Megan Bates
AVERILL PARK,NY
Summary
Results-driven and detail-oriented Operational Manager with 12 years of experience overseeing the efficient management and delivery of high-quality, nutritious meals to students. Adept at coordinating day-to-day operations, managing staff, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, and optimizing program budgets. Proven ability to work collaboratively with school administrators, food service providers, and vendors to enhance program effectiveness and meet the diverse needs of students. Strong focus on food safety, menu planning, and student satisfaction, combined with excellent organizational and leadership skills. Committed to fostering a positive, inclusive, and efficient environment that supports student health, well-being, and academic success.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Operational Manager of Shared Food Services
Capital Region BOCES
05.2024 - Current
- Established positive and effective communication among team staff and organization leadership, reducing miscommunications, and missed deadlines.
- Identified and resolved unauthorized, unsafe, or ineffective practices.
- Developed and maintained relationships with school district administrations.
- Developed and implemented strategies to maximize customer satisfaction.
- Assisted with supervising staff and kept employees compliant with company policies and procedures.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Developed policy and procedures for different school meal programs.
- Assist school lunch directors with SED admin review process.
Senior School Lunch Director
Capital Region BOCES
05.2022 - 05.2024
- Managed a team of 30+ staff members in the daily operations of the school lunch program
- Increased reimbursable lunch participation by over 5% across the district
- Oversaw the ordering, inventory, and budgeting for all food and supplies
- Conducted regular meetings with school administrators to discuss menu options and student feedback
- Designed and organized special events and theme days to promote healthy eating habits and engage students
- Conducted training sessions for staff on food safety, customer service, and menu items
- Monitored and analyzed program data to make adjustments and improvements as needed.
- Coordinated with local farmers and vendors to source fresh and locally grown ingredients
Food Service Director
Guilderland Central School District
11.2018 - 07.2022
- Developed and implemented menus for breakfast, lunch, and catering events
- Oversaw food preparation and presentation in accordance with health and safety standards
- Managed a team of 30+ kitchen staff, providing training and guidance to ensure quality service
- Created and maintained budget for school meal operations, optimizing costs and reducing waste
- Led the program to a 1 million dollar profit in 2022
- Collaborated with fellow school lunch directors to develop bids and maintain relationships
- Ensured compliance with all food service regulations and guidelines
- Surveyed students and families to determine areas for improvement within the school meal program
Food Service Director
Hadley-Luzerne Central School
08.2016 - 12.2018
- Developed and implemented menus for all meals, accommodating dietary restrictions and preferences
- Managed a team of 10 kitchen staff members, overseeing hiring, training, and scheduling
- Maintained inventory and ordered supplies to ensure efficient and costeffective operations
- Ensured compliance with all health and safety regulations, conducting regular inspections and training programs
- Created and managed budgets for food and labor costs
Food Service Director
Aramark at Warrensburg CSD
08.2014 - 06.2016
- Maintained compliance with all health and safety regulations
- Conducted regular staff training and development programs to ensure highquality service and guest satisfaction
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with students and staff, addressing any concerns or complaints in a timely and professional manner
- Utilized data analysis and customer feedback to make informed decisions and continuously improve the food service experience.
Food Service Director
Hoosic Valley Junior Senior High School
08.2012 - 06.2014
- Developed and implemented new menu items to increase customer satisfaction and revenue
- Managed a team of 10+ employees including hiring, training, and scheduling
- Monitored inventory levels and placed orders to ensure adequate supplies for operations
- Maintained compliance with health and safety regulations and conducted regular inspections
- Implemented costsaving measures such as reducing food waste and optimizing portion sizes
- Conducted regular staff meetings to discuss performance, address concerns, and improve operations
Education
Bachelor of Science - BS - Nutrition Sciences
University of Vermont
Burlington, VT05-2010
Coursework - General Nutrition Studies
SUNY Adirondack
Queensbury NY12-2008
Coursework - Biology and Liberal Arts
St. Lawrence University
Canton, NY06-2008
Skills
- Leadership
- Multitasking
- Organization
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Superb time management skills
- Goal attainment
- Project management abilities
Accomplishments
2024 Anne B Gennings Award Winner NYSNA. This award highlights school nutrition advocates and their work on behalf of the students in NYS.
2023 LAC Scholarship Award Winner School Nutrition Foundation December 2023
One of two school lunch directors from across the nation chosen to attend the School Nutrition Association's Legislative Action Conference. This award is presented to school nutrition professionals who are passionate about advocating on behalf of school lunch programs.
2021 Farm to School Award NYSNA and NYS Ag and Markets February 2021
This prestigious award highlights exemplary farm to school projects across New York State. Guilderland CSD was awarded this honor for their Farm to Fork event connecting farmers and local producers with school lunch directors and restaurant owners to increase local menu offerings.
Certification
School Nutrition Specialist School Nutrition Association October 2022
An SNS is a person who has successfully passed the School Nutrition Specialist exam, demonstrated the knowledge and competencies necessary to manage school nutrition programs and is dedicated to continuing their professional development.
Timeline
Operational Manager of Shared Food Services
Capital Region BOCES
05.2024 - Current
Senior School Lunch Director
Capital Region BOCES
05.2022 - 05.2024
Food Service Director
Guilderland Central School District
11.2018 - 07.2022
Food Service Director
Hadley-Luzerne Central School
08.2016 - 12.2018
Food Service Director
Aramark at Warrensburg CSD
08.2014 - 06.2016
Food Service Director
Hoosic Valley Junior Senior High School
08.2012 - 06.2014
School Nutrition Specialist School Nutrition Association October 2022
An SNS is a person who has successfully passed the School Nutrition Specialist exam, demonstrated the knowledge and competencies necessary to manage school nutrition programs and is dedicated to continuing their professional development.
Bachelor of Science - BS - Nutrition Sciences
University of Vermont
Coursework - General Nutrition Studies
SUNY Adirondack
Coursework - Biology and Liberal Arts
St. Lawrence University
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