Michael Gasper
Holmen
Summary
Results-driven School Nutrition Director with extensive experience leading K–12 nutrition programs and managing multi-site foodservice operations. Expertise in USDA regulations, menu planning, procurement, budgeting, and staff training. Proven track record in enhancing meal quality, ensuring compliance, and advancing student wellness initiatives. Recognized for strong leadership and organizational skills, delivering high-quality results through effective teamwork.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
School Nutrition Director
School District of Holmen
01.2008 - Current
- Enhanced student participation through data-driven menu planning and variety improvements.
- Led operations for 7 schools, serving 3,900 students daily and ensuring efficiency.
- Directed staff hiring, training, and ongoing development to improve overall performance.
- Ensured compliance with USDA, state, and local regulations for meal and procurement standards.
- Managed $3.6 million budget, achieving a fund balance exceeding $1.3 million.
- Implemented wellness and farm-to-school initiatives to elevate program quality.
Food Production Supervisor
Mayo Health System
01.1992 - 01.2008
- Enhanced food production efficiency within a major healthcare system.
- Maintained strict adherence to food safety, sanitation, and HACCP standards.
- Developed training programs for foodservice staff across multiple departments.
- Managed production schedules, ensuring recipe compliance and effective inventory control.
- Collaborated with clinical nutrition and administrative teams to optimize patient dietary needs.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Wisconsin At La Crosse
La Crosse, WI05-1987
Skills
- School Nutrition Management
- USDA Meal Pattern Compliance
- Menu Planning & Recipe Development
- Operational Leadership
- Staff Hiring, Training & Development
- Procurement & Inventory Management
- Budgeting & Financial Oversight
- Food Safety & HACCP Compliance
- Wellness & Farm-to-School Programs
- Stakeholder & Community Engagement
- Public Speaking
- Microsoft Office / Google Workspace
- Quality assurance
- HACCP compliance
Accomplishments
- Earned the School Nutrition Specialist (SNS) credential.
- Maintains 92% participation district-wide.
- Developed and implemented districtwide nutrition and wellness initiatives recognized at the state level.
- Developed a nationally recognized Farm-to-School program.
- Successfully completed federal and state administrative reviews with minimum findings.
- Numerous national recognitions for program excellence.
Affiliations
- School Nutrition Association (SNA) National Board of Directors, 2022–2025
- SNA-WI President, 2020–2021
- SNA-WI President, 2018–2019
- SNA-WI Legislative Committee Member, 2016
Certification
- School Nutrition Specialist (SNS) – School Nutrition Association
- ServSafe Manager Certification
- HACCP Training
Timeline
School Nutrition Director
School District of Holmen
01.2008 - Current
Food Production Supervisor
Mayo Health System
01.1992 - 01.2008
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Wisconsin At La Crosse
AWARDS
2025 USDA Healthy Meal Incentive Awards – Lunch Trailblazer, 2025 USDA Healthy Meal Incentive Awards – Innovation in Preparation of School Meals, 2024 Dr. Katie Wilson Lifetime Achievement Award, 2017 SNA-WI Director of the Year, 2017 SNA Midwest Region Director of the Year, 2016 SNA-WI Future Leader Award, 2015 Food Management Magazine Best Concept Award