The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) Alumni Association welcomes Gina Ray, CDM, CFPP, as its Director of Alumni Facilities.
Ray will be responsible for supervising and managing the William H. & Dorothy Thompson Alumni Center, one of Omaha’s most popular banquet facilities and conference centers. She will provide meeting, planning and support services to Thompson Center clientele, including corporate, private and university groups. She also will oversee marketing efforts, manage building maintenance and coordinate with contractors and other vendors. She began her duties Jan. 3.
"Gina brings relevant experience and a fresh perspective to the Thompson Center operation to ensure that the business runs efficiently, and that our growth potential is maximized," said UNO Alumni Association President Lee Denker.
Ray has extensive customer service experience, particularly in catering and food service management. She most recently was a team leader and director of food service for Methodist Hospital and Women's Hospital, where she had been employed since April 2007.
“I am excited to join the Thompson Center and look forward to future relationships, both within the University and with new outside clientele,” Ray said. “I love the business of event planning and management, especially participating in memorable, once-in-a-lifetime events.”
Prior to Methodist Ray spent five years as director of operations for Brandeis Catering. Brandeis has been the Thompson Center's exclusive catering partner since 1999.
Ray also has catering, event and retail experience through previous employment with Sodexo Corporate Services (at Mutual of Omaha), Harvey's Casino & Hotel (now Harrah's) and Brandeis Food Management at Aksarben.
Ray in 2010 became a Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) and Certified Food Protection Professional (CFPP) through coursework with the University of North Dakota. She has completed other industry-related training and has completed coursework at Metropolitan Community College.
Ray can be reached at 402-350-1981 (cell) or 402-554-3368 (phone). Her email is gray@unoalumni.org.