Eric Blackledge is the Executive Director of Campus Dining and Shops, which is comprised of residential and retail dining, Three Pillars Catering, concessions, convenient stores, Campus Tees and UB Snackin’ (vending). As the university’s auxiliary services provider, CDS provides core services that support both the academic and extra-curricular goals of the university. Eric consistently looks for ways to enhance the guest experience here at UB. In his free time, Eric enjoys sailing, spending time with family and playing with his dog, Trixie.
Lauren is a proud UB Alumni with over 15 years of experience working within Campus Dining and Shops. After graduating from UB, she started in food service management and was able to advance into the role of the General Manager of the Ellicott Food Court and then had the opportunity to open the C3 Dining Center. UB and Buffalo holds a special place in her heart, as it is where she met her husband and started to grow her family. Her career path took a change, and she went back to school to become a Human Resource professional and received her SHRM-SCP certification. Lauren is now the Director of the Human Resource department where she is responsible for providing strategic guidance and leadership for all aspects of the human resource functions within the organization including recruitment and retention initiatives, training and development, employee relations, policy and compliance, compensation and benefits, performance management, and more.
Nicole has worked in the food service industry for over 20 years, 15 of which are here at UB. In her role at CDS, she oversees the entirety of the operational units and leads the Operations management team, which includes Assistant Dining Directors, the Director of Catering, the Executive Culinary Team, the Dietician, and the Training General Manager. In addition to her role with operations, she serves as FPMO (Facilities Planning and Management Officer), and works closely with the CDS Maintenance department and State Facilities to move service enhancing renovations forward. Nicole has a solution-driven mindset, and is passionate about building strong relationships within our internal CDS teams, as well as across our university partners. Outside of work, Nicole loves to spend time with her husband and two kids. She enjoys being outdoors as much as possible by camping and gardening, and is always looking for new and fun places to eat and experience.
In his role for the past 17 years, Ray oversees the marketing, public relations, and communications functions for all divisions in CDS. He has been recognized by the National Association of College and University Food Services, serving as a presenter for the National Marketing Institute, serving as a facilitator for several Conference Marketing Forums as well as the creator of several entries that have won national awards. Ray has also served as the Marketing Chair for the SUNY Auxiliary Services Association. A native of Western New York, Ray and his wife Lori have 3 daughters, and all enjoy cheering on the Buffalo Bills and Sabres. Outside of work, Ray enjoys fishing, gardening, and eating seafood!
Patrick is the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Campus Dining and Shops. He holds two MBAs in Accounting & Finance. He joined CDS in September 2023, and oversees all accounting and finance operations for the organization, including UB Card Office and Agency Accounting. In his spare time, he enjoys sports (Go Bills! Go Sabres! Go Red Sox!) and spending time with family and friends. He enjoys listening to different music, art and supports Shea’s Performing Arts Center as a volunteer.
Martha is True Blue through and through having been a CDS full time employee since 1987. She began as a student employee and then a student manager for three and a half years prior. She holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from UB. In her many years here, she has worked in various departments and has a solid grasp on all things UB. Martha’s current position, for the past 23 years, is the general manager for the UB Card Office. In addition to her UB Card Office role, she also assists with door access control for various units and UB departments. Martha has three adult children and is very proud of all their accomplishments.
Rob began as the operations manager of our catering department back in the early 1990’s. He then became the general manager of multiple locations on campus including Ellicott Foot Court, Bert’s, Goodyear, Crossroads Culinary Center, and Governors. With many years of experience, Rob is now the Training General Manager where he helps all new management personnel get acclimated to our company and provides assistance to operations who need additional support. Rob also plays a key role in coordinating major campus events including UB Football games, Commencements, and several festivals. He is married to his wife Ana of 25 years with 2 children, both attending universities in the Western New York area. Even with both kids in college, he has a full house with one dog and three cats.
Lori has been the Registered Dietitian with UB Campus Dining & Shops since 2015. In her role, she focuses on providing personalized dining accommodations, nutritional guidance, menu analysis, and allergen training. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in dietetics from Michigan State University, and completed her Dietetic Internship and master’s degree in clinical nutrition at the University at Buffalo (Go Bulls!). Lori is deeply committed to providing safe and nutritious food choices for all students. She has spearheaded the opening of two gluten-free and allergen mindful kitchens on campus. Additionally, Lori shares her expertise as an adjunct professor for the Department of Exercise and Nutrition Science Department, and serves as a preceptor for UB’s Clinical Nutrition MS program. Outside of work, Lori enjoys traveling, staying active, exploring new culinary delights, and cherishing family time, including time with her rescue cat Jackson.
Amelia’s culinary journey began at a young age, learning the ropes in the kitchen alongside her mother and grandmother. Amelia is driven by her belief in the power of food to bring people together.
