TRANSFORMING CHALLENGES INTO SOLUTIONS

Chief Executive Officer

Jim Carpenter

Jim serves as the Chief Executive Officer at The NS Group, providing visionary leadership to the company. With a strong background in business development, he focuses on creating strategic partnerships and fostering growth. Under his guidance, The NS Group has achieved significant advancements in food service consulting and compliance. Jim is dedicated to ensuring long-term success for both the company and its clients.

Chief Operating Officer

Brad Boudreaux

Brad is the Chief Operating Officer at The NS Group, leveraging years of experience in strategic planning and operational management. He plays a critical role in driving organizational growth through streamlined processes and innovative solutions. Brad’s focus on collaboration has led to numerous successes for the company and its clients. He is deeply committed to advancing the field of food service management with a results-driven approach.

Senior Vice President of Menu Services

Heather White, MS, RDN, LD

Heather is the Senior Vice President of Menu Services at The NS Group. She has extensive experience in menu development, regulatory compliance, and operational consulting. Heather has played a key role in optimizing dining programs for healthcare and correctional facilities. Her commitment to quality ensures clients receive tailored solutions that exceed expectations.

Senior Vice President of Consulting

Brady Taylor, RDN, LD

Brady is the Senior Vice President of Consulting at The NS Group. As a Registered Dietitian with more than 25 years in the industry, Brady specializes in offering personalized consulting services through his team of experienced Registered Dietitians and Certified Dietary Managers. With a proven track record of implementing advanced consulting practices and improving reimbursement for his clients, Brady has created programs that have broadened the scope of services offered by The NS Group and has expanded from a regional provider to now offering these services to customers nationwide. Brady is passionate about giving back to his profession through volunteer service on numerous state and national committees and elected positions.

Vice-President of Sales

Craig Boudreaux

Craig serves as Vice President of Sales at The NS Group, with a focus on client relations and business growth. His expertise in sales strategy has driven the company’s expansion and strengthened client partnerships. Craig consistently delivers innovative solutions tailored to meet the needs of healthcare, education, and correctional facilities. He is dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships that contribute to client success.

Vice President of Strategic Partnerships

Jack Warner

Jack is the Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at The NS Group, recognized for his skill in building collaborative relationships. His strategic insights have been integral to the company’s growth and success. Jack works closely with clients and partner organizations to align their goals with innovative solutions. He is passionate about creating partnerships that deliver long-term value and impact.

Vice President of Personnel

Terri Self

Terri is the Vice President of Personnel at The NS Group, bringing extensive experience in operational efficiency and process improvement. She leads initiatives that enhance productivity and streamline workflows for clients. Terri’s work focuses on achieving measurable results while maintaining the highest standards in food service management. Her dedication to excellence has been instrumental in driving company-wide success.

Controller

Dustin Lunceford

Dustin Lunceford serves as Controller at The NS Group, directing all accounting operations including financial reporting, budgeting, and internal controls. With extensive experience in managing full-cycle accounting processes, he ensures the accuracy and integrity of financial records and compliance with regulatory standards. Since joining the NS Group, Dustin has strengthened the company’s financial framework to support strategic decision-making.

Senior Vice President of Operations

Eric Heedum

Vice President of Multi-Unit Sales

Kent Sinnett

Vice President of Midwest Sales

Jeff Heedum

Vice President of Revenue Cycle Management

Julie Ann Kemman DeVane

Julie Ann Kemman started her career within the long-term care and post-acute profession in October 1991. Julie holds a bachelor’s in business administration from Northwood University and is also a Certified Professional Compliance Officer. Julie began her career in the skilled nursing facility business office with HCR ManorCare and held operational, regional, managed care, and divisional financial positions. Julie is the owner and president of Health Care Professional Consulting Services, Inc., dba HCPCS, Inc which is a firm that began in 2005. Under Julie’s direction, HCPCS staff provides a vast array of business systems and financial operations support services to acute, post-acute, long-term care, home health, and professional providers. Her knowledge base spans the full spectrum of revenue cycle management, front/back office, managed care contracting, reimbursement, compliance, coding, billing, denial management, training, and operations. Julie has a passion for the health care profession to make a difference and share her knowledge for the best outcomes.

