Director of Dining Services
Compass Group/Chartwells Division
01.2009 - Current
Inland Lakes Schools
01.2009 - 01.2011
Bachelor of Business Administration - Management
Northwood University
Culinary Arts - Baking and Pastry Arts
Culinary Institute of America
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