Rudy Westervelt is a seasoned management professional with over 20 years of leadership experience in the food industry, specializing in operational excellence, safety and quality compliance, and team empowerment. With an unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of continuous improvement, Rudy has consistently driven business growth and optimized processes for efficiency and profitability.
As President and CEO of Road 2 Excellence, Inc., Rudy guided individuals and organizations in achieving peak performance through superior training and strategic guidance. He played a pivotal role in championing safety and quality initiatives, establishing high-performance standards that enhanced organizational reliability and success.
Before leading Road 2 Excellence, Rudy served in various key roles within Kroger Co., including General Manager of both the Riverside Creamery and Centennial Farms Dairy, where he implemented operational strategies that significantly improved efficiency and customer satisfaction. His leadership extended to overseeing large-scale operations, managing over 1,000 employees, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations, including FDA, USDA, and OSHA standards.
Rudy’s career is marked by numerous achievements, including his tenure as Warehouse Manager at Kroger Atlanta KMA, where he directed perishable, grocery, and frozen product distribution, achieving on-time delivery and fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders. His innovative contributions, such as developing a carcass wash system at the Kroger St. Louis Meat Plant, improved product quality and reduced inspection issues, showcasing his ingenuity and commitment to excellence.
A dedicated educator and advisor, Rudy is skilled in employee training and development, preparing teams to achieve their highest potential. His efforts have earned accolades such as the Kroger President’s Award and recognition for cultivating dynamic, collaborative environments.
Rudy’s academic foundation includes a Master of Science in Animal and Meat Science from the University of Connecticut and a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Cornell University. He is also a certified facilitator of The Leadership Challenge and has received mediation training from Kenneth Cloke, founder of Mediators Beyond Borders International.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Rudy is deeply committed to community service and peacebuilding. As a Rotarian, he has held leadership roles such as District Governor and Convenor of the Rotary World Peace Conference. He is the founder of Crestline International City of Peace, President and CEO of the Solutions for Peace Foundation, and an advocate for disaster preparedness through RimReady.org.
Rudy’s dedication to strategic planning, operational leadership, and community engagement underscores his role as a distinguished architect of leadership and excellence, inspiring individuals and organizations to thrive in an ever-evolving world.
Character
Rudy Westervelt exemplifies integrity, resilience, and a commitment to fostering a culture of excellence, driving both personal and organizational growth through ethical leadership.
Knowledge
With extensive expertise in operational efficiency, safety compliance, and leadership development, Rudy leverages decades of industry experience to optimize processes and enhance business outcomes.
Strategic
Rudy excels in devising and executing innovative strategies that improve operational performance, maximize profitability, and cultivate long-term partnerships.
Communication
A skilled communicator, Rudy fosters collaboration and inspires teams through clear, purposeful messaging, effectively aligning organizational goals with individual contributions.
