2026 Silver Plate Winner
Executive Director Campus Dining & Retail, University of California San Diego
Palmer leads one of the nation’s largest and most innovative university dining programs. His portfolio includes 21 restaurants, markets, catering and retail operations, serving more than nine million meals annually.
A recognized innovator, Palmer has redefined campus dining through technology, operational excellence and a strong commitment to culinary diversity and sustainability. Under his leadership, UC San Diego became a pioneer in mobile ordering and the first in higher education to scale automated markets.
Palmer brings over three decades of experience in the food and beverage industry. His journey in the hospitality world began with formal training, where he honed his skills in culinary arts and management, laying out the foundation for a career marked by innovation and excellence. He is known for his people-first approach. Jeff builds inclusive, high-performing teams that source responsibly, celebrate global cuisines, and create pathways for talent development, fostering a culture of excellence that empowers the food away from home industry.
“He inspires others to challenge the status quo, embrace innovation, and continuously improve traditional practices. His visionary approach and people-first mindset have driven remarkable growth and success across every initiative he’s led. Jeff is a true leader in every sense of the word.”
— Donna Donovan, Business Development Manager Non Commercial – West, Hormel Foods
“Innovation and inclusion are central to his leadership style. At UC San Diego, he's advanced dining programs through strategic thinking, cutting-edge technologies, and a forward-looking mindset. Whether at home, in the community, or within the workplace, his goal is always the same: to uplift others, foster connection, and create lasting, positive change.”
— James Totland, West Division AFH Sales Vice President, Commercial; PepsiCo
Ted Johnson
VC Chancellor/Chief Procurement Officer University of California San Diego
Ted Johnson is assistant vice chancellor and chief procurement officer at the University of California San Diego. Prior to joining UC San Diego in 2006, Johnson worked for Sony Electronics and Hitachi Home Electronics. After earning his undergraduate degree, he received a fellowship from the Japanese Ministry of Education to pursue his master's degree in international business management at the University of Tsukuba.