Patti Bilbrey; Director of Nutrition Services; Scottsdale Unified School District; Scottsdale, Arizona
Overseeing an expansive district that spans 29 schools and serves around 22,000 students daily, Patti Bilbrey exemplifies what it means to lead with innovation, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to student well-being.
Patti’s journey into school foodservice began in healthcare, but after transitioning to a school district position in Mississippi, she discovered her true calling. "I’ve never looked back," Patti says, emphasizing her deep love for the school foodservice industry. For her, the appeal goes beyond the day-to-day operations — it’s about the spirit of teamwork. Unlike the competition that’s inherent to other foodservice channels, Patti cherishes the collaborative nature of her field where the focus is on students’ collective success rather than sales.
Patti’s leadership style reflects her vibrant personality and her commitment to building sustainable, team-driven success. Her enthusiasm shines through when she shares, “I know everyone says it, but I really do have the best team. I literally love my team. They are the best people ever.”
She describes her approach as fun and approachable, creating an enjoyable work environment that boosts morale and productivity. Patti is always team-centered, trusting her associates to make decisions and contribute meaningfully to the program’s success. And she continually encourages her staff to innovate to ensure the district’s efforts remain sustainable for years to come.
This approach has paid off, as the Scottsdale Unified School District continues to thrive financially and operationally under her guidance.
One of Patti’s proudest achievements is ensuring her district’s financial solvency through innovative programs and incentives. Recognizing the importance of rewarding hard work, she developed an incentive program for cafeteria employees, fostering a culture of accountability and pride across the district’s schools.
Patti’s work to implement the Scottsdale Nutrition Initiative is another shining example of her forward-thinking leadership. By collaborating with parents, she’s turned them into "friends of school nutrition," creating a support network that helps the district meet a wide variety of nutritional standards. This program bridges the gap between home and school, ensuring that parents are allies in promoting healthy eating habits.
Patti is also a dedicated member of the School Nutrition Association (SNA). Her involvement has allowed her to be a vocal advocate for K-12 nutrition, a role she views as critical for ensuring the well-being of students and staff alike. “It’s so important to have a voice — not just for the kids we serve but for the employees who work tirelessly every day to make these programs a success,” she says.
Her advice for others in the field? Get involved. “Understand your communities, engage with allied associations, and remember — you don’t have to do it all on your own.”
In Patti’s district, the focus on variety and accessibility is central to her feeding programs. From offering afternoon snacks and dinners to running summer feeding initiatives, her programs aim to meet students’ nutritional needs year-round — wherever they may be.
To keep things fresh and appealing, she actively seeks student input through advisory councils, ensuring that menus reflect what kids want to eat. While implementing farm-to-table practices locally can be challenging, Patti remains committed to exploring ways to bring fresh, local produce to her students.
Always an innovator, Patti helped the district partner with Blue Zones, an initiative that seeks to empower everyone to live better and longer. They have been incorporating recipes for entrees and sides that foster healthier ingredients and better eating habits. “It’s exciting to help students connect with something larger than themselves.”
Another area of success was the departments adoption of fresh fruit and veggie bars that allow students to select their own options. They have moved away from pre-packaged options that often-hindered kids from trying new things. Letting students choose even a small portion of produce has been a huge boost to participation.
A long-time user of General Mills products, Patti values the partnership she’s developed with the company. She highlights the benefits of programs like the Alliance K-12 initiative, which provide operators with direct insight into the company’s operations and products. “Alliance K-12 has deepened our relationship,” Patti notes. “It’s not just about the products—it’s about listening to what K-12 operators need and want.” Always on the lookout for something new and innovative, Patti appreciates the responsiveness and creativity that General Mills Foodservice brings to the table.
As she reflects on her career, Patti remains optimistic about the future of school foodservice. Her unwavering dedication to empowering her team, engaging her community, and advocating for students ensures that her programs will continue to thrive.
Patti’s story is a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and heart in shaping the future of school nutrition. Her leadership inspires others in the field to embrace change, foster teamwork, and prioritize the well-being of the students they serve.
For Patti, it’s not just a job; it’s a mission. And with her passion and expertise, there’s no doubt she’ll continue making a lasting impact on Arizona’s schools and beyond.