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.

Jennifer Skikas
Catering Director

Jennifer started her career at Boston’s original Ritz Carlton where she quickly decided that working with clients in the front of the house is more enjoyable than working in the kitchen. She quickly made her jump to special event planning and has worked with various catering companies throughout Boston and Rhode Island. Before joining BU Jennifer spent 4½ years at MIT as Catering Director. Jennifer says that she has planned over 250 weddings over her career! In her free time she enjoys canning, hanging with her dog Chloe, and watching her nieces and nephews grow up (though not too fast).

Christine Cappadora
VIP Catering Director

Jessica Paulson
Executive Chef

Sales & Event Managers

Jamie Imperato
Catering Sales Manager

Connor Lipchus
Catering Sales Manager

Lynn Mahan
Events 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.

Maykel Bandera
Event Manager

Kristie Buckley
Catering & Premium Service Manager

Richie Serrano
Executive Chef