Lisa Burke CP-FS, OHST
Lisa Burke, CP-FS, OHST, is an accomplished specialist in both food and occupational health and safety, currently serving as a Food Service Manager with Sodexo. With extensive experience in regulatory compliance, human resources, and operations, Lisa is skilled in HACCP, OSHA, ServSafe, and other regulatory standards. She has a proven track record of designing and implementing effective food safety programs in high-volume environments, leading cross-functional teams, conducting audits and inspections, and driving continuous improvement in safety culture and staff training. Throughout her career, Lisa has demonstrated a strong commitment to protecting public health through proactive risk management and education. Prior to her role at Sodexo, she served as Food Safety Manager for a local amusement park for over eight years, where she oversaw training, occupational health and safety, and compliance initiatives. She also held a position as Human Resources Manager at Kmart, further expanding her expertise in employee development, training, and organizational management. Her leadership style combines hands-on experience with classroom education to ensure both staff and operational excellence. With graduation in 2026, Lisa will hold a Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health and Safety from Columbia Southern University and has earned credentials including Certified Professional – Food Safety (CP-FS), Occupational Health and Safety Technician as well as certification in Advanced HACCP and more. Working on being fluent in Spanish, currently at an elementary level, she continues to enhance her skills and knowledge, remaining dedicated to fostering safe, compliant, and efficient food service environments. Her career reflects a commitment to excellence, continuous learning, and the promotion of safe and healthy workplaces.
• Certified Professional - Food Safety
• Advanced HACCP
• Basic HACCP
• OSHA 10-Hour
• OSHA 30-Hour
• Occupational Hygiene and Safety Technologist
• ServSafe Alcohol
• ServSafe Allergens
• ServSafe Instructor
• ServSafe Manager
• ServSafe Proctor
• Columbia Southern University- Bachelor's
• Omega Nu Lambda National Honor Society, eta Chapter
• NEHA
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to following my passion for serving and teaching others, embracing opportunities to learn and grow, and turning unexpected experiences, like working alongside OSHA specialists, into a purposeful career focused on empowering people and creating safe, positive work environments. Returning to school and earning my Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety further strengthened my skills and opened doors to leadership and impact.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
If you want it, then go get it. It’s as simple as that.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to embrace what makes you different and turn challenges into strengths. Stay curious, be a resource, lead with care and compassion, and cultivate positivity, small acts of kindness, like starting the day with a cheerful greeting, can build morale and strengthen your team’s culture.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges and opportunities in my field right now include balancing leadership responsibilities while maintaining a people-first safety culture, returning to school as a working professional to earn advanced degrees, and overcoming misconceptions around neurodiversity by reframing it as a professional strength. Lastly, building credibility in a highly regulated field while promoting education-based rather than fear-based compliance is both a challenge and an opportunity for meaningful impact.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work and personal life are service, compassion, and community involvement, paired with a commitment to transparency. I strive to reframe challenges as strengths to fuel creativity, adaptability, and positive impact. I believe small acts of kindness and authentic leadership can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
Locations
Waltham, MA 02453