About Us
Administration
Executive Director, Dining
212.854.8324
Vicki joined Columbia University in 2007. Under her leadership, Columbia Dining has built a solid reputation as a high-quality, customer-oriented department. Vicki’s focus for Dining is providing total customer satisfaction and meeting the needs of the diverse Columbia population. Prior to joining Columbia, Vicki was the Senior Director of Marketing for Sodexho Campus Services. Vicki holds an Associate Degree in Operational Sciences from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. In her free time, Vicki enjoys baking (brownies are her specialty), reading, and caring for her three dogs, Sophy, Emma and Casey.
Customer Service Representative, Dining
212.854.4076
Rosie has worked in customer service for Dining since 1998. Known for her positive energy, smile and charisma, her responsibilities include reassuring parents that their children will have healthy and hearty meals while away from home. Most importantly, Rosie works to resolve questions or issues students may have concerning their dining accounts. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family and preparing healthy and hearty meals.
Executive Chef
212.851.0799
Angelo developed his passion for cooking at a young age, watching cooking shows with Julia Child and Graham Kerr and also working at his Uncle's coffee shop. Angelo is a graduate with honors of the New York Restaurant School. His greatest pleasure is providing hospitality through good food and service to our guests every day. He and his wife, Andrea, live on Long Island and have two children, Dean and Ellie. In his time off Angelo enjoys kayaking and gardening.
Blue Java Coffee Bar - Butler Library
Unit Manager, Café 212, Butler & Dodge Blue Javas
212.854.0192
Hazel joined Columbia University in November 1984 and according to her, “it’s been a great 27-year-long journey.” Hazel’s first position at Columbia was on the kitchen staff. After a few computer courses, Hazel became an accounts receivable administrator in John Jay, enabling her to draw from her prior accounting experience in Panama City. Later, she was promoted to manager, where she led the JJ’s Place opening team. Following her success, she was appointed to open Ferris Booth Commons, an experience she believes was her biggest opportunity at Columbia. She then went on to manage Carleton Lounge, Lenfest Cafe, and Uris Deli. Hazel is the recipient of the Robert Leer Service Award, an honor given each year to a member of the faculty, administration, or staff who clearly demonstrates commitment to working with students. Hazel was born in the Republic of Panama, where she graduated from Gaston Faraudo, an accounting school in Panama City.
Cafe 212
Chef Manager, Café 212
212.854.0192
Donald joined Columbia University in 2009 as the Chef Manager for Café 212, Butler, and Dodge. He is a well-seasoned chef who truly enjoys the art of cooking. Donald began his career on the culinary team at the Park Ridge Marriott. Later, he served as Executive Chef for an Assisted Living Facility in Emerson NJ, until he became the Director of Dining for the Johnson Wood Company. An entrepreneur, Donald also opened a pizza café; he was a preferred off-premise caterer for television and movie sets; he developed a line of baked gourmet brownies for large supermarket chains; he launched a gift basket Internet business; and he packaged handmade fresh mozzarella for supermarkets and catering halls in the tri-state area. Donald earned his degree in Culinary Arts from Johnson and Wales University for Culinary Arts in Providence, RI.
Assistant Manager, Café 212
212.854.0192
Jafor joined Columbia University in November 2010 as Assistant Manager at Café 212. He has been thrilled to bring his corporate food service and hospitality experience to higher education, where he enjoys working with the diverse student body. Prior to Columbia, he spent 22 years with Sodexo at the Merrill Lynch World Financial Center location, where he worked as a waiter and cashier, then gained financial and technical support experience. Jafor has a diploma in Civil Engineering from his native country, Bangladesh, where he moved from over 25 years ago. He lives in the Bronx with his wife, 3 children and extended family.
Assistant Manager, Café 212
212.854.0192
Yanira joined the Columbia Dining team in November 2005 and has served on staff at both John Jay and Café 212. Prior to Columbia, Yanira worked in management at Restaurant Associates/Compass Group and also served as a Production Manager at a catering facility in the Bronx. She was also the Press Room Café Supervisor at Shea Stadium, where she became a Mets fan and had the opportunity to meet Omar Minaya. Yanira holds a Bachelor of Technology in Hospitality Management from New York City College of Technology.
Ferris Booth Commons
Assistant Production Manager, Ferris Booth Commons
212.854.4609
Christopher (Chris) has worked as the Assistant Production Manager at Ferris Booth Commons in Columbia Dining since October 2010. Prior to joining the team, he worked in various restaurants and clubs in the hospitality industry of Manhattan and eastern Long Island. He also worked for an airline catering company for three years. A native New Yorker, Chris is a graduate of Loyola University in Maryland and The Culinary Institute of America.
