CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug 13, 2026--
OrganicLife, a leading provider of culinary and nutrition services for K-12 schools, announced veteran educational leader Dr. Laurie Heinz, EdD, has joined the company as Vice President of Educational Partnerships.
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Dr. Heinz brings 35 years of experience in public education, including 12 years serving as a superintendent in Illinois school districts. Most recently, she spent seven years leading Palatine Community Consolidated School District 15, one of the state's largest elementary school districts.
Throughout her career, Heinz has remained committed to ensuring students have access to the resources and support they need to succeed both inside and outside the classroom. In addition to her expertise in strategic planning, referendum planning, organizational leadership and coaching, Dr. Heinz understands the critical role nutrition plays in student success and is a strong believer that full stomachs allow for full minds. Her commitment to supporting the whole child aligns closely with OrganicLife's mission of providing fresh, nutritious meals that help students learn, grow and thrive.
In her new role, Heinz will work closely with school district leaders, boards of education and community stakeholders to strengthen OrganicLife’s district partnerships, support retention efforts and help expand awareness of the company’s student-centered approach to school nutrition.
“Throughout my career, I’ve always believed one of the most important responsibilities we have is ensuring students are ready to learn,” said Heinz. “For many children, school meals are amongst the most reliable and nutritious meals they receive. That reality makes school nutrition far more than an operational function, it’s an essential part of student success. What attracted me to OrganicLife is its commitment to serving fresh, high-quality meals made with care and its genuine focus on doing what is best for students.”
Heinz said she was particularly drawn to OrganicLife’s culinary model, which emphasizes scratch cooking, chef-driven menus and fresh ingredients designed to improve student participation and satisfaction.
“After spending more than three decades in public education, I’m excited to remain connected to schools while working in a new capacity,” Heinz added. “This role allows me to continue advocating for students while helping school leaders better understand how high-quality nutrition programs can positively impact their districts and communities.”
OrganicLife President Justin Rolls said Heinz’s experience as a superintendent provides a valuable perspective that will benefit both the company and its school district partners.
“Laurie has dedicated her career to improving outcomes for students and supporting school communities,” said Rolls. “We are thrilled to welcome Laurie to the OrganicLife team. She brings extensive knowledge of the connection between nutritious meals and student success, as well as a deep understanding of the challenges and priorities school leaders face every day. Her experience and credibility within the education community will be tremendous assets as we continue to grow and strengthen our partnerships with districts across the region.”
Jonas Falk, Founder and CEO of OrganicLife and CEO of Cenavera Nutrition said Heinz’s addition reflects the company’s ongoing investment in building stronger relationships with educational leaders. “Laurie understands schools because she has spent her career leading them,” said Falk. “Her passion for students, commitment to educational excellence and belief in the importance of quality nutrition align perfectly with our mission. We are excited to have her help tell the OrganicLife story and further strengthen our relationships with school districts.”
As Vice President of Educational Partnerships, Heinz will begin working with OrganicLife leadership throughout the summer and will focus on supporting district engagement efforts, retention initiatives and strategic outreach as the 2026-27 school year approaches.
For additional information regarding OrganicLife, visit OrganicLife’s website.
About OrganicLife
OrganicLife is the Midwest’s foremost food management service and premier provider of top-tier culinary solutions for schools across the region. The company specializes in fresh, chef-prepared meals, scratch-made cooking, culinary innovation and customized dining programs designed to improve participation, enhance the student experience and support healthier communities. For more information, visit www.organiclifeusa.com.
About Cenavera
Cenavera Nutrition is the leading independent foodservice management company focused exclusively on the K-12 school market and is the parent company of industry-leading brands including SFE, OrganicLife and SLA. Founded in 2004, the company has grown into one of the largest K-12 foodservice operators in the country, serving public, private and charter schools across the United States. Cenavera differentiates itself through fresh, scratch-cooked meals, culinary innovation and customized dining programs designed to increase student participation and engagement. As a fully outsourced foodservice partner, Cenavera provides comprehensive solutions including menu development, nutritional compliance, procurement, staffing and onsite meal preparation tailored to the unique needs of school districts and communities nationwide. For more information, visit Cenavera Nutrition’s website.
Dr. Laurie Heinz, EdD, has joined OrganicLife as Vice President of Educational Partnerships. In her new role, Heinz will work closely with school district leaders, boards of education and community stakeholders to strengthen OrganicLife’s district partnerships, support retention efforts and help expand awareness of the company’s student-centered approach to school nutrition.
