George O’Palenick, CEC, CCE, AAC
Candidate for Northeast Region Vice President
Candidate’s Statement
It’s an honor and privilege to accept the nomination for ACF Northeast Regional Vice President. I have been a proud member of the American Culinary Federation, Rhode Island Chapter for over 30 years and have served as a 3-term President as well as on numerous committees.
Some ACF members join to seek certification, others, networking through the educational experience and yet others, have a passion for competitions. All members are our customers and their needs make up the ACF “Brand.” Based on my many years of experience, if elected, I believe I will be able to develop, maintain and promote our “Brand” to all members.
George O’Palenick, CEC, CCE, AAC
Bio
Chef O’Palenick began his career at the Culinary Institute of America and the chef instructors inspired him to become a teacher. His training served him well when he was assigned to cook on the Admiral’s Staff aboard the USS Wasp while serving in the US Navy.
Chef O’Palenick began teaching at Johnson & Wales University in 1980. During his tenure, he earned his BS & MS Degrees along with the rank of Associate Professor. In 1987, he founded Art in Ice featuring hand crafted ice sculptures. Chef O’Palenick has been actively involved coaching both student Ice Carving and Culinary teams.
He is an Approved ACF and NICA Judge and recently received his WACS Judging Certification.
He has been a proud member of the American Culinary Federation, Rhode Island Chapter for over 30 years and has served as a three-term President as well as on numerous committees. Regionally, he served as Northeast Regional Vice President from 1987–1991; and nationally, he served as Internal Audit Chair for over five years.
Chef O’Palenick knows that some ACF members join to seek certification, others, networking through the educational experience and yet others, have a passion for competitions. All members are our customers and their needs make up the ACF “Brand.” Every time our customers have a need or want, it’s important that their experience meets or exceeds their expectations, to strengthen our “Brand.” Based on his many years of experience, if elected, he will be able to develop, maintain and promote our “Brand” to all members.
Special Recognitions:
- 1987 Inducted into American Academy of Chefs
- 1992 Teaching Excellence Award - Les Amis d’ Escoffier Society
- 1995 ACF Regional & National Chef of the Year
- 2004 ACF Culinary Educator of the Year Award
- 2004 Olympic Gold Medal for Ice carving
- 2009 Inducted into NICA Hall of Fame
- 2010 Inducted into Honorable Order of the Golden Toque
- 2011 Industry Award from the Epicurean Club of Boston
Candidate’s Messages