General Manager, Ferris Booth Commons
212.854.4609
Aaron joined the Columbia dining team in July 2007 as JJ’s Place Manager, where he helped launch JJ’s catering for students. In 2009, Aaron became the Production Manager at John Jay Dining Hall, taking on the responsibility of all purchasing for Residence Hall Dining. In 2011, Aaron was promoted to General Manager of Ferris Booth Commons. Aaron is a graduate student at Teachers College, where he is pursuing a Masters of Arts in Higher and Postsecondary Education Administration. He looks forward to continuing his career in higher education and helping students throughout their college experience.
Associate Manager, Ferris Booth Commons and Registered Dietitian
212.854.3353
Kristie Koerner joined Columbia University in 2010. As Associate Manager at Ferris Booth Commons and Dining’s Registered Dietitian, her chief responsibilities include meeting with students who have food allergies or special diets, ensuring labels accompany all food served, and training staff members on proper precautions for students with food allergies. Kristie is a member of the American Dietetic Association, New York State Dietetic Association, Greater New York Dietetic Association, and Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network. She has worked in community and clinical settings, including oncology, bariatric, renal, neonatal, cardiac, and intensive care units, nutrition support, foodservice, YMCA, WIC Clinics, public schools, and geriatric care. A graduate of Vanderbilt University, Kristie writes a daily nutrition blog for the Columbia community.
JJ's Place
Unit Manager, JJ's Place
212.854.4492
Robert has 17 years in the food service industry and has been a member of the Columbia Dining team since 2006. He has successfully managed Café 212, Carleton Lounge, Lenfest Deli, and both Butler and Dodge Blue Java. As manager of JJ’s Place, Robert has been credited with bringing a new energy to a place already known for its enthusiastic and hardworking staff. Robert recently led the transition of JJ’s Place from a retail unit to a vibrant All-You-Care-to-Eat facility with exciting music, fun games, and a delicious menu. Robert is a graduate student at Teachers College, where he is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Philosophy.
Assistant Manager, JJ's Place
212.854.1958
Moises Mendez has over 15 years experience in the food and hospitality industries. His previous work ranges from fine dining to high-volume restaurants, like Lindy’s, Lehman, Queens Borough and City College. Moises led business operations at Restaurant Dining Service, NYNEX, NYC and catering events for 1,000+ people for Meals on Wheels and Visiting Nurses. At Charley O’s Time Square, he introduced employee incentives and offered guest specials and discounts. Originally from Guatemala, Moises is fluent in both English and Spanish and is certified in qualifying food protection by New York City Department of Health. He also has a Bachelor in Arts in Marketing and Advertising from ICMP In Guatemala City.
John Jay Dining Hall
General Manager, John Jay Dining Hall
212.854.7162
Tony Hall joined the Columbia Dining family in March of 2000, when he was named Production Manager of John Jay Hall. In 2007, he was promoted to General Manager. Tony boasts 25 years of experience in the food service industry, including time spent at NYU Law School, Downstate Medical Center, York College and Brooklyn College. He also worked in healthcare at The Madonna Residence, Gracie Square Hospital, Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center and Kateri Residence. A native New Yorker, Tony has an Associate’s Degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from New York City Technical College.
Assistant Production Manager, John Jay Dining Hall
212.854.49633
Mario is the newest member of the Columbia Dining team, having joined in 2011 as Production Manager for John Jay Dining Hall. Mario brings an extensive food industry resume with him. He spent 13 years working for Sodexo, progressing from Chef Manager at McKinsey to General Manager at Cigna Corporation. In 2006, Mario made the move to higher ed dining as Food Production Manager at Hunter College, followed by a position at NYU Kimmel Market as Food Production Manager.
Assistant Manager, John Jay Dining Hall
212.854.7163
Adebayo is the Assistant Manager of John Jay Dining Hall. He joined the Columbia University team in August 2010. Previously, he spent 14 years with NYU Dining where he most recently served as the Food Service Director. During his tenure at NYU, he spearheaded the Annual Grad Alley event with over 20,000 attendees. Adebayo attended New York City Technical College where he studied Hotel and Hospitality Management. He’s a proud father of four children—two are in high school, and the elder two are in college.
Uris Deli
Unit Manager, Uris Deli, Carleton Lounge, and Lenfest Café
212.854.5341
Heather is a chef by trade. Manager of Uris Deli, Carleton Lounge, and Lenfest Café, she joined Columbia University in 2008 as the assistant chef at the President’s House. She graduated from The French Culinary Institute in New York City, interned at Calhoun School, and worked as a chef manager with Sodexho at Merrill Lynch in NYC.