Laura Benavidez, MBA
Liberty Hill,TX
Summary
Respected food and nutrition services professional with extensive experience leading operations, projects and staff in education organizations. Proven track record in guiding sizeable, cross-functional teams in the design, redesign and launch of cutting-edge business solutions, driving greater efficiencies, engagement and revenues. Expert presenter, and businessperson; able to forge solid relationships with strategic partners and build consensus across multiple organizational levels. Leading bold change in policies and outcomes for children.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Deputy Administrator of Compliance
Texas Department of Agriculture
01.2022 - Current
- Oversee and manage contracts and projects to ensure compliance with federal regulations in school nutrition and community and commodity programs
- Conduct public presentations on various topics related to compliance to ensure consistent and effective communication.
- Increased productivity by developing comprehensive project timelines and monitoring progress closely.
- Progressive leadership experiences have created a passion for surpassing financial and service objectives via a combination of world class service delivery and lean operating methods.
- Coordinated multi-agency operations for complex projects, sharing information efficiently while protecting sensitive data.
- Built excellent rapport and working relationship with stakeholders to build trust and improve upon communication regarding projects impacting districts and community programs.
Executive Director
Boston Public Schools
08.2016 - 12.2021
- Led a 500+ team changing meal concepts by adding in new kitchens and preparing meals from scratch, leading to students with access to healthier meals
- Progressive leadership experiences have created a passion for surpassing financial and service objectives via a combination of world class service delivery, lean operating methods and renewed marketing directions
Co-Director
Los Angeles Unified School District
12.2014 - 08.2016
- Led a team of key management cross-functional personnel to organize strategic and organizational system-wide initiatives focused on increasing access to meals for students
Deputy Director
Los Angeles Unified School District
05.2006 - 12.2014
- Oversaw daily foodservice operations for 659 sites, 122 Early Education Centers and over 4,000+ employees
- Planned and directed operational procedures and personnel for the implementation of access to breakfast after the bell in 630 schools, 22,000 classrooms, resulting in $114 million in revenue
Education
MBA - Organizational Leadership
University of Phoenix
Bachelor of Science - Food Science & Technology
Texas A&M University
Ph.D. - Organizational Behavior
Walden University
07-2025
Master of Philosophy - Organizational Behavior
Walden University
03-2024
Skills
- Team growth
- Decision-making
- Report writing
- Meetings and presentations
- Microsoft proficient
- Data analysis
- Public relations
- Collaborative mindset
Accomplishments
- Changing the Equation Award, 11/01/15, Eos Foundation
- Contributor, Good Food Purchasing Plan, 03/01/19, City of Boston Ordinance
Service and leadership
- School Nutrition Association, Professional Development, 2016/18
- Boston Food Access Council, Member, 09/01/16 - January 2022
- Boston Public Schools Wellness Council, Member, 05/01/16 - January 2022
- The Food Voice, Boston, MA, Member, 05/01/17 - January 2022
- Texas Association of School Nutrition, January/2022 - present
- American Commodities Distribution Association, January 2022 - present
Social - Linkedin
in/laura-benavidez-4913058
Certification
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- ServSafe Food Handler's Certification
Languages
Spanish
Professional Working
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
swipe to browse
Software
Microsoft Proficient
Timeline
Deputy Administrator of Compliance
Texas Department of Agriculture
01.2022 - Current
Executive Director
Boston Public Schools
08.2016 - 12.2021
Co-Director
Los Angeles Unified School District
12.2014 - 08.2016
Deputy Director
Los Angeles Unified School District
05.2006 - 12.2014
MBA - Organizational Leadership
University of Phoenix
Bachelor of Science - Food Science & Technology
Texas A&M University
Ph.D. - Organizational Behavior
Walden University
Master of Philosophy - Organizational Behavior
Walden University
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