Preferred Meal Systems, Inc., a national supplier of healthy, well-balanced component meals announces today that Rufus D. Stephens was named Regional Vice President-Midwest.
In his new role, Stephens will be responsible for maintaining customer service in the Midwest as well as developing and executing business development strategies to contribute to Preferred Meal Systems growth in the region. He will work closely with the Art Bell, Senior Vice President of Sales and the field customer service teams serving public and private school districts and charter schools throughout the Midwest.
According to Bell,“Stephens has broad food service experience and he has worked closely with some of our largest customers for years. He has a keen understanding of all their operational needs especially the compliance, safety and quality requirements they must face throughout the year.”
Stephens has been actively involved in the food service industry for more than 30 years. He initially joined Preferred Meal Systems in 1975 as Production Supervisor. After serving as a wholesale food distributor with his own firm from 1987 to 1994 he re-joined Preferred in 1995. He was the Midwest General Manager and later served as General Manager for one of the company’s largest clients. He has also played key roles in Preferred expansion around the country.
Stephens earned a Bachelor of Science at Savannah State University and earned 30 hours of study toward Masters of Food Science at the University of Florida. He is a frequent speaker at public and private school districts and charter schools throughout the United States
Stephens and his family reside in Joliet, Illinois.
Preferred Meal Systems, Inc.
Since 1967, Preferred Meal Systems headquartered in Berkeley, Illinois supplies healthy, well-balanced component meals to more than 1.7 million children in public and private school districts and charter schools throughout the United States. In addition to serving wholesome and affordable meals, Preferred Meal Systems offers school foodservice operations its service solutions, including menu-planning and development, training and equipment. The company provides breakfast, lunch and after-school dinner meals during the school year as well as to summer nutritional meal programs. For further information about Preferred Meal Systems visit www.preferredmealsystems.com.
