MCLAUGHLIN NAMED MID-ATLANTIC REGION FOOD SERVICE DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
Janet McLaughlin, director of Old Dominion University's dining services, was named the Mid-Atlantic Region Food Services Director of the Year at the ARAMARK regional leadership summit July 31.
"McLaughlin was selected from a group of approximately 40 peers due to her outstanding leadership skills, people development, customer service skills, client relation expertise and support of the forming of the new region," noted Mary Thornton, senior district manager with ARAMARK Higher Education. ARAMARK Higher Education provides dining service management to more than 400 colleges, universities, and prep schools across North America, serving more than 200 million meals each year.
"Janet McLaughlin has been an advocate of Old Dominion University students, faculty and staff since she joined us in 1998. Her commitment to providing a high quality dining program in partnership with the many constituents of the University make her a valuable contributor to us and everything we do. Because Janet is always fair and truthful, her staff as well as the rest of the community can depend on her excellent leadership of the dining program," commented Sue Mitchell, interim assistant vice president for auxiliary services and director of Webb University Center.
Asked to name one or two of her favorite aspects of her job, McLaughlin responded, "Well now, I can't keep that to two. I love the people here. I have a great staff. I am a huge Monarch fan and love all the coaches. There is always something new going on. I mean, whew, look at our campus. So it keeps me hopping."
She also pointed out that this award is in recognition of the entire dining services staff.
"I just received the award. It is really my management team that you see everyday and the folks that are making your espresso, sandwich or serving you popcorn at the TED everyday that are the recipients of the award. They work hard everyday for the good of ARAMARK and this institution and I appreciate that."