Stanford’s Taherian Moving to Yale
Rafi Taherian is making the move from Ivy winner to Ivy League. Taherian will leave Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif., where he has worked for 12 years—and since 2004 as executive director of Stanford Dining—to take command of Yale University Dining Services (YUDS)., which is transitioning from contract management to self-operated. Stanford Dining was a 2006 recipient of R&I’s Ivy Award. He leaves Stanford on Feb. 29.
By Staff -- Restaurants & Institutions, 1/28/2008
|
|
Taherian will leave Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif., where he has worked for 12 years—and since 2004 as executive director of Stanford Dining—to take command of Yale University Dining Services (YUDS)., which is transitioning from contract management to self-operated. Stanford Dining was a 2006 recipient of R&I’s Ivy Award. He leaves Stanford on Feb. 29.
“Like Stanford, Yale is a world-class organization and I’m humbled and honored to be asked to join them,” Taherian told R&I. “This was a very difficult decision for my wife and me, and while we won’t miss Bay Area traffic, we certainly will miss the relationships and friends we have made here. But I look forward to new ones at Yale.
“Yale has expressed deep support for sustainability and green operations, which I believe in strongly. The opportunity to help them fulfill their vision for YUDS is an exciting one.”
Shirley Everett, senior associate vice provost of Stanford’s Residential & Dining Enterprises, said in a statement announcing Taherian’s plans: “Rafi’s passion for high-quality cuisine, exceptional service, and his fervent commitment to sustainability, along with his many other valuable contributions will be greatly missed.”
Eric Montell, senior associate director of Stanford Dining, will serve as acting executive director of its dining program until a permanent replacement for Taherian is named.
At Yale, in New Haven, Conn., Taheria succeeds Don McQuarrie, who has served as YUDS executive director for five years. At the end of February, Yale ends a 9-year relationship with Philadelphia-based Aramark and will become a self-operated foodservice department.
View All Blogs
