Aramark has announced major leadership appointments across its education-focused divisions, underscoring its long-term commitment to innovation, service excellence and student wellbeing. The strategic moves reflect the company’s vision to strengthen its position as a leading provider of hospitality and nutrition services across higher education and K–12 institutions.
As part of the leadership transition, Barbara Flanagan has been named President and Chief Executive Officer of Aramark Collegiate Hospitality, effective January 1, 2026. In parallel, Brisbane Vaillancourt will assume the role of President and Chief Executive Officer of Aramark Student Nutrition beginning October 4, 2025. Together, these appointments highlight Aramark’s focus on nurturing internal talent while aligning leadership expertise with the evolving needs of educational communities.
Barbara Flanagan to Lead Aramark Collegiate Hospitality
Barbara Flanagan brings decades of experience within Aramark’s education services portfolio and is widely recognised for her student-centric approach to hospitality. Her appointment to lead Aramark Collegiate Hospitality marks a natural progression following her successful tenure as President and CEO of Aramark Student Nutrition, where she oversaw large-scale K–12 dining operations.
Flanagan’s professional journey is rooted in hands-on operational experience, having started her career as an entry-level food service manager. This foundation has shaped her leadership philosophy, emphasising collaboration, frontline empowerment and a deep understanding of client needs. Her previous role as Regional Vice President of Collegiate Hospitality further strengthened her expertise in campus dining, enabling her to work closely with universities to modernise food services and enhance student engagement.
In her new role, Flanagan is expected to guide Aramark Collegiate Hospitality through a period of transformation as higher education institutions continue to rethink campus life, wellness and sustainability. Her leadership vision focuses on creating dining experiences that reflect student preferences, support inclusive food cultures and integrate technology-driven solutions that enhance convenience and choice.
Innovation at the Heart of Campus Dining
Under Flanagan’s leadership, Aramark Collegiate Hospitality is positioned to expand its role beyond traditional dining services. Today’s students increasingly seek flexible, nutritious and socially responsible food options that align with their lifestyles and values. Flanagan has consistently championed innovation in menu development, supplier partnerships and operational models designed to meet these expectations.
Her emphasis on listening to students and institutional partners alike is expected to strengthen Aramark’s reputation as a trusted collaborator in higher education. By combining culinary creativity with operational discipline, the collegiate division aims to deliver dining environments that foster community, wellbeing and academic success.
Brisbane Vaillancourt to Head Aramark Student Nutrition
Complementing Flanagan’s appointment, Brisbane Vaillancourt has been selected to lead Aramark Student Nutrition, the division responsible for delivering meals to K–12 schools across multiple regions. Vaillancourt joined Aramark in 2016 and has since held leadership roles across workplace and collegiate hospitality, most recently serving as Regional Vice President of Collegiate Hospitality for the Northeast Region.
Vaillancourt is known for her commitment to improving access to nutritious meals and for her ability to build strong relationships with school districts, families and local communities. Her leadership approach centres on dignity, care and equity, recognising the essential role nutrition plays in student development and academic performance.
As President and CEO of Aramark Student Nutrition, Vaillancourt will focus on strengthening meal programs that support diverse student populations while meeting evolving nutritional guidelines. Her priorities include enhancing menu relevance, supporting food education initiatives and ensuring operational resilience in a rapidly changing educational landscape.
Advancing Student Wellbeing Through Nutrition
Vaillancourt’s vision for Aramark Student Nutrition extends beyond compliance and efficiency. She advocates for meals that are culturally inclusive, appealing and thoughtfully prepared, helping students build positive relationships with food. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, she aims to elevate the standard of school dining while supporting broader goals related to health and wellness.
Her leadership is also expected to advance innovation in sourcing, food preparation and service delivery, ensuring that student nutrition programs remain adaptable and future-ready. This aligns with growing public-sector emphasis on child nutrition, food security and responsible resource management within educational systems.
A Unified Strategy for Education Services
The leadership changes have been endorsed by Marc Bruno, Aramark’s Chief Operating Officer, who highlighted both leaders’ strategic insight and ability to inspire teams. The appointments reflect Aramark’s commitment to developing leaders from within the organisation while aligning talent with long-term business priorities.
Together, Flanagan and Vaillancourt represent a unified leadership strategy focused on innovation, operational excellence and student-first thinking. Their complementary experience across collegiate and K–12 environments positions Aramark to deliver cohesive, high-quality services across the education spectrum.
Shaping the Future of Education Hospitality
As educational institutions continue to adapt to changing student expectations, demographic shifts and policy priorities, Aramark’s renewed leadership structure signals confidence and continuity. By investing in experienced leaders who understand both operational realities and student needs, the company aims to remain at the forefront of education-focused hospitality.
With Flanagan guiding collegiate dining innovation and Vaillancourt strengthening student nutrition programs, Aramark is reinforcing its role as a partner in creating supportive, nourishing and engaging learning environments. These leadership appointments mark an important step in shaping the future of hospitality and nutrition services within education, ensuring that students remain at the centre of every strategic decision.
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