Resident Regional Manager

Michelle Garcia came to SSC in 2002 to join our manager-in-training (MIT) program, which provides recent college grads with the opportunity for leadership development, hands-on learning, and a robust mentoring program. “The MIT program is great— the knowledge and training our people receive prepares them to have their own account,” says Michelle. Because of her success as a manager, Michelle was given opportunities to manage several of SSC’s accounts over the years. Michelle has been with SSC for over 15 years, and she credits her success to what she has learned on the job.

“At SSC, you learn so much more than just how to be a custodian,” says Michelle. “You learn how to build relationships, you learn how to be involved with your accounts, you learn how to take care of your clients, and you learn how to be an example for the people you work with each day. We’re not a custodial company — we’re a people company.”

One of the things Michelle is particularly proud of is the relationship she and her teams have with the students at their schools. “It’s important to us to set a good example for those kids and to show them the value of hard work and being responsible,” Michelle says. “By the work we do, we can show them how important it is to take pride in what you do.”

Michelle is grateful for the opportunities she’s had with SSC, saying, “I’m where I am today because of the decisions I’ve made — the decision to join SSC all those years ago was a great one!”

Operations Manager

Chakakhan Watson built her career in the facilities industry from the ground up. She joined the SSC team in 2005 as a custodian, and after over ten years of dedicated service, she stepped into SSC’s Manager in Training program. The Manager in Training Program provides on-the-job training, with the goal of placing the program participant in a management role upon completion. Chakakhan graduated from the program and stepped into a Unit Director position – but she didn’t stop there. In September of 2023, she was once again promoted – this time to Operations Manager at one of our largest K12 accounts.

Throughout her time with SSC, Chakakhan has invested time into the many growth and development opportunities available to her: “The MIT Program is much needed for frontline associates. I learned so much there – about SSC and about Compass Group. Because of the program, I was able to become a Unit Director. SSC has so many advantages for everybody who works here. From MyLMS for courses on anything you need to know, to leaders who lead the right way. Overall, throughout my 18 years with SSC, it’s been nothing short of great because you really do learn something new every day.”

Chakakhan’s advice to other people in the industry looking to grow is to lean into the people that surround you: “I’ve grown so much, and a lot of that comes from the people I was surrounded by that helped me. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. My success all comes back to the people who have supported me along the way –  I appreciate everybody that has been a part of my career growth.”

Regional Vice President, Higher Education East

Justin Liszka came to SSC in 2007. He started as an operations manager with many years of experience in the facilities management industry under his belt. From 2007-2012, Justin worked at various accounts across Texas and Maryland, providing oversight of building maintenance and operations, grounds management, management of facilities enhancement projects, and cost-effective custodial maintenance services. Justin was promoted to operations manager, and later to  Regional Director of Operations overseeing our North Carolina partnerships. Today, Justin is the Regional Vice President for SSC’s Eastern Higher Education partnerships.

Throughout his time with SSC, Justin has gained an appreciation for the tailored service we provide our partner schools: “SSC understands that each account is different, and allows managers to think outside of the box and tailor operations to fit the needs of the campus.”

When it comes to growing in your career, Justin has advice for associates: “Roll up your sleeves, jump in the trenches with other employees and do not be afraid to ask questions.” Justin believes the key to success in growing as a leader is being compassionate, patient and open-minded. With these traits at the forefront of his mind each day, he has seen plenty of growth and success.

Unit Director, Cleveland City Schools

Jayme Nance began her career with SSC in 2016, when she started as a custodian at Tennessee Tech. “I moved to Tennessee as a single mother simply looking for a fresh start and a space to build a life for my son and myself,” Jayme shared. After interviewing with SSC, she knew there was an opportunity and followed her instinct. Under the mentorship of late Dan Hundt, she grew into a supervisor role for residential life. “Dan really opened my mind up to everything SSC and Compass Group had to offer, as well to the various aspects of facilities management.”

Jayme later went through our Manager-in-Training program and transitioned into SSC’s K-12 division, where she continued to build on her management skills as a unit director in Tennessee and North Carolina. Today, she serves as a Unit Director in Cleveland, TN.

“My favorite part of working for SSC is that there is always room for growth and learning,” shares Jayme. “As long as you are willing to put in the work, there will always be opportunities to take on new challenges that will add tools to your toolbox. To anyone looking to grow within SSC, learn to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. Growing who you are as a person and as a leader, will require you to take on new challenges that are often scary and difficult. Forcing yourself out of that comfortable space will help you develop new skills and new vantage points that make obstacles even more achievable.”