Candidates for Office

Robbie Wright - Michael Laux - Darin Schluep

Candidates for Vice President

Robbie Wright, General Manager – De La Guerra Dining Commons, University of California-Santa Barbara

I am honored to be nominated as a candidate for NACUFS Pacific Region Vice President. If I were to be elected I would have the opportunity to give back a small amount of what NACUFS has provided for my career over the past 20+ years. The educational opportunities and informational resources provided by NACUFS are invaluable and the friendships I have formed with colleges I hope will be lifelong.

Over the past five years as General Manager I have completed a number of initiatives for our Dining Services Strategic Plan including feeding a record numbers of students, trayless dining, becoming a Green Certified building, composting 100% of post consumer waste, and improving seasonal menus. I would welcome the opportunity to work with the entire council on strategic initiatives for our region including information exchange, increasing membership, and motivating volunteerism.

Actively taking part in educational and professional development programs has played a key role in my career and it has been my experience that positive changes have come each time I do so. As part of the council I would also focus on creating those opportunities for members to continue on their path of professional development by providing educational opportunities, resources, and sub-regional programs as well as actively supporting the goals and objectives of our region. I would look forward to the challenge and thank you for your consideration.

Previous NACUFS involvement:

Attended two NACUFS culinary courses at the CIA-Greystone
Attended Pacific Regional Conference 2005-2012
Chef Net Sub-Regional 2008
Leadership Institute 2008
Core Planning Committee member and Program/Education Chair Pacific Regional 2009
Foodservice Management Institute 2009
Human Resources Institute 2010
Attended NACUFS National Conference 2010-12
Marketing Institute 2010
Customer Service Institute 2011
Volunteer at NACUFS National and Regional Conferences

Michael Laux, Associate Director – Cal Dining, University of Califonia-Berkeley

As Vice-President, I will encourage participation and awareness of the many NACUFS programs which promote idea sharing, excellence in food service and professional development. I will strive to increase sub-regional educational programs, training and support for the Pacific Region that will help increase membership, engage members and enhance the food service operations in our region.
In my near 20 years with NACUFS, I have been involved with several educational initiatives. I have served as Regional Pre-Conference Chair, attended several Educational Institutes and work closely with the NACUFS Internship program. I will encourage our members to take full advantage of the educational opportunities available through our organization.

Previous NACUFS involvement:

Co-Chair 2005 Bay Area Regional Conference
Co-Chair 2010 Pre-Conference on Sustainability
2012 NACUFS Intern Selection committee
2001 – 2013 Campus NACUFS Intern Coordinator for U.C. Berkeley
2012 & 2013 Loyal E. Horton completion judge

Attended the following institutes:

Customer Service
Financial
Foodservice Management
Leadership
Human Resources

Candidate for Secretary/Strategic Planning Liaison

Daren Schluep, Foodservice Director, UC Davis Dining Services

If chosen as Secretary/Strategic Planning Liaison for the Pacific Region, I will proudly:

Assist the council in accomplishing current strategic goals and lead the council in developing further goals, referencing the national strategic plan while always protecting Pacific Region interests
Utilize my organizational skills and experience with the council to ensure the policies and procedures of the region are respected and followed (or updated to meet current needs)
Keep membership informed of council discussions and decisions
Strive to increase membership satisfaction and NACUFS participation
Steadfastly represent membership as a voting member of the regional council

Previous NACUFS involvement:

Since 2005 attended yearly regional and/or national conference
In 2006 presented an interest session at national conference titled “Bringing Students to the Top”, detailing the uniquely student-focused business model practiced by the Associated Students—UC Davis, Coffee House
Culinary Enhancement Workshop, 2000
Food Service Management Institute, 2004
Customer Service Institute, 2005
Facility Management Institute, 2006
Leadership Institute, 2007 – Selected as facilitator (2-year term: 2008-2009)
Marketing Institute, 2008
Chair, Membership Committee, NACUFS Pacific Region, 2010-2012
President’s Award, NACUFS Pacific Region, 2011