Lisa Sims, Daviess County Public Schools food services director, is retiring on Oct. 1 after 31 years of providing school nutrition services.
Sims joined the DCPS district as a cafeteria manager at Daviess County High School in 1990 after starting her career the previous year at Holy Angels Elementary School. She then was offered an opportunity to assume food service director responsibilities for the Diocese of Owensboro in 1997, but returned to DCPS as district food services director in 1999.
Sims is a member and past president of the Kentucky School Nutrition Association and was a 2010 recipient of the President’s Leadership Award for Exceptional Accomplishments. This award – the highest honor given to individuals by the national association – is presented to state presidents who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership.
The criteria included excellence in the areas of membership development and retention; professional development; legislation and regulation; communication; and an outstanding state initiative.
Sims has invited student input and “taste testing” of new products and has been an industry leader in finding ways to remain in strict compliance with nutrition guidelines while still offering foods kids enjoy and want to eat.
She has represented DCPS at the state and national levels and has been recognized as one of the most knowledgeable and respected professionals in the field of school nutrition.
In 2013, Sims participated in a national “Mission Readiness” forum addressing the topic of nutrition standards, representing the area of school nutrition as part of a conversation addressing concerns about military readiness and national security.
The following year, she was invited to make a presentation to Congress in Washington, D.C., on the topic of implementing healthier nutrition standards in school meals – an area in which DCPS was recognized as a national leader.
Sims has introduced innovative programs such as “Breakfast in the Classroom” and stepped forward without hesitation from the first moment DCPS transitioned to Non-Traditional Instruction last year. She and her team have provided meals for children every day since March 13 – a tribute to her “Kids First” spirit.
She has also set an example by providing meaningful professional development for her team and has encouraged her staff to attain professional certifications.
Sims said her career has been rewarding, both personally and professionally.
“I have always taken very seriously the responsibility of exploring new ideas and innovation with a desire to provide the best possible service in the area of school nutrition,” she said. “Most of all, I am passionate about serving children. I believe school nutrition specialists have the opportunity to change the world by changing lives, through providing encouragement and education by teaching children to make informed and positive choices that lead to healthy lifestyle habits.”
DCPS Superintendent Matt Robbins said Sims has served the district with the highest standards of excellence for more than 28 years.
“She has encouraged kids to embrace nutritious foods that support healthy habits that make a difference for a lifetime,” he said. “We are tremendously appreciative of everything Lisa has done for our district, our community and most of all, our kids.”
Sims has been married to her husband Steve for 43 years. They have three children – Alan, Jessica and Nick – and six grandchildren.
