Davidson Named Dining Director at Harvard

David Davidson has been appointed the new managing director for Harvard University Dining Services (HUDS), effective immediately. Davidson has served as interim directorsince June.

“David is a broadly skilled manager with strong organizational, financial, client relations and operational abilities,” says Lisa Hogarty, vice president for Harvard Campus Services. “I am particularly impressed with his breadth of experience in higher education dining, innovation and creativity, strong emphasis on customer service and student focus. In addition, David is incredibly committed to sustainability which is a central component of HUDS.”

“I am thrilled to take on this new role at Harvard,” says Davidson. “The HUDS program is a national leader and the envy of many colleges and universities. I am extremely proud of the reputation HUDS has built over the years and I’m looking forward to carrying on this tradition of excellence.”

Davidson began his Harvard career in 1991 when he was hired as general manager of the Dudley Café. Since that time, he has held a number of senior positions within HUDS, including associate director and director of operations. He also served as director of dining at Yale University from 2000-2004.

Since returning to Harvard in 2007, Davidson has built a reputation as a manager focused on satisfying his customers. “I understand that the success of HUDS ultimately depends on our ability to consistently provide an exceptional dining experience,” he says. “I think overall HUDS already does a good job of this. I’m committed to ensuring we maintain this high standard and I’ll make improvements when necessary.”

HUDS operates 13 residential dining halls, 14 campus retail cafes, a kosher kitchen, a campus debit card program, and complete catering services. The country’s oldest collegiate foodservice operation, it serves approximately 5 million meals a year.