Aramark invests in culinary talent through industry-leading training and certification.
As part of Aramark’s ongoing commitment to culinary excellence, chefs from across the company have successfully completed the ProChef® Certification program at The Culinary Institute of America (CIA). The latest cohort of 15 graduates represents a wide range of culinary talent serving in colleges and universities, K-12 schools, and workplace dining environments. Their varied certification levels reflect a shared passion for advancing culinary innovation and continuous growth.
“Aramark is proud to support our chefs in pursuing the ProChef certification, a program that reflects the highest standards in culinary excellence,” said Marc Bruno, Chief Operating Officer, U.S. Food & Facilities at Aramark. “This achievement not only celebrates their individual growth, but also strengthens our collective commitment to delivering innovative, high-quality dining experiences across the communities we serve.”
The ProChef certification program is a comprehensive professional development and culinary proficiency program that offers hands-on skill validation and recognizes professional achievement. It aims to provide chefs with the knowledge and credentials needed to advance their careers. Certification acknowledges proficiency in culinary arts, personnel management, and financial administration at three levels, supporting specific stages in a chef’s career.
The following chefs earned their ProChef III certification, the top level of certification:
Aramark Collegiate Hospitality (ProChef III)
- Blake Ingram, Sacramento State University
- Cody Combs, University of Tennessee Chattanooga
- Franco Lossio, University of New Mexico
- Jacob Helsabeck, MidAtlantic Ops Support
- Jason Seiple, Slippery Rock University
- Luke Holbrook, Hospitality Enablement
- Michael Bluto, Eastern Carolina University
- Sharron Barshishat, University of California Irvine
- William Reardon, Fairfield University
Aramark Student Nutrition (ProChef III)
- Alicia Rivera, Lewisville ISD
The following chefs earned their ProChef II certification:
Lifeworks Restaurant Group (ProChef II)
- Chris Chaisson, Richmond, VA
- Clifton Logan, Alpharetta, GA
- Dane Newman, Beaverton, OR
- Neal Liston, Plano, TX
- Paul Kostandin, Plano, TX
To learn more about Aramark’s commitment to culinary excellence, please visit https://www.aramark.com/our-services/food-services.
About the Culinary Institute of America
Founded in 1946, the Culinary Institute of America is the world’s premier culinary college. Dedicated to developing leaders in foodservice and hospitality, the independent, not-for-profit CIA offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees with majors in Baking and Pastry Arts, Culinary Arts, Culinary Science, Culinary Therapeutics, Food Business, Food Studies and Sustainability, Hospitality Management, and Wine and Beverage Management. The college also offers executive education, certificate programs, and courses for professionals and enthusiasts. Its conferences, leadership initiatives, and consulting services have made CIA the think tank of the food industry and its worldwide network of nearly 55,000 alumni includes innovators in every area of the food world. CIA has locations in New York, California, Texas, and Singapore.
About Aramark
Aramark (NYSE: ARMK) proudly serves the world’s leading educational institutions, Fortune 500 companies, world champion sports teams, prominent healthcare providers, iconic destinations and cultural attractions, and numerous municipalities in 16 countries around the world with food and facilities management. Because of our hospitality culture, our employees strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and the planet. Learn more at www.aramark.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram.
