Meet Our Team
Leadership that serves
Get to know the dedicated professionals guiding UCSC Dining. Our leadership team brings together deep experience in hospitality, sustainability, and student support to ensure we serve our campus community with care, quality, and integrity.
Omar Galvez
Executive Director, Dining Services
Omar Galvez joined UC Santa Cruz as Executive Director of UCSC Dining in November 2025. He provides strategic and operational leadership for all dining programs, including residential dining, catering, retail operations, and food sustainability initiatives.
With more than 30 years of experience in dining services, Omar most recently served as Regional Director of Operations with Compass Group USA, where he led innovations in technology, recipe management, and financial processes while creating inclusive and engaging dining experiences. Omar is known for his collaborative leadership, focus on student success, and dedication to fostering welcoming dining spaces for all.
Mirjam Kuusik
Associate Director, Dining Services
Traci Takeuchi
Assistant Director, Retail & Hospitality
Ryan Yates
Executive Chef, Dining Services
Breanna Van Otterloo
Food Safety & Nutrition Specialist, UCSC Dining
Eva McClure
Retail Unit Manager, Dining Services
Jeff Greer
Retail Unit Manager, Dining Services
Hans Butler
Unit Manager, Dining Services
Jeff Wildenboer
Unit Manager, Dining Services
Dan Zola
Unit Manager, Dining Services