May 28, 2025 – Being Promoted Noel Massie and Master Restauranteur Paul Nishiyama

Noel Massie – Retired Vice President of US Delivery Operations for UPS and Author of Congrats! You’ve Been Promoted: An Essential Guide for Helping New Leaders and Their Teams Succeed

Noel Massie began working for UPS part time during college and rose through the ranks to become vice president for UPS’s US Delivery Operations. Before his retirement in 2019, he oversaw 200,000 employees who were led by 12,000 supervisors. In this role, Noel supported and guided the package delivery and logistic services in the United States. He continues to mentor young leaders and supervisors. Noel is currently a member of numerous boards: the Annenberg Foundation, which holds a $1.7 billion endowment and where Noel serves on their investment committee that guides the foundation’s investment strategy; the Los Angeles Urban Leagues Executive Committee, where Noel served as chairman for nine years; Chapter ONE US, an organization that seeks to enhance elementary school literacy; and the Asian American and Pacific Islander Legal Center. He has received over a dozen awards, including the Peter Drucker School of Management Leadership Award, the Whitney M. Young Award, the Admiral Samuel L. Gravely Award, the Civic Leadership Award of Los Angeles, and the Civic Leadership Award of Chicago for serving for five years on the Chicago Workforce Board. He currently mentors young leaders and private organizations on values-based leadership principles. He and his family reside in Oak Park, Illinois, with a secondary residence in Southern California. Paul Nishiyama – Chief Growth Officer of Better Buzz Coffee

Paul Nishiyama is a seasoned executive with extensive experience in the restaurant industry, currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer at Better Buzz Coffee since January 2023. Prior to this role, Nishiyama held various leadership positions at Rubio’s Restaurants, Inc., including Chief Operating Officer, Senior Vice President of Operations, and Vice President of Information Technology. Nishiyama also served as Vice President of Operations at Burger Lounge and held key roles at Johnny Rockets, culminating as Executive Vice President of Operations. Nishiyama’s early career at Rubio’s began in 1987, where Paul progressed from Director of Information Technology to District Manager. Educational background includes studies at San Diego Mesa College.