Results-driven professional with a proven track record in delivering high-quality work and enhancing operational efficiency. Experienced Regional Director skilled in strategic planning, team leadership, and market expansion. Achievements include successful business growth initiatives and the development of strong regional teams. Expertise in identifying revenue growth opportunities and fostering stakeholder relationships. Strategic Regional Director known for high productivity and efficient task completion. Specialize in operational leadership, financial acumen, and market expansion strategies. Excel in communication, problem-solving, and adaptability, ensuring success in dynamic environments. Committed to driving team performance and achieving organizational goals through effective management and strategic planning.
Open To Work
Hi, I’m
Denise Lewis
San Diego
Summary
Overview
17
years of professional experience
1
Certification
Work History
Eastern Healthcare GroupVirginia Beach
Regional Director of Culinary Services
03.2025 - Current
Job overview
- Oversaw dining operations for 18 centers across Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Skilled Nursing Facilities.
- Ensured culinary departments maintained high standards of food quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.
- Led management meetings to communicate performance metrics and address operational challenges.
- Managed a team of 18 Culinary Managers and Dietitians, delivering training and performance evaluations.
- Coordinated special events by planning menus, estimating food quantities, and supervising execution.
- Handled budget responsibilities by forecasting expenses and identifying cost optimization opportunities.
- Executed multiple projects, including kitchen renovations, adhering to strict timelines and budgets.
- Developed training manuals for culinary staff detailing standard operating procedures for food preparation.
Healthcare Services GroupVirginia Beach
District Manager HCSG
09.2022 - 11.2024
Job overview
- Managed multiple Account Managers across various locations while transitioning between California and Virginia.
- Facilitated professional growth of Account Managers through leadership, training, and quality control.
- Maintained comprehensive records of budgets and expenses related to food, supplies, equipment, and staffing.
- Coordinated operations with Human Resources, RD, VPO, ED, and RDO for streamlined communication.
- Reviewed and approved payroll reports alongside conducting payroll audits.
- Led team meetings via Google Meets for training and regulatory compliance purposes.
- Executed compliance audits and initiated POC for quality assurance improvements.
Healthcare Services GroupSan Diego
District Manager HealthCare Services Group (HCSG)
05.2021 - 06.2022
Job overview
- Managed multiple Account Managers and locations per policies and regulatory requirements.
- Facilitated professional growth for Account Managers through leadership and training initiatives.
- Maintained accurate records of budgets and expenses, including food, supplies, and staffing.
- Coordinated operations communication between Human Resources, RD, VPO, ED, and RDO.
- Reviewed payroll reports, approved payroll processing, and conducted payroll audits.
- Led team meetings via Google Meets to ensure training and compliance standards.
- Executed compliance audits and initiated POC for quality assurance improvements.
- Supported Account Managers in hiring, firing, wage discussions, and benefits administration.
Morrison Community LivingLa Jolla
Nutrition Care Manager
06.2019 - 03.2021
Job overview
- Responsible for higher levels of care include assisted living, memory care and SNF.
- Responsible for staff evaluation, training in policy and procedure, education and staff accountability.
- Responsible for food safety, kitchen sanitation and food quality.
- Responsible for quarterly state inspections and survey designee annually for the dietary department.
- Communicate, meet and follow up with Directors, Therapist, Human Resource, Dietitian, RN and all other clinical team members.
- Conduct team member scheduling, team member meetings, team member training, delegate staff responsibilities, job functions and implement emergency procedures.
- Responsible for menu planning and development for cycle menus, holidays and events.
- Conduct disciplinary action in accordance with policy and procedure as needed.
- Conduct interviews, hire and terminate employees.
- Care planning, Quarterly's, and Nutritional assessments.
- Attend daily/ weekly wound/weight, QAPI and clinical meetings.
Morrison Community LivingJacksonville
Director of Dining Services
01.2018 - 06.2019
Job overview
- Supervised all dietary department staff and managed full-cycle HR functions, including hiring, onboarding, training, performance management, and disciplinary actions.
- Oversaw food safety, kitchen sanitation, and food quality standards, ensuring compliance with state regulations and organizational policies.
- Served as the survey designee for the dietary department, successfully leading quarterly state inspections and annual regulatory surveys.
- Collaborated closely with interdisciplinary teams, including Directors, Therapists, HR, Dietitians, RNs, and clinical leadership, to support care coordination and operational efficiency.
- Directed staff scheduling, team meetings, ongoing training, delegation of responsibilities, and implementation of emergency procedures.
- Conducted interviews, made hiring decisions, and managed employee separations in alignment with HR policies.
- Completed care planning, quarterly reviews, and nutritional assessments; actively participated in daily/weekly wound care, weight management, QAPI, and clinical meetings.
Zenful MealsOrlando
CEO/Owner
01.2014 - 01.2018
Job overview
- Established company by securing business license, developing website, redesigning workspace, creating business plan, and hiring staff.
- Executed advertising strategies via social media, networking events, and meetings with local markets including gyms and health clubs.
- Delivered personal diet development services, menu planning, and fresh food delivery aligned with dietary plans.
- Managed daily operations of clerical aides, chefs, delivery drivers, service aides, and interns through UCF College.
- Conducted training sessions on policies and procedures to support customers' dietary goals.
HOWELL BRANCH COURTWinter Park
Certified Dietary Manager
09.2008 - 02.2015
Job overview
- Supervised dietary staff to ensure high performance and adherence to quality standards.
- Oversaw food ordering, budgeting, and inventory management for cost efficiency and availability.
- Conducted staff evaluations and delivered training on policies, food safety, and sanitation.
- Led quarterly state inspections as ACHA survey designee for dietary department accreditation.
- Collaborated with clinical team members to enhance communication and operational effectiveness.
- Managed staff scheduling and delegated responsibilities during team meetings and training sessions.
- Developed cycle menus, holiday meals, and special event menus while administering disciplinary actions.
- Completed comprehensive nutritional assessments, care plans, and quarterly reviews for section K.
Education
Keiser UniversityLakeland, FL
Associates in Science from Nutrition & Dietetics
01.2015
University Overview
Auburn UniversityAuburn, AL
Certified Dietary Manager
01.2010
University Overview
Certified Since 2010
Johnson & Wales UniversityNorth Miami, FL
Associate Degree from Business Administration
06.2008
University Overview
Skills
- Food safety compliance
- Regulatory inspections
- Quality control
- Menu planning
- Budget management
- Culinary operations
- Meal tracker
- Point Click Care (PCC)
- Revenue growth
- Effective communication
- Project execution
- Strategic planning
- Customer satisfaction
- Brand awareness
- Business development
Certification
- SERV Safe, 01/01/26, 01/01/30
- Certified Dietary Manager (CDM, CFPP), 09/01/25, 09/01/28
Timeline
Regional Director of Culinary Services
Eastern Healthcare Group
03.2025 - Current
District Manager HCSG
Healthcare Services Group
09.2022 - 11.2024
District Manager HealthCare Services Group (HCSG)
Healthcare Services Group
05.2021 - 06.2022
Nutrition Care Manager
Morrison Community Living
06.2019 - 03.2021
Director of Dining Services
Morrison Community Living
01.2018 - 06.2019
CEO/Owner
Zenful Meals
01.2014 - 01.2018
Certified Dietary Manager
HOWELL BRANCH COURT
09.2008 - 02.2015
Keiser University
Associates in Science from Nutrition & Dietetics
Auburn University
Certified Dietary Manager
Johnson & Wales University
Associate Degree from Business Administration