Local Chef Receives Certified Executive Chef Designation

 

Patrick T. Wilson, Certified Culinary Administration and WACS Certified Chef (a World Certified Chefs Societies’ certification) of Newtown, has earned the certified executive chef (CEC) designation from the American Culinary Federation (ACF), Inc. Chef Wilson is executive chef at Saint Andrews Golf Club, Hastings on Hudson, N.Y., and a member of ACF Chefs Association of Westchester and Lower Connecticut.

ACF operates the only comprehensive certification program for chefs in the United States and currently certifies nearly 9,000 professionals worldwide. Candidates for ACF certification must have a high level of work and educational experience, and pass both a written and practical examination. In addition, candidates must complete coursework in food safety, nutrition, and supervisory management.

A CEC is a department head chef responsible for all culinary units in a restaurant, hotel, club, hospital, or foodservice establishment, or the owner of a foodservice operation. A CEC must supervise a minimum of five full-time employees and pass a practical exam in front of peers. Chefs must adhere to strict guidelines, such as time, amount of ingredients, presentation, and cooking techniques.

Certified chefs in restaurants, hotels, and other foodservice operations demonstrate commitment to quality foodservice and must renew their certification(s) every five years.