As the current Director of Business Services at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Richmond, VA, since August 2023, I have been instrumental in steering the strategic direction and expansion of VCU Business Services. My role encompasses a broad oversight of vital units including VCU Dining, VCU Vending, Barnes & Noble @ VCU, along with managing VCU Mail Services and the complexities of Trademarks & Licensing before it transfered to the VCU Enterprise Marketing Division. My strategic initiatives have led to the development and current enhancement of a Business Services data dashboard, which is pivotal for informed planning and data-driven decision-making.
Under my leadership, VCU has embarked on ambitious long-term planning and growth projects, such as the planning of a 10-year VCU Dining Master Plan and the extensive renovation of a 55,000 sq. ft. Dining Hall. I've successfully expanded the university's scope of food insecurity programming, forging key partnerships with various university departments to address emergency needs and food insecurities among students, alongside supporting the VCU Student Emergency Fund and technology assistance.
My tenure at VCU has been marked by fostering enhanced collaboration between units to enrich both current and future student experiences, overseeing significant construction and renovation projects in line with the university’s master plan, and spearheading process improvements that usher in innovation in business services operations. I have leveraged data and industry trends to unveil new service offerings and revenue streams, continuously managed the negotiation and administration of complex contracts and agreements, and maintained meticulous oversight of budget management, staff supervision, project management, and customer service.
