Jesse Rowley's journey at CVMC

“I remember how busy it was on my first day, but what stood out most was how much the team cared. That really stuck with me.” Jesse recalls.

His path from entry-level to leadership is a testament to hard work, mentorship, and an unwavering commitment to service. Along the way, Jesse faced challenges—like working more than 30 days in a row during staffing shortages—but always kept his focus on patients. “We can’t let them down,” he says. “They need our support.”

It wasn’t until he became a supervisor that Jesse began to see the broader impact of food service in a hospital setting. “A good meal and a kind word can go a long way,” he says. “We’re part of the healing process.”

Mentors along the way, including an interim director and executive chef, helped shape his approach to leadership: lead with calm, work hard, and support your team. Now, Jesse is passing that mindset on. Several members of his leadership team started in hourly roles—just like he did.

“Promotion from within has created a culture of growth,” Jesse says. “When people see what’s possible, they start to believe in their own potential.”

That culture has translated into success. Under Jesse’s leadership, CVMC’s Nutrition Department has maintained over 90% employee retention for three consecutive years. He’s also continuing his own growth—pursuing a degree in Healthcare Business Management through a scholarship from HHS, CVMC’s food service partner.

Jesse says he’s proud of the department’s progress, but it always comes back to people.

“If someone I love were a patient here, what kind of care would I want them to receive?” he says. “That’s the question we ask ourselves every day. That’s what guides our work.”

From dishwasher to director, Jesse Rowley’s story is a reminder that growth starts with belief—and that every role in a hospital, no matter how behind-the-scenes, has the power to heal.