After more than two decades of leadership experience in diverse sectors including the military, healthcare, and education, Douglas Frazier, executive director of dining services at George Washington University, has learned at every stage of his career that taking care of his team is the most important ingredient for success.
"In every organization I've been part of, we conduct annual satisfaction surveys for clients, customers, and employees," Frazier said. “Along the way, I’ve learned that if I take care of my people, they will take care of the clients and customers.”
Born in Buffalo, New York, Frazier moved several times as a child due to his family’s Army background, eventually attending the University at Buffalo, before joining the Army himself. He finished college at Jamestown Business College where he earned an associate degree in accounting and a bachelor’s in business administration, later earning his master’s in business administration at Fitchburg State University.
As he transitioned from the Army and returned to school—newly a husband and father—this marked one of the most challenging periods of his life.
“Being a husband, raising four children, working a full-time job and pursuing both my undergrad and graduate degrees was extremely challenging,” Frazier said. “Completing these degrees while continuing to volunteer to coach youth sports and spend quality time with family has been my greatest professional challenge to date.”
His family is also his greatest point of pride, though. He and his wife, Abigail, whom he married on Aug. 20, 2003, have four children: Cayden, Olivia, Adriana, and Carson.
“If I had to pinpoint one thing I’m most proud of, it would be the growth and development of my family,” Frazier said. “All four of my children are homeschooled, and I’ve loved to watch their knowledge grow and their curiosity expand.”
In his current role at George Washington University, Frazier has been instrumental in establishing a new comprehensive dining program and managing third-party contracts to enhance the university dining experience. Frazier was featured in a podcast interview with Future Food Cast last year about this experience. His previous tenure at Sodexo, Compass Group, and Aramark bolstered his expertise in operations management, strategic planning, and team leadership. Frazier's military background, including roles as a food service specialist and an armored tank crew member, imbues his leadership style with discipline, adaptability, and a focus on operational excellence.
As he pursues a doctorate in human and organizational leadership, Frazier's research interests reflect his commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and his vision for a more accessible and nutritious food supply chain. He has been recognized with several military decorations, including an Army Achievement Medal and Valorous Unit Award.
Frazier's professional philosophy is inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who said, "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of convenience and comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."
His multifaceted career, marked by significant contributions to the fields of dining services and leadership, demonstrates an unrelenting pursuit of excellence and a deep commitment to nurturing community and team success. Through his work with NACUFS and various volunteer positions, including serving on the Jamestown Community College Board of Trustees, Frazier continues to influence the future of collegiate dining and leadership practices.