After nearly four decades with Morrison Healthcare, Rand Cimino plans to say goodbye in fall of 2025, leaving a legacy of strong leadership, client partnerships, and team development.
Currently he holds the title of System Director at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, Mississippi. Throughout the years Rand has also held leadership roles in Tennessee and Kentucky. He said that he always focused on supporting his teams and bdelivering excellent client service.
“My philosophy has always been: How can we make things better for our clients?” Rand says. “If we provide great food and great service, and partner with our clients, it will work out for them, their patients, and our company.”
Tim Pierce,CEO of Compass Healthcare Operations praised Rand’s contributions saying he embodied all of the key characteristics of any successful leader.
“I’ve had the privilege of watching Rand’s remarkable 37-year career with Morrison and it’s been incredible to see the impact he’s made across hospitals in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Kentucky,” Pierce says. “I’ve seen him build strong, tight- knit teams through a people-first culture in every account he’s led. Rand has always led with honesty, integrity, and a commitment to doing the right thing. I am grateful for his service and proud to wish him well as he begins this next chapter of retirement.”
Impact in Tupelo
Since arriving at North Mississippi in 2023, Rand has helped increase patient satisfaction scores and grow retail sales by double digits, according to Regional Director of Operations, Thomas Elrod. These results came as Rand guided the transition to a new patient menu and a ‘cook and serve’ model.
“Rand quickly elevated our food service,” Elrod says. “He revamped café stations, added grab-and-go items, extended hours, and challenged his team to improve service.”
He is also known for celebrating his associates. When a team member won the hospital’s Be Extraordinary Employee award, Rand made sure they were properly recognized.
“Rand is a calm, charismatic leader who always puts his people first,” adds Regional Vice President Tim Bumann. “That has always been his number one goal—and the reason for his success.”
Career Highlights
One of Rand’s most notable achievements was his 15-year tenure at Baptist Hospital Lexington in Kentucky, where he helped design and open Café Central in 2012. The new dining space moved food service out of the basement and into a modern, welcoming area with state-of-the-art equipment and a catering space for upscale banquets.
“It was one of the most exciting times of my career,” Rand recalls.
Even when the health system later chose to self-operate food services, hospital leaders were so impressed with Rand’s work that they offered him a role. He declined, choosing to remain with Morrison.
Earlier in his career, Rand also made lasting impressions in smaller communities. In Dyersburg, Tenn., his team served Sunday prime rib dinners that became a local tradition. In Clarksville, Tenn., he boosted patient satisfaction with fruit baskets for new mothers and launched a catering business so successful it expanded into weddings and personal events.
Looking Ahead
In retirement, Rand plans to travel, take on home projects, and restore two classic sports cars with his son, including a convertible TT 300zx and a Datsun 260Z.
He leaves Morrison with gratitude:
“This is a great company where our formula for success has always been about the people. If we take care of each other, we’ll take care of our customers—and that enables all of us to grow and succeed.”