Director of Menu Services

Lindsay Mixon, RDN, LD

Lindsay is the Director of Menu Services at The NS Group, combining her nutritional expertise with a passion for exceptional service. She specializes in menu innovation, food quality standards, and operational excellence. Lindsay’s leadership ensures clients receive high-performing dining solutions tailored to their needs. Her commitment to fostering creativity in the food service field is a hallmark of her career.

Director of SOS - Foodservice Division

Kaye Wright, CDM

Kaye is a Certified Dietary Manager and the Director of SOS at The NS Group. She has extensive experience in food service training, with a focus on compliance and staff development. Kaye’s work ensures clients have the tools and knowledge to run efficient and compliant food service programs. Her dedication to education and team building drives success across multiple client environments.

Corporate Director of Culinary

Claire Gates

Claire is the Corporate Director of Culinary at The NS Group, bringing extensive experience in catering and the culinary arts. She specializes in developing innovative dining solutions and overseeing culinary operations to ensure exceptional quality and service. Claire’s background in catering has equipped her with the skills to manage large-scale events and design menus that meet diverse client needs. Her passion for culinary excellence drives her commitment to creating memorable dining experiences for all clients.

Regional Director of Consulting

Micah Smith, MS, RDN, LDN

Regional Director of Consulting

Laura Ewoldt, MS, RDN, LD

Laura is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and licensed dietitian with a Master’s degree in Nutrition. As a Regional Director of Consulting for the Southeast Region at The NS Group, she focuses on developing effective food service strategies and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Laura’s expertise helps clients achieve balanced nutrition while maintaining operational efficiency. She is passionate about advancing health and wellness in institutional dining environments.

Regional Director of Consulting

Leslie Dooley, RDN, LD

Leslie serves as a Regional Director of Consulting for the Southeast Region at The NS Group, specializing in compliance and menu planning. She works closely with clients to optimize their food service programs and enhance dining experiences. Leslie’s expertise ensures clients meet industry standards while exceeding operational goals. Her attention to detail and client-centric approach make her an invaluable part of the team.

Director of Remote Consulting

Rachel Wood, MS, RDN, LD

Rachel is the Director of Remote Consulting at The NS Group, where she leads virtual initiatives to deliver expert food service solutions. She specializes in client relations and innovative consulting strategies that ensure accessibility and effectiveness across diverse settings. Rachel’s strong communication skills and strategic vision have been instrumental in building successful partnerships remotely. She is passionate about leveraging technology to enhance client experiences and drive operational success.

Region Manager

Jason May

Jason is a Region Manager at The NS Group, bringing extensive experience from his previous role at Merchants Foodservice, a key supplier. His background in contract underwriting and client relations equips him with a deep understanding of industry dynamics and client needs. At The NS Group, Jason leverages his expertise to develop tailored solutions that enhance client satisfaction and drive business growth. His commitment to excellence and strategic insight make him a valuable asset to the team.

Business Development Manager

Eric Smith

Region Manager

Davina Bragg

Region Manager

Chris Turner

Chris brings a diverse history to The NS Group. His experience in accounting and nursing home administration provides a foundation of collaboration, team leadership and process improvement. At The NS Group, Chris employs his expertise to serve our clients with excellence while providing tailored solutions that foster beneficial relationships.  

Region Manager

Doug Neuschaffer

Doug brings 20 years of specialized experience in the long-term care industry, with a career built on improving resident outcomes and reducing costs through informed product recommendations and customer education. Accredited in medical sales and grounded in food service management, he pairs clinical awareness with operational know-how. His consultative approach gives clients the tools and knowledge to make decisions that positively impact both care quality and the bottom line.

Region Manager

Jerry Ryan

Region Manager

Drew Van Ert

Region Manager

Blake Knott