Aramark has announced two key leadership appointments in its education divisions reflecting the company’s understanding of the unique needs of campus and school communities.
Barbara Flanagan, an Aramark veteran and student experience expert, has been named President and CEO of Aramark Collegiate Hospitality, effective January 1, 2026. Flanagan most recently served as President and CEO of Aramark Student Nutrition, focused on K–12 school dining programs. She brings extensive knowledge to Collegiate Hospitality, where she previously served as Regional Vice President, and is known for her client- and student-centric strategic vision and focus on operational excellence.
“Barbara is a proven executive with a deep understanding of our education clients and what they need in a hospitality experience,” said Marc Bruno, COO of Aramark US Food and Facilities. “Her professional breadth and her client and customer focus will further solidify our Collegiate Hospitality division as the leading provider of hospitality on college campuses.”
As Aramark Collegiate Hospitality continues to meet the dynamic needs of students and educational institutions, Flanagan’s leadership style—rooted in collaboration, innovation, and a deep understanding of the student journey—positions her well to guide the division into its next chapter.
“I look forward to building on the momentum of Collegiate Hospitality’s solid foundation,” said Flanagan. “The student experience is ever evolving, and I will champion a future where innovation seamlessly intersects with hospitality.”
Flanagan began her career at Aramark as an entry-level food service manager, a path which instilled in her a deep appreciation for the resilience required in all roles within the service industry. She is also committed to fostering a culture where every employee feels valued and is equipped with the tools and resources necessary to excel in hospitality.
Brisbane Vaillancourt was appointed President and CEO of Aramark Student Nutrition effective October 4, 2025. Vaillancourt joined Aramark in 2016 and has held leadership roles in Workplace and Collegiate Hospitality, most recently serving as the latter’s Regional Vice President for the Northeast Region. She demonstrates a strong commitment to student well-being, culinary innovation, and operational efficiency.
“Brisbane is a top talent leader within Aramark, and we couldn’t be more pleased to have her as the new President of Aramark Student Nutrition,” said Bruno. “These leadership transitions reflect Aramark’s commitment to developing talent from within and building a resilient, future-ready organization.”
Vaillancourt is committed to building strong partnerships with school districts, families, and communities to create dining experiences that reflect care, dignity, and innovation. She looks to inspire a culture of continuous improvement and leave a lasting impact on the health and success of the students Aramark Student Nutrition serves.
“I want to ensure that every student has access to nutritious and culturally relevant meals that fuel learning and well-being,” said Vaillancourt. “My goal is to inspire a culture of continuous improvement and leave a lasting impact on the health and success of the students we serve.”
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