Southern California native Aaron Neilson obtained his degree in Culinary Arts at Western Culinary Institute and in Business Administration at Strayer University in Washington DC. Aaron has worked on several college campuses since 1992, including the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Loyola Marymount University, The Claremont Colleges, Chapman University, and the University of La Verne. Aaron resides with his wife and daughters in Alta Loma.

Patrick has been involved in campus dining for 22 great years. He worked 17 years in Residential Dining at UC Irvine and Pomona College in Claremont. He has also provided management support, merchandising, and culinary program training from New Mexico to San Francisco. Patrick has provided ServeSafe certification training to dozens of foodservice people. He was the Purchasing Manager/Systems Administrator for Cal Poly Pomona Foundation, Inc. Dining Services from 2001-2004.
Patrick has lived in The O.C. for 38 years and still enjoys living close to the ocean. He has a strong passion for Campus Dining, especially Residential. According to Patrick, “There is no other industry that is more challenging, rewarding, exciting and ever changing.”

Arnold attended Mount San Antonio Community College as a Hotel/Motel Administration Management major. He has been an Executive Chef for 24 years and has worked in 4 and 5 Star Diamond Award establishments, including Industry Hills Sheraton and Water Grill in downtown Los Angeles. One of his favorite specialties is Roasted Chilean Sea Bass on a Bed of Spinach, served with Rissolé Potatoes and Tomato Chardonnay Sauce. He currently resides in Walnut and enjoys windsurfing, hiking, bicycling, and tending his koifishpond.

James Dial is a Cal Poly alumni and a graduate of the Collins School of Hotel and Restaurant Management. He has a broad range of leading edge restaurant industry (Marie Callender’s, Stuart Anderson’s Black Angus and Islands) management experience.  His primary responsibility is Campus Catering but will also have a real impact on the ambience of our residential dining. His wife Brenda is also an alum and works for the College of the Extended University. James is very excited about bringing his skills back to his alma mater.

Joanne graduated from Mount San Antonio Community College with a degree in Commercial Art. She has been employed at Cal Poly Pomona since 1994. Her interests include camping, fishing, her grandchildren, and still talking to her sisters. Joanne resides with her husband of 40 years.

Before coming to Cal Poly Pomona Foundation, Inc., Bob worked 17 years in food service, 10 years as a manager in various restaurants, and 5 1/2 years as a sales representative for Foothill Beverage Company. He enjoys spending time with his family, listening to classic rock ‘n’ roll, and watching movies. He also likes all sports, especially football and baseball. Bob is very pleased to be working at Cal Poly Pomona!