Meet the Team

At Catering on the Charles, passion meets knowledge. Our staff members hail from around the country with decades of combined experience hosting events of all types and sizes.

Bruce Gonsalves
Campus Catering Director

Living evidence that dreams come true, Bruce joins Boston University as campus Catering Director. He has an extensive background in the hospitality and service industry with specific focus on the higher education market. After graduating from Johnson and Wales in Providence, Rhode Island, Bruce began his professional career right here at BU’s George Sherman Union. He then worked in different areas of the country, most recently as Catering Director for Northwestern University. One of Bruce’s great career ambitions was returning to BU as Catering Director; he is extremely excited to reach this milestone! His plans include showcasing new and exciting campus catering events, nurturing a team atmosphere, and sharing his experiences with the BU Catering Group. Outside of work Bruce enjoys spending time with his family and focusing on his health and wellness by working out.

Ethan Paige
Executive Chef

A Massachusetts native, Ethan grew up in Amherst and Hadley, where the region’s rich agricultural heritage and community-driven food culture shaped his early passion for the culinary arts. At just thirteen, he worked his first large-scale event—a traditional New England clambake for over 2,000 guests—an experience that ignited his lifelong dedication to hospitality. Ethan’s career spans celebrated restaurants and premier catering organizations, including Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, Walt Disney World, Legal Sea Foods, Capers Catering, Max Ultimate Food, and The Catered Affair. Trained by award-winning chefs, he has mastered the art of combining fine dining techniques with large-scale event execution, consistently delivering meals that are memorable, elegant, and deeply rooted in a respect for fresh, local ingredients. Beyond the professional kitchen, Ethan enjoys baking bread, traveling, and cultivating organic gardens. He is also an avid skier, tennis player, and fitness enthusiast—pursuits that mirror the creativity, energy, and balance he brings to his culinary leadership. With Chef Ethan at the helm, we look forward to elevating our dining experiences and creating unforgettable moments that bring people together through the joy of food.

Christine Cappadora
VIP Catering Director

Hailing from New Jersey, Christine got her start in Hospitality at Cornell University, working at the teaching Hotel on Campus. Upon graduating, she moved to Boston where she began her Career working in Hotels and Offsite catering, with jobs that spanned both the back of house and front of house operations. At BU, Christine gets to use her experience in both facets, helping members of our BU community not only plan their upcoming events but see it through to their execution. As Director of the VIP program, she plans custom experiences tailored to her client’s needs. In her free time, Christine enjoys spending time with friends, trying new restaurants, the beach and most of all spending time with her son.

Lawrence Alabaster
COTC Catering Director

Lawrence is from Aotearoa New Zealand, Land of the Long White Cloud. He started his career with Aramark at the Las Vegas Convention Center before spending time with both Aramark & Sodexo at JP Morgan and Price Waterhouse Coopers HQ in NYC. He took time out to take care of his son, earn a law degree and work in politics before returning to the field he is truly passionate about. Today he leads the team at Catering on the Charles as the Director of Catering. His goal is to constantly strive to improve service and product while creating a positive team environment. In his spare time he likes to spend time with his son Caleb & to see live music.

Sales & Event Managers

Rudi ‘Todd’ Trader
Catering Manager

Katherine Campana
Sales Manager

Molly Petrillo
Events Manager

Questrom Catering

Joann Flores
Catering Director

Joann was born in a small Texas town with Mexican roots. She is fluent in Spanish and English. Joann attended Johnson and Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island. After graduating, she worked in fine dining restaurants and in private dining event sales and coordination. Joann’s passion for catering and events brought her to Catering on the Charles in 2016. Today she is the Director of Catering at Questrom School of Business where she created a fantastic team sharing her experiences with the Questrom School of Business clients. Joann enjoys traveling, gardening, and getting together with friends and family. She also enjoys playing fastpitch softball with the BU Dining team.

Kristie Buckley
Catering & Premium Service Manager

Kevin Mulvoy
Event Manager

Olivia Caruso
Event Manager

Richie Serrano
Executive Chef