Nina Westbrook, CDM, CFPP
Nina Westbrook, CDM, CFPP, is an experienced Regional Director of Operations based in Alsip, Illinois, with over 25 years of leadership experience in food service management and healthcare dietary operations. She currently works with Aramark, where she oversees approximately 500 employees across 15 profit centers, managing both Environmental Services (EVS) and food service operations. Her role also involves supporting registered dietitian functions as a Certified Dietary Manager (CDM), reflecting her strong background in clinical and operational nutrition services.
Throughout her career, Nina has built extensive expertise in senior living and healthcare environments, including independent living, assisted living, dementia care, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing facilities. Her previous leadership roles include Director of Food Services at Next Level Hospitality Services, Food Service Director at Legacy Healthcare LLC, and Dietary Manager at Atrium Health. Across these positions, she has consistently focused on regulatory compliance, budget and labor cost control, staff development, and ensuring high-quality meal service aligned with patient and resident needs.
Nina is widely recognized for her people-centered leadership style, emphasizing mentorship, teamwork, and operational excellence. She is known for her ability to build strong relationships, foster positive workplace culture, and lead large teams through complex healthcare service environments. With a Bachelor of Business Administration from Governors State University and certification as a Dietary Manager from the University of North Dakota, she combines formal education with decades of hands-on experience. Her leadership philosophy centers on accountability, empathy, and empowering teams to take ownership of their work while maintaining high standards of care and service.
• CDM (Certified Dietary Manager)
• CFPP
• Governors State University - B.B.A.
• ERG (Employee Resource Group) - Empowerment Within
• ABC Day community service
• Feeding Our Starving Children (twice a year during holiday season)
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my son, who inspired me to return to college after becoming a young mother and pausing my education. I made a commitment to complete my degree so I could build a better future for both of us and set a positive example. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a minor in Human Resources, and it was especially meaningful that my son, my husband, and I all graduated in the same year, achieving our goals together as a family.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is: if you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready. Every day brings a new challenge, so it’s important to approach each day with flexibility, passion, and a commitment to creating better outcomes. Be prepared to wear multiple hats, communicate effectively with peers and leadership at all levels, and remain open to constructive feedback without taking it personally, as much of it is business-driven. It’s also important to know when to step back and reset, while maintaining a consistent standard of service regardless of the situation. Embracing change and continuing to learn through training and development opportunities will help you grow, and balancing professionalism with empathy is key to sustaining success in this demanding role.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field include the emotional toll that comes with building long-term relationships with residents, particularly in dementia care, where conditions progressively change. It also involves balancing multiple responsibilities across different care settings, ensuring staff are properly trained in specialized dementia care, and consistently maintaining high standards in diet, service, and regulatory compliance while managing budget and labor controls.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are family, integrity, and service to others. I approach situations at face value and naturally tend to be a giver, often finding it more difficult to receive than to give. My family is my foundation and my first priority in everything I do, and they are the driving force behind my daily motivation. I also place great importance on giving back to those in need and finding fulfillment through helping others, which brings meaning and balance to my life.
Locations
Aramark
Alsip, IL 60803