Kenny Wagoner Receives Certified Executive Chef and Certified Culinary Administrator Designations

St. Augustine, Fla., September 16, 2009—Kenneth R. Wagoner of Tulsa, Okla., has earned the certified executive chef® (CEC®) and certified culinary administrator™ (CCA™) designations from the American Culinary Federation (ACF), Inc. Wagoner is executive chef, at Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Tulsa, Okla., and a member of ACF Tulsa Chapter.

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 chef who is the department head usually 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. In the practical exam, chefs use selected ingredients to write and produce a three-course menu, including fish, salad and main course. Chefs must adhere to strict guidelines, such as time, amount of ingredients, presentation and cooking techniques.

A CCA™ is an executive-level chef who is responsible for the administrative functions of running a professional foodservice operation. This culinary professional must demonstrate proficiency in culinary knowledge, human resources, operational management and business planning skills. A CCA™ must supervise the equivalent of at least five full-time employees. CCA™ certification includes a 400-word, written narrative describing job duties and responsibilities, and a one-hour, written exam containing 100 questions. Chefs must also have certified executive chef certification to obtain this level.

Certified chefs in restaurants, hotels and other foodservice operations demonstrate commitment to quality foodservice and must renew their certification(s) every five years. ACF has awarded more than 20,750 certifications since 1973 and is the only certifier of U.S. master chefs and master pastry chefs.