Susan DeRousse
Charleston,IL
Summary
Seasoned food service leader with over 15 years of experience in dining services, catering, retail operations, and team management within higher education environments. Proven success managing multimillion-dollar budgets, driving campus engagement through strategic marketing, and leading cross-functional teams. Passionate about delivering high-quality dining experiences and maintaining sustainable, client-focused operations.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
District Marketing Manager
Sodexo
11.2022 - Current
- Plan and execute marketing campaigns to support dining services and enhance student and client engagement.
- Collaborate with operations teams to promote dining programs and events, contributing to student satisfaction and retention.
- Develop digital and print content, leveraging social media and campus channels to maximize visibility and participation.
- Track analytics and feedback to refine messaging and campaign effectiveness.
Catering Manager 3/ Retail Manager 2
Indiana State University
01.2015 - 01.2022
- Managed $4M+ in retail operations and $1M+ in catering services, including national brands and campus events.
- Led event planning and execution for university functions including presidential banquets and athletic events.
- Oversaw hiring, training, payroll, and performance management for 15–29 employees.
- Unit Director / Student Supervisor
Unit Director / Student Supervisor
Eastern Illinois University
01.2006 - 01.2015
- Supervised daily dining hall operations and staff scheduling.
- Managed hiring processes and implemented Infinitime timekeeping system.
- Chaired sustainability initiatives and trained staff on emerging industry trends.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Family and Consumer Sciences, Hospitality Management & Business Administration
Eastern Illinois University
Charleston, IL01.2007
Skills
- General Management & Leadership
- Campus Dining Operations
- Budget & Financial Oversight
- Catering & Event Management
- Marketing & Student Engagement
- Sustainability Initiatives
- Team Development & HR
- Sodexo Systems (DRIVE, FMS, MSC)
- Office 365
Timeline
District Marketing Manager
Sodexo
11.2022 - Current
Catering Manager 3/ Retail Manager 2
Indiana State University
01.2015 - 01.2022
Unit Director / Student Supervisor
Eastern Illinois University
01.2006 - 01.2015
Bachelor of Science - Family and Consumer Sciences, Hospitality Management & Business Administration
Eastern Illinois University