ZEELAND, MI, May 08, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Dr. Sandra Kay Lee has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Dr. Lee is a distinguished leader in the food services and contract catering industry, currently serving as the President and CEO of Creative Dining Services (CDS) since 2025, leading over 1,700 employees and managing over 70 partnerships across 16 states. Dr. Lee's responsibilities encompass charting the organization's strategic direction, aligning operations with stakeholder expectations, and ensuring teams are equipped to deliver exceptional results. She is recognized for her high-visibility leadership, robust networking and community engagement, and commitment to client and partnership development. Her oversight extends to brand positioning, reputation management, and maintaining a focus on safety, operational excellence, and consistent service delivery.

CDS operates primarily in business-to-business (B2B) environments, providing contracted food services and catering to higher education institutions, independent K-12, boarding schools and corporate dining facilities. Currently, Dr. Lee is leading the company's reentry into the healthcare sector, focusing on hospitals and senior living facilities. CDS's adaptability allows it to serve any sector that requires meal solutions for its workforce or clientele. Looking ahead, Dr. Lee envisions significant expansion for CDS, including distinct brands for senior living communities and colleges and universities, while continuing to provide opportunities for employees, their families, and communities at large.

Dr. Lee's career is marked by rapid advancement and consistent recognition as a top performer in every organization she has served. Prior to joining CDS, she was division president with Chartwells Higher Education Dining Services from 2022 to 2025, following stints as senior VP and regional VP from 2017 to 2022 within the same organization. In these roles, she was instrumental in driving operational growth, developing talent pipelines, and enhancing service standards across multiple campuses nationwide.

In 2017, Dr. Lee contributed her expertise in LEAN processes and supply-chain management at the Boston Catering Center for Delta Airlines. Prior to that, she was the VP of training and development and VP of operations services at Au Bon Pain from 2012 to 2016. During this period, she played a pivotal role in elevating operational excellence until the company's acquisition by Panera Bread.

From 2007 to 2011, Dr. Lee was with Denny's Restaurants, starting as director of training before being promoted to senior director of talent and organizational development. She was director of training at Ruby Tuesday from 2005 to 2007, after a period as regional operations manager at Bugaboo Creek Steakhouse from 2003 to 2005 and as director of operations at The Olive Garden from 2001 to 2003. Her twelve-year tenure with Darden Restaurants (Red Lobster, The Olive Garden) saw her rise through the ranks from hourly employee to general manager to regional director of training to area director of operations.

Dr. Lee's professional journey began with five years of service in the United States Army. Initially engaged in human resources-related tasks, she transitioned into psychological operations, where she undertook multiple additional duties, including serving as a drill instructor, leadership instructor and, in part because of her fluency in German, liaison to the German Military Unit in Fulda. The discipline, teamwork and leadership skills honed during her military service have been foundational throughout her civilian career.

Her expertise in food services and contract catering is widely acknowledged within the industry. Dr. Lee is an active member of Women We Admire, Golden Key International Honor Society, and National Honor Society—organizations that reflect her commitment to professional excellence.

A significant milestone in Dr. Lee's career is her recent appointment as a representative to the United Nations Economic and Social Council. Through her involvement with the Africana Women Working Group, she helps empower women from African nations by facilitating microloans, promoting sustainable farming practices, and teaching nutrition-maximizing strategies. This work complements CDS's philanthropic initiatives that aim to expand access to food for those in need.

Dr. Lee's academic achievements have played a crucial role in shaping her professional trajectory. She earned a Doctorate in Education from Maryville University of Saint Louis in Saint Louis in 2022, her research on how food insecurity affects college students in urban Chicago, a Master of Science in Education with a focus on e-learning and curriculum development from Purdue University in 2015, and a Professional MBA specializing in supply chain management, procurement, and LEAN processes from University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 2007.

Her commitment to continuous learning is further demonstrated by certifications, including an executive education credential from Wharton School (2023), CITI Socially Responsible Conduct of Research (2021) and CITI Health Information Privacy and Security (HIPS) (2021) and a Project Management Professional certification from Villanova University (2011).

Beyond her corporate responsibilities, Dr. Lee has served on the global advisory board of Forttuna Councils since 2026 and supports civic organizations such as Kid's Food Basket and Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater West Michigan through initiatives like Christmas meals and youth outings.

Her accomplishments have been recognized through numerous awards, including Top 50 Women Leaders in Illinois by Women We Admire (2022, 2024, 2026), ATD BEST Training Awards at Ruby Tuesday (Top 10 in 2006; overall winner in 2007), The Olive Garden Michelangelo Award (2001) and Joe R. Lee Diamond Club Award at Darden Restaurants (2000).

Dr. Lee was born in Fort Hood and enjoys cooking, baking, feeding people, spending time with family and friends, long trail bike rides, traveling and sharing joyful experiences with others.

Dr. Lee attributes much of her success to the strong foundation provided by her parents—her mother instilling a sense of adventure and her father imparting direction through his example as a disciplined military leader. Observing his grace under pressure during challenging times inspired Dr. Lee's own approach to leadership: balancing humanity with resolve. The values learned during her military service—teamwork, accountability and perseverance—remain central tenets guiding her professional life.

Throughout her career—from military service to executive leadership—Dr. Sandra Kay Lee has consistently demonstrated resilience, vision and an unwavering commitment to making a positive impact both within her industry and beyond its borders.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. The suite of Marquis® publications, including Who's Who in America® and Who's Who in the World®, remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the globe. Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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