Lisa A. Whitney, RDN, LDN
Lindenhurst,IL
Summary
Results-driven brand strategist with extensive experience leading cross-functional teams. Known for innovative activation strategies that enhance brand identity and drive sales growth. Committed to fostering collaboration and improving operational processes to achieve strategic goals.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Manager, Service and Brand Activation
Sodexo North America
06.2017 - 06.2025
- Bringing brands to life through the development of an activation strategy that enabled Sodexo's business segments; including Healthcare, Seniors, Government, Corporate Services, Campus and Schools to accelerate brand deployment to drive sales, increase profit margins and grow business. 100% on-time delivery and within budget.
- Created training tools, resources and launch strategy that supports brand activation and deployment.
- Communication specialist, knowledge transfer facilitator and trainer for business segment multi-disciplinary teams.
- Collaborator, strategic partner with Marketing, Design, Procurement, Deployment, Sales, C-suite and Vendor Partners.
- Driver of change management and process improvement through the evaluation of key metrics to identify areas for improvement and efficiency.
Senior Manager, Brand Development
Sodexo North America
09.2014 - 06.2017
- Designed and developed innovative, state-of-the-art brands, across Sodexo's business segments, shaping and enhancing Sodexo's brand identity and reputation. 100% on-time completion and within budget.
- Brand management through the product life cycle, from inception to deployment.
- Project managed complex projects with key stakeholders, internal and external partners against aggressive timelines.
- Collaborated with Marketing, Design, Culinary, key stakeholders, C-suite, deployment, and vendor partners across healthcare, seniors, government, and school business segments.
- Established brand protocols, standards, and brand book. Conducted market research and analysis to drive development.
- Created a market brand strategy for the deployment of brands.
- Developed and led the brand piloting strategy.
- Monitored brand performance, and evaluated brand feedback.
Senior Brand Manager, Health Care
Sodexo North America
06.2006 - 09.2014
- Transformed patient dining in healthcare throughout North America, with brand innovation, strategic planning, strong leadership, cross-functional collaboration and calculated execution. Designed, developed, activated & deployed innovative Patient Dining Brands to enhance the overall patient experience, delivering the highest level of patient and client satisfaction.
- Enhanced the patient experience with state-of-the-art room service dining, including menus, customized tray delivery systems, software solutions, optimized staffing, and transformed kitchen spaces tailored to hospital needs.
- Managed the patient dining portfolio with over 300 accounts, including strategic and blue-chip locations.
- Strategic partner with medical and clinical teams to assure patient safety.
- Advisor to Sales and Retention teams to provide subject matter expertise that enhanced client acquisition and satisfaction.
- Served as primary point of contact for client, hospital leadership and Sodexo.
- Positioned Sodexo as a premier provider in patient dining through proven results in client and patient satisfaction, new sales and retention.
General Manager, Health Care
Sodexo Services North America
Hoffman Estates, Illinois
03.2003 - 06.2006
- Led the Food and Nutrition Department, including the leadership of 10 managers and 50 employees.
- P&L management over 5,000,000 managed volume annually.
- Directed patient services, production, retail, catering, operations, and clinical nutrition services with full compliance of the Joint Commission standards.
- Led cross functional teams to implement healthcare policies and procedures.
- Facilitated communication between departments to enhance collaboration and support.
- Maintained strong employee engagement and reduced turnover by securing a Gallop Employee Satisfaction score above 4.5 through effective leadership and team development.
- Surpassed patient satisfaction benchmarks with Press Ganey scores above 99%.
- Client satisfaction 100% securing Sodexo's contract.
Clinical Nutrition Manager, Health Care
Sodexo Services North America
07.2002 - 03.2003
- Registered, Licensed Dietitian, Assistant General Manager of the Food and Nutrition Department responsible for the management of clinical dietitians, nutrition staff and patient services.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to enhance clinical patient programs.
- Developed nutritional programs for diverse patient populations.
- Oversaw menu planning and food service operations.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to provide patient-centered care.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nutrition Sciences
Purdue University
West Lafayette, INWest Lafayette, IN
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Purdue University
West Lafayette, INWest Lafayette, IN
Skills
- Brand strategy, development and execution
- Cross-functional team leadership
- Process improvement and operational efficiency
- Innovation and product ideation
- Product lifecycle management
- Strategic planning and implementation
- Change management facilitation
- C-suite influence and advisory
- Stakeholder engagement
- Project management
- Collaboration
- Effective communicator
Activities Accomplishments
- Regional Membership Chair - Sodexo Employee Resource Business Group
- Awards: Sodexo Patient Experience Award, Sodexo Financial Achievement Award, Sodexo GM of the Year, Studer Group National Presenter, Teamwork & Leadership Award Recipient, Client Contributor Service Award
Timeline
Senior Manager, Service and Brand Activation
Sodexo North America
06.2017 - 06.2025
Senior Manager, Brand Development
Sodexo North America
09.2014 - 06.2017
Senior Brand Manager, Health Care
Sodexo North America
06.2006 - 09.2014
General Manager, Health Care
Sodexo Services North America
03.2003 - 06.2006
Clinical Nutrition Manager, Health Care
Sodexo Services North America
07.2002 - 03.2003
Bachelor of Science - Nutrition Sciences
Purdue University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Purdue University
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