Donna Casalenuovo

Catering Director, Liberty University Dining Services @Sodexo

Lynchburg, VA, US

Oversee a $2M annual catering budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility through accurate forecasting, cost control, and customized menu pricing. Spearhead the planning, sales, and execution of all university catering events ranging from intimate meetings to multiday conferences, banquets, and formal galas, serving as many as guests across multiple venues in a single day. Drive revenue growth by actively seeking external business opportunities, especially during campus closures. During my first summer, we generated an additional $100K in sales over the previous year and have maintained that since then through meaningful client relationships and securing repeat business.Lead a team of 40+ managers, coordinators, chefs, and service staff, focusing on continuous performance improvement, effective & ongoing training, and employee retention in a high volume, client facing environment. Partner with Sodexo leadership across multiple campuses to strengthen operations, support client relationships, and contribute to account retention.Stay current with food trends to regularly enhance catering offerings and develop new menus. Grow revenue by participating in expos & vendor showcases while building partnerships that support both campus and external growth.Ensure full compliance with food safety standards (HACCP), maintaining top health inspection scores across multiple commercial kitchens and storage locations. Foster a safe work environment by ensuring all safety protocols are followed and addressing potential hazards promptly.

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Bachelor of Science - BS, Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain Management