Stacey Hepburn-James serves as the Senior Director, Business Strategy & Operational Effectiveness, Yale Hospitality, where she leads the strategic and operational direction of the 14 residential college dining halls in support of Yale College’s mission. Her leadership ensures an exceptional, student-centered dining experience that reflects Yale’s values of distinction, inclusivity, and innovation.
Stacey joined Yale University in 2019 as Director of Hospitality Operations at the newly reimagined Yale Schwarzman Center. There, she played a pivotal role in shaping and executing operational plans for the University’s first campus-wide student center. Her leadership was instrumental in establishing foundational service standards, integrating new technologies, and embedding innovative concepts into daily operations.
Following her success at the Schwarzman Center, Stacey advanced into the role of Director of Strategic Initiatives and Business Support. In this capacity, she oversaw key pillars of operational excellence including human capital strategy, workplace culture, procurement and sourcing, technology and innovation, marketing and communications, and enterprise-wide strategic planning.
Before joining Yale, Stacey held senior leadership positions across several premier hospitality brands, including Hilton Worldwide, Waldorf Astoria, Renaissance, Ritz-Carlton, and Starwood-Marriott. She brings a wealth of experience in operational leadership, talent development, and service excellence across diverse and complex environments.
Stacey holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Hospitality Management (JWU) and a graduate of the inaugural Yale EMERGE leadership program, established by President Peter Salovey in 2022. She currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the National Association of College and University Food Services (NACUFS), is a Pierson College Fellow and First-Year Faculty Advisor, and contributes her expertise to several university-wide committees. Beyond Yale, Stacey is actively engaged in local nonprofit leadership, serving on boards focused on child education and community impact.