To Those Who Serve, We Serve You

Left: Derrick's father holding infant Derrick at his police academy graduation. Right: Derrick at the Navy Memorial in Washington, DC, with his wife and son.

Derrick Davenport

Vice President of Military Workforce Development, U.S. Navy Veteran

A badge, a uniform, and a set of scrubs. Three kinds of service in one family.

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Service is a family tradition for Derrick Davenport, Rouxbe's Vice President of Military Workforce Development. Pictured at the Navy Memorial in Washington, DC, then a Navy Master Chief, Derrick holds his own son alongside his wife, a nurse. Years earlier, his father, a police officer, held infant Derrick at his own police academy graduation. A badge, a uniform, and a set of scrubs. Three kinds of service in one family.

Eric Johnson

Certified Executive Chef, U.S. Navy Veteran

A four-generation legacy of military service, now carried forward by his son.

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Inspired by a four-generation legacy of military service, a tradition now continued by his son, Eric Johnson enlisted in the Navy on December 13, 1992, with the clear ambition of becoming a Navy Cook. During his first shore tour, he earned degrees in culinary arts and foodservice from Johnson & Wales University. This academic foundation enabled him to master the intersection of culinary excellence and military leadership, allowing him to hone his technical expertise while cultivating the growth of his team. A pivotal career highlight was coaching the Navy Culinary Team to a runner-up finish for the Armed Forces Team of the Year, a defining experience that unified his passion for the culinary arts with his dedication to mentorship. Throughout his distinguished career, Eric excelled in several high-level assignments, most notably serving as the Executive Chef for the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Supreme Allied Commander of NATO. Guided by a philosophy of building genuine connections and nurturing positive team environments, he continues to share his expertise today as a Chef Instructor for Civilian Mariners under the Military Sealift Command contract. Eric remains deeply committed to the values of leadership, mentorship, and continued service to the nation.

Kevin White

Program Manager, U.S. Navy Veteran

Twenty-two years in the Navy, and nineteen more teaching others to serve.

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Kevin White's 22 years of distinguished service in the United States Navy stand as a testament to his unwavering dedication, adaptability, and commitment to excellence. Following in the footsteps of his father, uncle, and brother, Kevin upheld a proud family legacy of military service, embodying the values of patriotism, discipline, and devotion to country. His journey through aviation, logistics, culinary operations, and submarine service reflects his versatility and ability to excel across diverse roles. Throughout his career, Kevin recognized the importance of training, serving as an instructor and sharing his knowledge to prepare others for success. For the past 19 years, he has continued this commitment as a Food Service and Logistics Instructor for Military Sealift Command, inspiring and equipping countless students with the skills they need to serve with distinction, a powerful reflection of his enduring impact and the spirit of service we aim to honor through Rouxbe's Hero Discount Program.

Aisling Luongo

Licensed Social Worker

Eight years of showing up for patients and families at their most vulnerable.

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Aisling Luongo's unwavering commitment to serving society's most vulnerable shines through her 8+ years as a licensed social worker. As the Heart Failure and Transplant Social Worker at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, Aisling provides vital support to patients and families navigating the immense challenges of advanced cardiac disease. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she fearlessly served on the front lines, offering compassionate care and guidance to those facing unprecedented hardship. Her expertise extends beyond medical settings, with experience in adoptions, outpatient therapy, psychiatric crisis intervention, and geriatric care, a testament to her versatility and dedication. Aisling's ability to provide unwavering support during life's most difficult moments, coupled with her Master of Social Work from Rutgers University, exemplifies the profound impact one person can make when they lead with both skill and empathy. As a member of the extended Rouxbe family and daughter of the CEO, Aisling embodies the spirit of service we aim to support through our Hero Discount Program.

Liz Rubin

Educator, North Clackamas Schools

Decades spent building classrooms where every student belongs.

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Liz Rubin, spouse of COO Ken Rubin, brings decades of service in education and stands as a testament to her unwavering commitment to students. From her early days as a volunteer and instructional assistant to her current role as an 8th grade English Language Arts teacher at North Clackamas Schools, Liz has consistently created learning environments that affirm identity, foster community, and ignite a love of literacy. Her passion for culturally responsive teaching and her ability to design targeted interventions exemplify the spirit of dedication we aim to support through Rouxbe's Hero Discount Program. Liz earned her Master's in Elementary Education from Portland State University.

