A two-time SDSU grad, (BA, Communications with Emphasis in Public Relations | MBA, Emphasis in Marketing), Ben is the director of marketing, communications and public affairs for Aztec Shops, Ltd. which runs the SDSU Bookstore and SDSU Dining among other enterprises on campus. Ben has worked in the higher ed commercial services category for over 11 years

Kevin Gelfand is the CEO, and Co-Founder of Shake Smart, launched in 2011 during his junior year at San Diego State University. Born out of his success in national business-plan competitions, Shake Smart provides nutritious, affordable protein shakes and smoothies to meet the needs of on-the-go students and gym-goers. The company quickly expanded, generating $3.6 million in revenue by 2017 and growing to over 200 employees across multiple U.S. campuses. Recognized by INC Magazine and Forbes, Gelfand also mentors aspiring entrepreneurs at SDSU through the Lavin Entrepreneurship Center.

Nikki Hamzaeff is the Chartwells Higher Education Divisional Marketing Director for the West Division. She is responsible for the overall marketing strategy for the West Division. Nikki has been with Chartwells Higher Education since May 2018 as a District Marketing Manager in California for the CSU accounts. She previously worked for Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, managing and coordinating all marketing and design efforts for their dining program. She worked for Cal Poly Campus Dining for 9 years, managing the marketing program for 27 dining operations and supporting the strategic plan for Campus Dining as a whole. Passionate about company culture, Nikki helped to create Cal Poly Corporation’s culture team which is responsible for providing team building and cultural growth to 3,000 dining employees. She also has owned her own Marketing & Design consulting company in SLO for the past 10 years. Hamzaeff has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and currently resides in Pismo Beach, CA with her dog Harley.

Michael is the Director of Business Development for Chartwells in the West, focused on new partnerships and growth. He joined Compass Canada and Chartwells in 2017 and moved to Chartwells USA in 2021. Michael helps build creative, customized and innovative client led partnerships focused on student success and engagement. Born and raised in a hospitality family, some of his earliest memories are from his dad’s family hotel and restaurant in Amherstburg, Ontario, which they ran for over 20 years. Throughout high school and university, Michael had many jobs in food services including dishwasher, line chef, server and bartender at banquet halls, restaurants and events. These experiences have fueled a lifelong passion for food service and help when developing partnerships and operational strategies. Originally, from Toronto, Ontario, Michael graduated with a BA in Communications from Wilfrid Laurier University and Post Graduate Diploma in Marketing Management from Sheridan College.

Russell is the director of Commercial Services at Cal Poly Partners. In this role he oversees Campus Dining, Conference and Event Planning, Cal Poly Print and Copy and Mustang Shop. He previously served as associate dining director, where he was in charge of the overall management of all campus dining units as well as University Catering. In his time on campus, Russell has developed programs and initiatives that have improved Campus Dining’s food quality and customer service. He has also fostered relationships within the university that have enhanced stakeholder satisfaction and elevated expectations of commercial services on campus. An Atascadero native, Russell attended UC Santa Barbara and has over 15 years of experience within hospitality and commercial service management.

Thomas Sekayan is a process-oriented and results-driven Higher Education Business Practitioner with a background in Business Operations for Auxiliary Services. With over 15 years of experience in the higher education auxiliary field, Mr. Sekayan started his career in Student Affairs at California State University, Northridge, and ultimately arrived at California State University, San Bernardino, to manage commercial business operations at the University Enterprises Corporation prior to working for the Cal Poly Pomona Foundation. As a Certified Auxiliary Services Professional (“CASP”), awarded by the National Association of College Auxiliary Services, Mr. Sekayan has overseen third-party contracted services for campus dining and bookstore, executed RFPs, led contract negotiations, and is dedicated to streamlined processes. Mr. Sekayan understands the importance of his work at the Foundation, and its commitment to Cal Poly Pomona. His promise to students, and the campus community, is to advocate for quality commercial services with a perpetual drive to enhance the Bronco life. During his time away from the Foundation, Mr. Sekayan is an amateur banjo and piano player, and spends his time exclusively with his wife, children, dog, and chickens.