Rodney Salinas

About Rodney Salinas

I am a senior business professional with a diverse background spanning over 20 years in entrepreneurship and startup ventures. Throughout my career, I have specialized in establishing food programs in corporate, Federal and military workplaces, forging strategic partnerships with key organizations such as the General Services Administration (GSA), Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM), and the U.S. House of Representatives. My career has equipped me with extensive experience in managing large-scale food programs in secure environments such as The Smithsonian Institution and The World Bank, where I have collaborated with multiple high-profile institutional stakeholders.Over the years, I have established popup restaurant programs at more than 75 sites across the DC region, serving diverse clients including the White House, U.S. House of Representatives, Secret Service, Immigration & Customs Enforcement, Bureau of Engraving & Printing, U.S. Agency for Global Media, and many others. My expertise also extends to navigating regulatory frameworks such as the Randolph-Sheppard Act, where I have facilitated business opportunities for blind or sight-impaired Americans within Federal and State government locations.One of my most notable achievements includes pioneering the first-ever popup restaurant service at The Pentagon, the nation’s largest and most secure office building. This initiative involved collaborating closely with stakeholders to safely operate a rotating lunch program serving hundreds of meals daily to over on-site employees.I have led large-scale food programs for 3 Presidential Inaugurations in 2009, 2021 and 2025. During the historic inauguration of 2021, I faced a unique challenge when tasked with scaling meal services for the National Guard protecting the event. Originally planned for meals, the demand surged to meals over four days following the January 6th events at the U.S. Capitol. Despite the intense pressure, I successfully partnered with GSA and Compass Group/Eurest to meet this unprecedented demand with precision and excellence. This operation highlighted my ability to adapt swiftly, communicate effectively, and lead under pressure, demonstrating resilience and strategic thinking during a critical national event.

Experience

1. Regional Vice President

   Fooda

   Mar 2025 — Present · Washington, DC, US

Education

• The George Washington University

  M.A., Political Management

  1997 — 1999

• The George Washington University

  B.A., International Affairs

  1994 — 1997

Skills

• Food & Beverage
• Customer Service
• Volunteer Management
• Catering
• Marketing
• Public Speaking
• Social Media
• Hospitality
• Management
• Public Relations
• Fine Dining
• Event Planning
• Corporate Events
• Budgets
• Event Management
• Leadership
• Restaurants
• Budgeting
• Strategic Planning
• Hospitality Industry
• Journalism
• Restaurant Management