Chartwells in the Great Lakes
Serving schools across the Great Lakes, Chartwells K12 creates welcoming dining
experiences that bring joy to every meal and foster a love for nutritious food.
Great Lakes By The Numbers
Discover how Chartwells K12 is driving impact across the Great Lakes—backed by impressive numbers that showcase our commitment to healthier meals, stronger communities, and innovative programs.
Meet The Team
Meet the dedicated K-12 Great Lakes support team, committed to delivering
exceptional service and solutions for every district we serve.
Regional Vice President
Justin, a culinary school graduate from Grand Rapids Community College, began his career with Chartwells in 2000 and has worked across multiple school districts in Michigan and Indiana. His award-winning culinary background spans restaurants and colleges, earning honors such as People's Choice from the Michigan Pork Producers Association and Chartwells' Great Lakes Eagle Award.
Regional Sales Director
Troy joined Chartwells in 2018 and leads new client partnerships in Michigan and Ohio, working closely with operations to develop tailored solutions for school districts. With over 12 years of experience in K-12 as a director of operations and business development, he has partnered with more than 400 districts across the Midwest and Southeast.
Senior Regional Director of Operations
Karen brings 27 years of K-12 foodservice experience, including 20 years as a Chartwells district manager, and now serves as a senior leader supporting districts in southeast Michigan. She partners with administrators and dining teams to boost participation, improve efficiency, meet financial goals, and ensure safety and compliance, while maintaining active membership in the School Nutrition Association.
Area Director
Will brings 30 years of hospitality experience and five years in K-12 foodservice, serving Ohio districts to improve efficiency, financial performance, and compliance. A ServSafe-certified proctor and Sinclair Community College graduate, he has earned multiple Manager of the Year awards.
Regional Executive Chef
Chef Aaron, a University of London graduate, became a head chef at 23 and brings over 26 years of global culinary experience from fine dining to corporate catering. After 18 years with Compass Group worldwide, he now serves as regional executive chef, shaping young minds and promoting nutritious, balanced food choices.
Regional Executive Chef
Chef Brandon, a graduate of the Institute for the Culinary Arts, has over 13 years of experience in fine dining, hotels, and private clubs, including leadership roles at Oak Hills and Tippecanoe Lake Country Clubs. He joined Chartwells K12 in 2019 and now serves as regional executive chef for the Midwest.
Regional Dietitian
Mindy, a registered dietitian with a degree from Michigan State University, began her Chartwells career in 2005 as the first regional dietitian in the Great Lakes and later served as a foodservice director. She has held leadership roles with Morrison Community Living and No Kid Hungry and is passionate about health, wellness, and supporting teams that impact kids' lives.
Regional Dietitian
Haley joined Chartwells in 2014 and supports districts with nutrition, wellness, sustainability, allergen control, and student education initiatives. She holds a bachelor's and master's in nutrition and dietetics, is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and has spoken at events for organizations like the Indiana School Nutrition Association and Fuel Up to Play 60.
Testimonials
Discover how schools in the Great Lakes and Chartwells are working together to elevate
student nutrition and create thriving learning environments
Operational Excellence
At Chartwells K12, organizational excellence drives everything we do—combining culinary innovation, empowered people, strong community connections, trusted partnerships, dynamic programs, and unwavering compliance to deliver exceptional dining experiences for schools.
Innovative, Curated Menus and Recipes
Scratch Cooking
Fresh, Seasonal, Quality Local Ingredients
Nutritionally Balances Meals
Culinary Education & Training
Attract, Grow, Retain
Training
Development
Celebration
Farmers Markets
Wellness Fairs
Cooking Demonstrations
Food Truck Pop-Ups
Attract, Grow, Retain
Training
Development
Celebration
Driving Participation with Food Kids Love to Eat
Nutrition Education
School Gardens
Career Opportunities for Students
Commodity Tracking
USDA Compliant Menus
Reporting for Administrative Reviews
Chartwells Newsroom
