From Service to Leadership: Mike Viola’s Sodexo Journey

For Mike Viola, leadership, service, and teamwork are not just professional skills, they are deeply ingrained values that have shaped every chapter of his life. Today, as Vice President of Operations for Sodexo’s Healthcare Facility Solutions, Mike leads teams across the central region of the United States, managing facility operations, construction, and energy management for multiple health systems. But before stepping into this exclusive role, Mike spent two decades serving his country in the United States Air Force, where his foundation for leadership began. 

A Path from the Air Force to Healthcare Operations 

Mike served for 20 years in the Air Force, beginning in security forces before transitioning into healthcare administration. He later served as a First Sergeant, a position that honed his ability to lead with integrity, support others, and manage complex operations. 

After retiring from military service, Mike began his civilian career in healthcare in Pensacola, Florida. He quickly advanced to become the Corporate Director of Support Services, overseeing areas such as food services, environmental services, and facilities management. In that role, he worked closely with Sodexo as a client and it was during that time that he saw firsthand the strength of Sodexo’s culture and partnerships. 

“I had the opportunity to sit on the other side of the table as a client,” Mike recalls. “I was impressed with the partnership we had with Sodexo. I really liked what I saw in the culture and the people I worked with.”

That experience sparked an interest that would eventually lead him to join Sodexo in 2015 as the Director of Startups for the Healthcare segment. The chance to bring his operational background, leadership experience, and passion for service to a company with shared values made the move a natural fit. 

Leading with Purpose 

In his current role as Vice President of Operations, Mike is responsible for managing a diverse portfolio of healthcare clients throughout the central United States. His work centers around supporting teams of facility directors and leaders who ensure smooth operations for each site. 

“Every day is about supporting my team and our clients,” Mike explains. “I have the privilege of leading exceptional teams that manage facility operations, construction, and energy management across our health systems. It’s about empowering leaders and helping them succeed.”

His leadership style, rooted in teamwork, accountability, and respect, is a direct reflection of his military experience. “The military teaches you to lead by example and take care of your people,” Mike says. “That translates perfectly into how I approach leadership today.”

Supporting Veterans Through Honor

From the beginning of his Sodexo career, Mike found a community that recognized and valued his military background. “Sodexo has always had a great focus on veterans,” he says. “They understand the value veterans bring to the organization. I’ve been embraced and recognized as a veteran since day one.”

Mike became an active member of HONOR, Sodexo’s Employee Business Resource Group (EBRG), for veterans and their allies. Over the years, he’s served as the Executive Representative for the Florida Chapter, helping drive membership and organizing events to support veteran colleagues and communities. 

Beyond internal advocacy, Mike also worked closely with Sodexo’s Talent Acquisition and Healthcare Facility Solutions teams to help develop programs aimed at recruiting and supporting veterans transitioning to civilian careers. 

“We participated in events where we met with veterans, talked about our experience, and coached them on how to make themselves competitive for employment,” Mike says. “It’s important to help them understand the value of their skills and how those skills translate into civilian life.”

Translating Military Skills into Civilian Success

For veterans considering a similar path, Mike’s advice is clear: don’t underestimate what you’ve learned. “Value your skills,” he says. “The teamwork, leadership, diversity, and technical abilities you gain in the military are all incredibly valuable. Learn how to translate those into a civilian career, you’ll find they make you very competitive.”

Mike’s journey from Air Force Service to Sodexo leadership is a testament to the power of adaptability, lifelong learning, and purpose-driven work. Whether supporting his teams, mentoring other veterans, or driving operational excellence, his commitment to service continues to guide his path, just as it has throughout his entire career. 

At Sodexo, we are proud to honor and support veterans like Mike who continue to make a difference every day. Through initiatives like our EBRG HONOR and dedicated veteran hiring programs, we’re committed to creating opportunities that recognize and value the skills, experience, and leadership veterans bring to our organization. 

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