Culinary Institute of America announces ProChef Certification graduates

ARAMARK, a world leader in providing professional services, and The Culinary Institute of America (CIA), the world's premier culinary college, are proud to announce the graduation of 23 ARAMARK Higher Education chefs and 17 Sports and Entertainment chefs from the prestigious ProChef Certification program. These chefs, serving colleges, universities, conference centers and preparatory schools as well as stadiums, arenas and entertainment venues across the country, join more than 70 certified chefs from ARAMARK's Higher Education business and 85 certified chefs from ARAMARK's Sports and Entertainment business, which first enrolled in the CIA's ProChef program in 2008.

"We are so pleased that our partnership with ARAMARK continues to grow," said Brad Barnes, senior director of continuing education at The Culinary Institute of America. "The ProChef Certification process provides these already creative chefs with the additional skills, training and tools needed to excel in their careers."

The CIA ProChef Certification program is a comprehensive professional development and culinary skills verification program which measures core culinary, managerial and financial acumen, including a chef's skill in taste, proper cooking methods, authenticity, plating, use of all ingredients, hygiene and disposal of food waste.

"We are extremely proud of the chefs who worked so hard to achieve ProChef Certification and congratulate them on this outstanding accomplishment," said Chris Hackem, President, ARAMARK Higher Education. "ARAMARK's partnership with the CIA provides our chefs with the opportunity to hone their skills and culinary creativity, as well as to enhance the dining experience for our clients and customers."

"The CIA ProChef Certification program is a demanding challenge that requires preparation, practice, and perseverance, and we are very proud of our chefs who have completed it," said Marc Bruno, President, ARAMARK Sports and Entertainment. "Achieving this significant milestone will ensure ARAMARK continues to deliver world class experiences at sports facilities, convention centers and entertainment venues in North America."

The CIA ProChef Certification program, which recognizes proficiency in culinary arts, personnel management, and financial administration, consists of three levels of training with ProChef III being the highest, most prestigious designation. The following ARAMARK Higher Education and Sports and Entertainment chefs received their ProChef I, ProChef II and ProChef III Certification:

Higher Education Graduates

Kyle Wiens, California State University-East Bay
Dan Mullins, Pacific University
Ann Kozina, Fluno Center for Executive Education at University of Wisconsin-Madison
Casaundra White, Ross Center at University of Michigan, Ross School of Business
Christian Drouin, University of Florida
Anthony Gamino, Baylor University
Jim Bell, Southwestern Assemblies of God University
John Mann, Louisiana Tech University
Sports and Entertainment Graduates

Craig McAlister, Cedar Park Center
Raymond Dominguez, Coors Field
Samuel Beale, Columbus, GA Convention Center
Michael Husney, Quicken Loans Arena
Johnny Mulcahy, Fenway Park
Eladio Ruiz, Angels Stadium
Ronnie Simon, Cashman Field Complex
ProChef II:
Higher Education Graduates

Swen Altis, High Point University
Joe Bruno, Southeastern Louisiana State
Andrew Lucyshyn, Arizona State University
Edgar Portillo, Marymount Manhattan College
Nick Thompson, James L. Allen Center, Northwestern University
Juan Vasquez, University of California- Irvine
James Vetter, James Madison University
Stephen Winterling, Georgetown University
Greg Schaub, Southeast Region, District Chef
Sports and Entertainment Graduates

Dominic Soucie, George R. Brown Convention Center
Cliff Johnson, Minute Maid Park
Eric Wallace, CONSOL Energy Center
Rich Montini, PNC Park
Todd Lyons, Citizens Bank Park
Julio Rodriguez, Citi Field
Mark Hoffman, Pennsylvania Convention Center
Michael Kain, Reilant Center
Peter DeCarl, Jobing.com Arena
Les Heydenerich, Phoenix Convention Center
ProChef III:
Higher Education Graduates

Mark Benanchietti, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Paul Calice, University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill
Michael Gueiss, Johns Hopkins University
Bryan Kelly, University of Virginia
Jeff Lin, Villanova University Conference Center
Matt Thompson, Brandeis University