In late 2019 and early 2020, Karen Karp & Partners headed up the search for a Director of Workforce Initiatives for Real Food Jobs RI, a program of the RI Food Policy Council. We are delighted to announce that Rodney Solomon started in the role at the beginning of February. 

As the Director of Workforce Initiatives, Rodney will help to co-design and lead the Real Food Jobs RI program, a role he is uniquely suited for thanks to his dynamic background in the food and beverage industry.

After graduating from Wesleyan University, Rodney moved to New York City where he spent five years as a manager at prominent hospitality and restaurant groups before moving on to pursue his entrepreneurial spirit. Rodney spent eight years leading operations at an innovative foodservice startup that developed and operated tailored programming for large companies and landlords. His ability to create efficient systems and build scalable teams through creative initiatives allowed the company to expand its service offering and grow its portfolio. 

With a deep passion for people and process, Rodney perceives challenges through a creative lens and is a natural collaborator. And as a Boston native, he’s excited to begin the next phase of his career back in New England.

Shayna Cohen, KK&P Senior Consultant, will continue to work alongside Rodney and the RI Food Policy Council to support Real Food Jobs RI’s strategy and growth. The innovative program is an employer-driven strategy, which fills a key workforce need KK&P helped to identify as part of our work with the Council. The program will help to ensure that Rhode Island food businesses have the talent they need to compete and grow while providing targeted education, skills training and pathways into food industry careers for Rhode Island workers.

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