Our People:

Steve Hiligan, with more than 30 years of management experience in the hospitality industry, has worked with clients including conference centers, colleges and universities, restaurants, retirement communities, school systems, and business and industry. Prior to cofounding Creative Dining Services in 1990, Steve held various positions including Director, District Manager, and Vice President of Operations for both national and international hospitality companies. He has supervised businesses of various sizes as well as new sales and account openings. He is a current member of the Society of Food Service Management. Steve is a graduate of Hillsdale College and resides in Holland, Michigan, with his wife.

A member of Creative Dining Services since 1990, Chuck holds a B.A.S. in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Grand Valley State University and a Master’s of Management degree from Aquinas College. A program graduate of the Disney Institute of Customer Service and the Center for Creative Leadership, Chuck has over 25 years of experience in the hospitality field. As an officer of Creative Dining Services, Chuck has supported the openings of four conference centers and consulted on design for several others. Prior experience includes positions as lodge manager, resident manager, and food service director. He lives in Holland, Michigan, with his wife.

Paul Bakker has been a key member of the Creative Dining Services’ team since its founding in 1990. A graduate of Calvin College with a degree in Business Administration, Paul’s career in food service began in 1980. Paul brings extensive experience to his role as Vice President of Operations for Creative Dining Services. Responsible for overseeing account operations in the mid-west, Paul’s skills in management and operations are a valuable asset to Creative Dining. Prior experience includes positions as a manager, director, and Senior Director with three international food service organizations. Paul resides in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with his wife and three sons.

Nicholas Saccaro serves as the Vice President of Operations for Creative Dining Services, overseeing the organization’s existing partnerships in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Colorado and Nebraska and growing Creative Dining’s presence in these and other states. A proven innovator and leader in the food industry, Nicholas most recently served as Vice President and General Manager for a regional food service provider in the western United States. Prior to this, Nicholas served as the CEO for two Feeding America food bank network members. Nicholas graduated summa cum laude from Missouri Western State University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Management and later earned his Master’s in Business Administration from Morehead State University. Nicholas and his wife, Kimberly reside in Chicago with their son.

Jennifer has been working as a Registered Dietitian with Creative Dining Services since 2002. Her nutritional background began at Michigan State University where she received a Bachelors of Science degree in Dietetics with a Specialization in Health Promotions. She has completed a Foodservice Management Internship at Cornell University and has also worked as a Diet Technician at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, Michigan. Jennifer completed her Dietetic Internship through Michigan State University where she gained additional experience in foodservice, community, and clinical dietetics. In addition, during her internship Jennifer was involved with Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) preparation. A member of both the Michigan and American Dietetic Associations, she is currently working towards completing her Masters Degree.

Jennifer’s responsibilities include coordinating and guiding the various corporate sustainability, nutrition, wellness and sanitation programs that Creative Dining Services offers as premier services to our clients. These programs are designed individually and collectively to deliver educational and operational services to the tens of thousands of diners that Creative Dining feeds each day.