Meal Plan Virtual Town Hall Meeting

Kory Samuels started his career as a student employee in Dining Services at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and has since advanced to the role of Associate Vice President of Auxiliary Services. Over 19 years, he has led a team of more than 1,500 employees and managed the multimillion-dollar budget for 25 operations, including housing, dining, technology, data analytics, sustainability, and marketing. He focuses on staff development, strategic planning, and the department’s overall vision.

A compassionate leader and advocate for the hospitality industry, he previously served as Chairperson of NACUFS. He was born and raised in Rochester, NY, and earned his undergraduate degree in Management Information Systems and an Executive MBA from RIT, bringing extensive experience in operations and strategic planning.

Eric Blackledge serves as Executive Director of Campus Dining and Shops, overseeing residential and retail dining, Three Pillars Catering, stadium and arena concessions, convenience stores, Campus Tees, vending, and UB Card services. As the university’s auxiliary services provider, Campus Dining and Shops delivers essential offerings that support both the academic mission and the extracurricular experience of the university.

Eric works collaboratively with campus partners and is committed to continually enhancing the guest experience for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. He looks forward to sustained partnership and innovation between Campus Dining and Shops and the university, with a focus on long‑term success and meaningful improvements to student life.

Campus Dining and Shops maintains active engagement with leading auxiliary and hospitality organizations, including NACUFS, NACAS, NRA, and NAFEM, and has been recognized by NACUFS as the most decorated university operation within the SUNY system. These honors span multiple categories, including dining excellence, special events, and sustainability initiatives.

A proud university alumnus, Eric holds an MBA from the University at Buffalo. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, sailing, spending time with his family, and playing with his dog, Jim. 

Garett DiStefano, Director of Residential and Retail Dining Services at UMass Amherst, leads one of the nation’s top dining programs, ranked #1 for Best Campus Food by The Princeton Review for nine years through 2026.

As “CFO”, Chief Food Officer, Garett oversees all aspects of the dining program, including operations, financial performance, guest satisfaction, and innovative initiatives. The program has garnered national recognition for its commitment to local food systems, culinary creativity, sustainable sourcing, and exceptional catering services.

A Union College and UMass MBA alumnus, Garett is active in NACAS, IFMA, and NACUFS, serving as a NACUFS trustee and board member for Riverside Industries, a nonprofit empowering people with disabilities.

Jeff Palmer is the Executive Director of Campus Dining & Retail at the University of California San Diego, leading one of the nation’s largest and most innovative university dining programs. His portfolio includes 21 restaurants, markets, catering, and retail operations, serving more than 9 million meals annually.

A recognized innovator, Jeff has redefined campus dining through technology, operational excellence, and a strong commitment to culinary diversity and sustainability. Under his leadership, UC San Diego became a pioneer in mobile ordering and the first in higher education to scale automated markets.

Jeff brings over three decades of experience in the food and beverage industry. His journey in the hospitality world began with formal training, where he honed his skills in culinary arts and management, laying the foundation for a career marked by innovation and excellence. He is known for his people-first approach. Jeff builds inclusive, high-performing teams that source responsibly, celebrate global cuisines, and create pathways for talent development, fostering a culture of excellence that empowers the food away from home industry.