Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
2015 Catherine McAuley Award winner
Timeline
Generic

Yolanda Kennedy

Savannah

Summary

Ambitious Director of Dining Services with proven track record of creating successful food service operations, managing staff and increasing profits. Extensive experience in menu design, ordering supplies and creating innovative solutions to food service challenges. Well-versed in hospitality standards and natural knack for building relationships with customers. Knowledgeable in food safety and sanitation protocols.

Overview

35
35
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Director of Dining Services I

St. Joseph's/ Candler
08.2022 - Current
  • Kept facility compliant with health codes, sanitation requirements and license regulations, alleviating potentially heavy fines.
  • Monitored and adjusted pricing, discounts and promotions to maximize profitability.
  • Implemented effective inventory control systems to reduce food spoilage and waste.
  • Handled escalated customer concerns with speed and knowledgeable support to achieve optimal satisfaction and maintain long-term loyalty.
  • Motivated staff to perform at peak efficiency and quality.
  • Maintained kitchen cleanliness and sanitation through correct procedures and scheduled cleaning of surfaces and equipment.
  • Coordinated with catering staff to deliver food services for special events and functions.
  • Analyzed sales data to identify trends and adjust purchasing decisions accordingly.
  • Managed staff schedules and maintained adequate coverage for all shifts.
  • Purchased food and cultivated strong vendor relationships.

Catering Coordinator

St . Joseph's Hospital
05.2008 - 08.2022
  • Analyzed catering orders and collaborated with staff to set up equipment, supplies and menus to meet client expectations.
  • Communicated with customers to review catering goals and budget, deliver quotes and proposals, schedule event and carry out catering needs as contracted.
  • Monitored and controlled banquet budget and coordinated with events budgets to maximize revenue and minimize expenses while providing quality guest service.
  • Verified prepared food met standards for quality and quantity before serving to customers.
  • Oversaw food preparation and monitored safety protocols.
  • Implemented effective inventory control systems to reduce food spoilage and waste.

Dietary Clerk/Diet Technician

St. Joseph's Hospital
01.1996 - 05.2008
  • Checked trays on tray line for accuracy, temperature and appearance.
  • Printed menus, tray tickets, tallies and nourishment labels.
  • Focused on satisfying patients' food service needs and dietary requirements.
  • Built relationships to promote collaborative environment.
  • Screened and monitored for change in nutrition risk status in hospitalized patients.
  • Preserved inventory of nutrition-related supplies and equipment.
  • Monitored and evaluated patient progress, documenting results.

Dietary Aide

St. Joseph's Hospital
07.1990 - 12.1995
  • Set up and prepared patient tray-line for meal assembly during breakfast and lunch or lunch and dinner meal periods.
  • Delivered nourishment and supplements to nurse station for distribution to specific patients.
  • Removed dishes, trays, and utensils from patient meal carts in the dish room area in accordance with sanitation procedures.
  • Discarded outdated food products and maintained waste disposal procedures.
  • Served meals to patients in accordance with established schedules and dietary procedures.
  • Cross-trained in other kitchen positions to support staff and meet customer needs and demands.

Education

Master of Science - Project Management

Strayer University
Online Program
09-2023

Bachelor of Science - Business Management

University of Phoenix
Savannah, GA
05-2013

Skills

  • Meal planning

  • Menu development

  • Food presentation

  • Food safety compliance

  • Employee scheduling

  • Sanitation standards

  • Health inspections

  • Menu pricing

  • Kitchen staff coordination

  • Catering management

  • Event planning

  • Expense tracking

Accomplishments

  • Sister of Mercy Associate
  • Leadership Academy Cohort 2
  • Angel of Mercy Board Member
  • Mercy Federal Credit Union Board Member
  • Catholic Diocese: Strategic Leadership Trainer
  • Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Certification

  • Serve Safe Certified - June 22, 2023 to June 22, 2028
  • Certified Food Manager as of August 15th, 2024

2015 Catherine McAuley Award winner


This award, named after the founder of the Sisters of Mercy, is a coveted and honored tradition within St. Joseph's/ Candler.

I was awarded this prestigious honor for my commitment of always providing service to those in need.  I embodied the culture of always to satisfy customers whether it was for patients, staff or visitors.  "No problem" was and continues to be my motto in serving others.

Timeline

Director of Dining Services I

St. Joseph's/ Candler
08.2022 - Current

Catering Coordinator

St . Joseph's Hospital
05.2008 - 08.2022

Dietary Clerk/Diet Technician

St. Joseph's Hospital
01.1996 - 05.2008

Dietary Aide

St. Joseph's Hospital
07.1990 - 12.1995

Master of Science - Project Management

Strayer University

Bachelor of Science - Business Management

University of Phoenix

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