Sandy Kemp, Executive Director of Child Nutrition Services, Albuquerque Public Schools
In school nutrition, Sandy Kemp is an exceptional leader, celebrated for her remarkable dedication to the K-12 community. With over 25 years of loyal service to the district, Sandy’s journey from area manager to executive director is not just a tale of career progression but a testament to her unwavering commitment to providing quality meals for students. There is plenty to learn from Sandy’s leadership and how it has shaped the district’s dining experience and why she stands as a beacon of inspiration for her team and beyond.
Serving a whopping 75,000 students across 140+ schools, Sandy’s district embodies diversity not just in its student population but also in its culinary offerings. With around 32,000 breakfasts and 45,000 lunches served daily, Sandy ensures every meal is not just nutritious but also enticing for her young patrons. From familiar cereals to student favorites like corn chip pie and chicken & mashed potatoes, Sandy’s team crafts menus that resonate with students’ tastes while introducing them to healthier options like yogurt parfaits and plant-based alternatives.
Sandy’s approach to menu planning is anything but static. With at least six new offerings every semester, she keeps the dining experience fresh and exciting. She leverages many General Mills Foodservice products such as PillsburyTM Cheesy Pull-Aparts, cereal bars, and yogurts to ensure students are always delighted with what’s on their plates. Moreover, her district’s proximity to a local General Mills manufacturing plant creates a deeper connection with the products. While New Mexico currently provides free meals to all students, Sandy notes how she uses rebates from General Mills to pay off unpaid meal charges from previous years.
For Sandy, the responsibilities of an executive director extend far beyond the central kitchen. She states that there’s no such thing as a typical day for her, but she usually kicks things off before 6 am when she rides her bike to work and begins checking in with her staff and addressing any issues. From menu meetings to supporting energy-boosting supper programs, Sandy's days are a whirlwind of activities aimed at nourishing both body and mind. “I believe every day you can make a difference in a child’s life,” she says. “The nutrition we provide is crucial to children being able to learn what they need to become successful members of our community. At the end of the day, it makes it worthwhile to feel like you’ve done something good.”
What sets Sandy apart is not just her managerial prowess but her leadership style rooted in empathy and action. Described by colleagues as hands-on and ready to roll up her sleeves, Sandy inspires her team to give their best every day. Her mantra of doing whatever it takes and adapting to the needs of the moment underscores her commitment to the well-being of her students and staff alike. She is quick to share any praise, saying, “I want to make sure everyone understands that I really couldn’t do it without my whole staff — and I mean everybody. From our dishwashers to IT support to accounting, it truly takes everyone to make it work. Our staff is dedicated and shows up every day because they fully believe they’re making a difference.”
In Sandy's world, every day presents an opportunity to make a difference in a child's life. Her advice to her team echoes this sentiment, urging them to approach each task with determination and compassion. Whether it's navigating obstacles or celebrating successes, Sandy's guidance is clear: “put your floaties on and go,” because the journey to positive change is often challenging but immensely rewarding. Neil Harmeyer has worked with Sandy for around ten years and says, “She displays boundless energy, a huge heart, and always thinks outside the box. She’s knowledgeable, fun, awesome, respectful, generous, and wicked cool! Her tagline could be: do whatever it takes.”
Sandy Kemp's legacy as an executive director goes beyond her tenure or title. It's about embodying the spirit of unwavering dedication, innovative thinking, and compassionate leadership. In a world where cafeteria meals often go unnoticed, Sandy ensures every bite is a reminder of the care and commitment that goes into nourishing young minds. So, if you ever find yourself facing a challenge or seeking inspiration, remember: be like Sandy.