2006 Public Service & Outreach
Staff Award for Excellence

James McCay

James McCay, director of the Georgia Center’s Food Services Division, has been a mentor and guide to hundreds of students during more than 22 years of service. He also is known for his oversight of new services and for the quality of food served.

As a leader and mentor to up to 60 student workers each semester, McCay teaches students how to work in a professional environment. He coaches them in such areas as work ethic, food service techniques, manners, professional presentation and customer service. Recently, a former Savannah Room employee — now a professor at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte — said that McCay was the best boss she ever had.

His staff also has benefited from his mentoring; thirteen of his employees have received Outstanding Service Awards.

McCay oversees all food services, including banquets, menu dining, café service, receptions, catered parties, breaks and special events. He has helped to introduce new services such as Starbuck’s coffee, alcohol service for meals and receptions, and sandwich and salad bar service in the café.

McCay received the 2001 Georgia Center Award for Excellence and has been selected twice to receive Outstanding Service Awards.