From the Navy to Sodexo: How One Veteran’s Military Experience Shaped His Career
With more than three decades of combined military and civilian service, Keith has built a career grounded in leadership, resilience, and a deep commitment to those he serves, both in uniform and in the workplace. His path, which began in the U.S. Navy and now continues as a leader at Sodexo, reflects a lifetime of purpose-driven work and a company culture that supports those who serve.
Keith began his military career in 1989 when he joined the U.S. Navy as a culinary specialist, managing food operations aboard two large ships stationed in Japan and the Pacific. His responsibilities ranged from baking overnight for crews to leading food service for senior officers, including ship captains. These early experiences demanded not only technical skills but precision, time management, and strong leadership.
Over the years, Keith rose through the ranks, eventually becoming a Chief Petty Officer. He later joined the Vermont National Guard, where he was commissioned as a Chief Warrant Officer, taking on broader responsibilities for planning and managing large-scale food service operations for military personnel across wide geographic areas. Today, he serves in the Maine National Guard, where he holds the same title for the 120th Regional Support Group in Augusta.
Having served on active duty, completed three combat tours in Iraq, and held roles across the Reserves and National Guard, Keith credits the military for shaping his ability to lead under pressure, manage complex operations, and build strong teams.
“I would not be as successful as I am in the military if it were not for my mentors, my Sailors, and my Soldiers that I have worked with over the years,” he says. “I take that same mentality in my Sodexo career and ensure to surround myself with managers and staff who strive to be the best every day.”
These experiences helped Keith develop the skills to handle large operations under pressure and lead diverse teams, skills that have translated directly to his success at Sodexo.
Keith joined Sodexo in 2006 and has worked with our company for 19 years. He began his career in the Senior Living segment as a General Manager, eventually becoming an Area General Manager in Seattle. Later, he oversaw senior living facilities across Minnesota, Colorado, Washington State, and California. In 2016, Keith moved to the East Coast to lead operations at the University of Vermont, and in 2021, he was asked to revitalize dining operations at Salem State University, where he continues to lead today as the General Manager of Operations.
Throughout his time at Sodexo, Keith has balanced his civilian career with ongoing military service, deploying multiple times and completing Officer Candidate School and Warrant Officer training. During it all, Sodexo stood by him.
“I appreciate how open the company and my managers have been to help me during these times and to transition back into the company after returning from long periods away,” Keith says.
This support went beyond his immediate team. During a deployment in 2010, Sodexo’s Employee Business Resource Group (EBRG), HONOR, sent care packages to Keith that were large enough for him to share with his entire unit. When he returned from his deployment in 2011, Keith reached out to his former Vice President in the Senior Living segment to reconnect.
“He called me right back and invited me to dinner with a bunch of other Sodexo folks,” Keith recalls. “It is with this kind of employee engagement and appreciation that really drives the culture of the company home.”
Today, Keith applies the leadership lessons of his military career to his civilian role, overseeing university dining operations, managing client relationships, and leading high-performing teams. His ability to manage complex budgets, deliver consistent quality, and inspire excellence day-to-day speaks to the values he’s carried across both careers.
Keith’s story is a powerful example of how, at Sodexo, we support our veterans through stability, growth, and a sense of belonging every step of the way.
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