leadership
Executive Staff
Grounded in more than 80 years of supporting the university, Cal Poly Partners’ leadership bring a diverse background of experiences, schooling, history and knowledge to the campus community.
Grounded in more than 80 years of supporting the university, Cal Poly Partners’ leadership bring a diverse background of experiences, schooling, history and knowledge to the campus community.
As the CEO of Cal Poly Partners, Cody VanDorn is responsible for the day-to-day operation of its programs and services, and strategically working with the board of directors, university leadership, and student body to collectively enhance the Cal Poly experience.
He holds a finance degree from Cal Poly and is a graduate from the Stanford Project Management program.
Associate Executive Director
Andrea oversees new business development support, Campus Dining, Mustang Shop, Cal Poly Downtown, and Conference and Event Planning. Andrea is Cal Poly Partners’ liaison to ASI and is serving as co-advisor for Cal Poly Women In Business.
Chief Financial Officer
In this role, he oversees the day-to-day financial operations. He has spent a career in public accounting, working primarily in Southern California for a variety of organizations and industries, including the California State University system.
Associate Executive Director of Marketing & Communications
Ellen leads the planning, development and implementation of all marketing and communications programs. She holds a bachelor’s in communication from Boston University and a master’s in strategic communication management from Concordia University-St. Paul.
Human Resources Director
Tiffany has worked extensively with executive leaders and leadership teams to drive business transformation and growth through innovative people practices. A certified mindfulness and meditation coach, Tiffany leverages these practices to create resilient, focused, collaborative and change-ready corporate environments.
Associate Executive Director, Real Estate Development and Services
Jim oversees all stages of real estate acquisition, development, management, and disposal for Cal Poly Partners-owned or leased properties including commercial, residential, and agricultural uses.
Cal Poly Partners is an invaluable partner in ensuring our commercial agricultural operations enable students to gain hands-on experience in their chosen fields of study.
Andrew ThulinDean, Cal Poly College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences
In 2021, the Chartwells Higher Education dining team at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), in San Luis Obispo, Calif., broke ground on renovating Building 19 which housed two former concepts on campus —The Avenue and 805 Kitchen. The then...
On March 4, Cal Poly Partners will celebrate the organization’s new name with a campus-wide event that invites everyone to “March Fourth” with Cal Poly Partners. The campus community is invited to 1901 Marketplace from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to celebrate with the Cal Poly...