Randall's parents, Leslie and Greta, on their wedding day in 1954, after Leslie's service in Korea.

Randall McNamara

Executive Vice President, Government Affairs

More than a century of military and public service across four generations.

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Randall's family has demonstrated military and public service for more than a century. His mother, Greta, was a professor and state university administrator for 40 years, starting in the 1970s, when women in senior higher education roles were still uncommon. Her determination opened doors for countless students and colleagues. Randall's father, Leslie, proudly served in the U.S. Navy. The Irish name McNamara means "son of a sea dog," making maritime service a fitting thread in the family. Randall's grandfather, Clifton, was an Army veteran, a lend-lease administrator, and later the U.S. Director of Purchasing, continuing a lifetime of public service. That tradition has endured across generations, from his great-uncle's Army service during World War I to his nephew, who also recently served in the U.S. Army. Growing up surrounded by educators, veterans, and public servants instilled in Randall a deep respect for those who dedicated their lives to serving others.

Adam O'Connor

U.S. Navy Veteran, Technology Leader

Twenty-seven years turning ideas into working technology, grounded in Navy discipline.

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Adam O'Connor's 27-year career in technology stands as proof of his ability to transform ideas into impactful realities. As a U.S. Navy veteran and graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Adam brings a unique blend of technical expertise, leadership acumen, and discipline to his work. Over the past 15 years he has focused on optimizing team performance and fostering environments that promote both productivity and enjoyment, a testament to his people-first approach. With a career marked by successful startups and a passion for continuous learning, Adam embodies the spirit of innovation and service we celebrate through Rouxbe's Hero Discount Program.

Lewis Apito

U.S. Army, Korean War  · In Memoriam

The hero whose example started this program.

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Lewis Apito's legacy of service continues to inspire Rouxbe's mission. As an Army communications specialist in Company C, 13th Infantry during the Korean War, Lew's bravery and dedication shone through the captivating stories he shared with his family. Though we lost this incredible hero in 2013 at age 81, the military honors bestowed at his funeral, a solemn flag ceremony and a haunting bugle tribute, reminded us of the profound sacrifices made by our veterans. Lew's lifelong commitment to paying it forward ignited a passion within our company leadership to support everyday heroes, and his example of selflessness and duty continues to guide our values and actions at Rouxbe.

Spiros P. Stamus

U.S. Navy Quartermaster, World War II  · In Memoriam

As told by his daughter, Demetra S. Stamus, Director of Apprenticeships at Rouxbe

Αἰὲν ἀριστεύειν. Always Excel.

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My father, Spiros P. Stamus, served as a U.S. Navy Quartermaster aboard USS Fogg during World War II. After the war, he earned a degree in mechanical engineering from Lafayette College through the G.I. Bill and lived a life rooted in faith, humility, and unwavering respect for every human being. He led by example, teaching me to put God first, pursue what I love, work tirelessly, and always believe that I could accomplish anything. His legacy continues to inspire my life and my work at Rouxbe, and I carry with me one of his favorite mottos, Αἰὲν ἀριστεύειν. Always Excel.

Joan Allen Kadlecik, LPN

Pediatric Nurse and Foster Mother  · In Memoriam

She made it her work to be the calm voice in the room, and the one who stayed.

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Joan Kadlecik spent her life showing up for the people who needed her most, first as a foster mother to children without homes and as the adoptive mother of a son with special needs, then as a nurse who chose one of the hardest specialties there is: caring for children fighting serious illness. Having learned in her own Atlantic City childhood how large and frightening the world can look to a child, she made it her work to be the calm voice in the room and the one who stayed. Alongside that career she cared for her own mother for years while becoming a grandmother herself, and raised four children who each built accomplished careers and families of their own. Joan passed away this year at 78, and Rouxbe is honored to remember her as exactly the kind of caregiver this program was built to serve.