Amelia started working at UB as the Chef Manager of Crossroads Culinary Center and worked her way up to become the Executive Chef, overseeing the culinary experience. Amelia has taken part in various culinary competitions sanctioned by the American Culinary Federation (ACF), both as part of a team and individually. Recently, Amelia has achieved certification as an Executive Chef through the ACF. When she’s not in the kitchen, you can find her enjoying quality time with her family or exploring the diverse culinary scene in Buffalo.
Chef Brendan joined UB Dining in 2022 and has overseen culinary operations for Goodyear Dining Center and Crossroads Culinary Center. He is proud to be part of the UB community, managing large-scale dining operations and implementing sustainable practices. Brendan is active member of the American Culinary Federation (ACF), where he engages with fellow culinary professionals and stays updated on industry trends and best practices. He will be representing UB at the 2024 NACUFS Culinary Challenge, showcasing his culinary talents on a broader stage. Outside of work, his greatest joy comes from his family. Married since 2019, he and his wife welcomed their daughter into the world in October 2022. In his leisure time, he enjoys playing hockey and maintaining an active lifestyle at the gym, which helps him stay energized and focused on all aspects of his life.
Chef Ryan began his career with Campus Dining in 2012 and is currently the Chef Manager at One World Café. He thoroughly enjoys cooking and competing to showcase his talents. Ryan has participated in two American Culinary Federation competitions and earned silver medals in both. A few of his favorite foods include tacos, linguine with clams, and Bolognese. When it comes to his favorite meal — well, that’s reserved for Christmas Eve, where he prepares a prime rib dinner for his entire extended family.
Beth is a chef manager, overseeing Union Marketplace along with Pistachios and Sabor Latino. She has been with Campus Dining for one year and has over 10 years of experience working in kitchens and cooking. She has a degree in Business Management and enjoys using her skills in a college dining setting. She is an avid reader and enjoys the outdoors along with taking care of her two cats and dog.
John has over 30 years’ experience in the food industry with 13 years of those at the University at Buffalo. Recently, John has been tasked with institutionalizing UB's food recovery efforts, partnering not only with the universities Sustainability departments, but with local community outreach programs. John is passionate about the community and building teams within the UB family. He is actively involved with the safety committee and the employee engagement committee. Johns has a wife of 20 years, 2 children, a senior and a freshman in high school and a goldendoodle named Ginger. He enjoys all types of music and art. If John is not serving the guest at UB, you can find him grilling at home or enjoying time with his family.
Timothy previously was the general manager of One World Cafe and has worked for CDS for 17 years. Timothy began as a student employee while studying at UB and after graduating in 2011 he decided to continue his career with CDS; working as a general manager in the Ellicott Food Court, Harriman Café and Crossroads Culinary Center. He enjoys training both student and professional staff and has used that passion to help develop and teach in many of the CDS training initiatives - most notably as a licensed Instructor and Test Proctor of the NRA ServSafe program. When he's not helping to train and develop the future of CDS, he enjoys spending time at home playing golf, video games and spending time with his partner of 16 years and their 8-year-old daughter, as well as their two cats.
Brenda has over 20 years of experience in food management and hospitality and has been with Campus Dining since 2019. She started as an assistant manager and worked her way up to become the general manager at Crossroads Culinary Center, where she is dedicated to providing exceptional dining experiences for our campus community. Brenda enjoys working side by side with her staff in creating a home away from home experience. Outside of work, you can find Brenda enjoying the great outdoors, using it as a giant scavenger hunt, exploring and discovering all of nature’s wonders and waterfalls. Her favorite activities include camping, kayaking, and fishing with her family.
Phil started his career with Campus Dining six years ago as an assistant manager at Harriman Café before moving to the Ellicott Food Court where he is now the general manager. He enjoys watching sports, but nothing is better than watching the Bills games with his wife and son. Phil also has a pretty wide assortment of pets including reptiles, dogs and one terrible cat.
Nahel has worked at every dining location on campus during his career here which began in 2003. Everybody knows Nahel and he makes it his point to know everyone as well. Currently as the general manager at Goodyear Dining Center, he is instrumental in creating a great guest experience for all the residents on South Campus.
Moshe is our Mashgiach at the NY Deli & Diner. He joined Campus Dining in 2023 with over 25 years of experience in the industry working in New York City. He holds a degree in Rabbi Jewish studies from Ner Israel Rabbinic College. Moshe has a deep understanding of kashrut and kosher regulations, as well as high volume food preparation! He enjoys cooking and talking with students about their experiences.
John is the assistant general manager of One World Café and has been with Campus Dining and Shops since 2023. John has been in the food and beverage industry for over 30 years, and brings that experience and knowledge to UB every day to help create great experiences for the guests. John and his family have a few acres in Derby, NY that they share with over 30 animals including ducks, dogs, cats, and even assorted reptiles.
Tom has been with Campus Dining and Shops since starting as a student employee in 2010. Since then, he has worked his way up, beginning as a line cook, then as a supervisor, to his current position as an assistant general manager at Goodyear Dining Center. Tom is a huge fan of the NY Yankees and outside of work, he loves spending time with his family and their 5 beagles.
