Dining Service recently announced two employee changes as Tricia Gipson, formerly the manager of cash operations and student employment, will assume the position of Dining Service business manager on April 4. Adeena Fisher, a graduate of Ithaca College and the Culinary Institute of America, will replace Gipson as manager of dining retail operations.
"I thought it was a good time for a change," said Gipson. "I've been in Smith Union since it opened in 1995 and I thought this was a good opportunity to expand my skills."
With her new position, Gipson will be responsible for the oversight of accounting, financial reporting and board plan management for the department. She will also continue to direct the Dining Service student employment program.
Director of Dining and Bookstore Services Mary McAteer Kennedy began looking for a new business manager in January after the position was vacated by Stephen T. Cole.
"Tricia applied for the position and she is a very well-qualified candidate," said Kennedy. "It was a good match for her experience, and a change for Trish so she could continue to grow in her positions here."
Gipson, who has worked at Bowdoin since 1990, formerly oversaw the Dining Service at Smith Union. She has also worked as an assistant manager to the Dining Service at Smith Union.
"Trish will add strength to our management team because she has a broad experience," said Kennedy.
Smith Union Operations Assistant Mona Paschke has worked alongside Gipson at Bowdoin since 2000.
"I've always respected [Gipson] as a supervisor," said Paschke. "I think this new position is going to be very good for her. I am definitely excited for her."
"I was very sorry to see her go, [but] I think she'll be great in that position," she added.
Adeena Fisher, who will replace Gipson, owned and operated two restaurants in Bar Harbor.
"We had a large and strong applicant pool for this job," said Kennedy. "From all the candidates, [Fisher] was the one whose background and experience most closely matched our needs."
"It's always good to have new eyes or new blood in an organization," said Gipson of Fisher. "I think it'll be nice to see what she sees in the cash operations [at Smith Union] and what changes she wants to make to them."
Fisher will be responsible for overseeing the Café, the convenience store and Jack Magee's Pub and Grill. According to Kennedy, she will also work closely with the Student Activities Office and other building residents to create "a cohesive program for Smith Union."
"I think she'll be a great match for the job," said Kennedy. "She's very excited and enthusiastic."
"The transition is going to be difficult for everybody, but for the most part I think it's going to be a good change," said Paschke. "[Gipson] won't be far away, so we'll be able to keep in touch. In all, it's a very positive thing."
For her part, Gipson said that changing positions is "bittersweet."
"I like working at Smith Union...I will miss some aspects of being over there," said Gipson. "But I am excited for new opportunities and seeing another side of dining."