American Culinary Federation Chefs of Northwest Indiana

About Our Chapter

The American Culinary Federation (ACF), Inc., was founded in 1929 as a professional, not-for-profit organization for chefs and cooks. Founded by three existing chefs’ organizations, the Société Culinaire Philanthropique, the Vatel Club, and the Chefs Association of America, the organization’s principal goal is to promote the professional image of American chefs worldwide through education among culinarians at all levels, from apprentices to the most accomplished certified master chefs.

ACF is the largest and most prestigious organization dedicated to professional chefs in the United States today. The ACF Chefs of Northwest Indiana is one chapter of many that is part of this great organization. Visit our parent organization’s web site at www.acfchefs.org.

History of the ACF Chefs of Northwest Indiana

In 1995, Chef Muhammad Siddiqui and Chef Debra Ward, saw a future for an American Culinary Federation Chapter in Northwest Indiana, between Chicago and South Bend, and north of Indianapolis. Both Chef Siddiqui and Chef Ward had been associated with other ACF Chapters around the country, and now both were working in Northwest Indiana.

After conducting several preliminary meetings in the Fall of 1995, the chapter organizing papers were submitted and ACF Chefs of Northwest Indiana was born.

The first official Northwest Indiana Chapter meeting was held in January, 1996 at Sand Creek Country Club, Chesterton, with 17 charter members present. During this meeting the first Board of Directors was elected, as follows:

President, James Galligan – Sous Chef, Sand Creek Country Club

Vice President, Philippe Joseph – Chef, Innsbrook Country Club

Secretary, Cathy Smith – Sous Chef, Sand Creek Country Club

Treasurer, Kathy Newman – Private Chef

The goal of the Northwest Indiana ACF Chapter is to make people aware of the organization and the culinary professions in general. The chapter reaches out to fellow culinarians, letting them know about ACf membership benefits: networking, monthly meetings, certification programs and tools for success for cooks and chefs.

The ACF Northwest Indiana Chapter celebrates its tenth anniversary in January, 2006 and we look forward to continued growth.

Photography by Aspen Images Photography

Culinarian’s Code

I pledge my professional knowledge and skill to the advancement of our profession and to pass it on to those that are to follow.
I shall foster a spirit of courteous consideration and fraternal cooperation within our profession.
I shall place honor and the standing of our profession before personal advantage.
I shall not use unfair means to effect my professional advancement or to injure the chances of another colleague to secure and hold employment.
I shall be fair, courteous and considerate in my dealings with fellow colleagues.
I shall conduct any necessary comment on, or criticism of, the work of fellow colleagues with careful regard for the good name and dignity of the culinary profession and scrupulously refrain from criticism to gain personal advantage.
I shall never expect anyone to subject himself to risks which I would not be willing to assume myself.
I shall help to protect all members against one another from within our profession.
I shall be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as I am about my own.
I shall be too big for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the pressure of business to hurt anyone, within or without the profession.

Adopted by the American Culinary Federation, Inc. at its Convention in Chicago in August, 1957.

Chapter Officers

President Cheryl Molenda The Inn at Aberdeen 3158 South State Road 2 Valparaiso, IN 46385 (219) 308-5164 chefcheryl4750@att.netcheryl.molenda@mittalsteel.com	Chairman of the Board Jack Mix Comforts Catering 9585 Industrial Drive St. John, IN 46373 (219) 365-6506 mixnuts@sbcglobal.net
Vice President Scott Farrell Briar Ridge Country Club 123 Country Club Drive Schereville, IN 46375 (219) 322-3660 or (219) 865-4513 scottirishchef@yahoo.com	Secretary Alice Pickford Wells St. Beach Café 9001 Lake Shore Drive Gary, IN 46403 (219) 938-1317
Treasurer Tim Merkel Giovanni's Restaurant 603 Ridge Road Munster, IN 46321 (219) 836-6220 tim0284@sbcglobal.net	Sargeant At Arms Billy Mix Comforts Catering 9585 Industrial Drive St. John, IN 46373 (219) 365-6506 mixnuts@sbcglobal.net

Committee Chairs


Membership Chairman David Siano, CCC Intercontinental Hotel Rosemont, IL Cell (219) 678-5706 Work (847) 544-5300 dsiano@icohare.com dvsia@comcast.net	Golf Committee Chairman Tim Merkel Giovanni's Restaurant 603 Ridge Road Munster, IN 46321 (219) 836-6220 tim0284@sbcglobal.net
Jr. Member Incentive Program Chairman Jason Delgado work (219) 8396-6220 home (219) 663-3747 jasonzappa@sbcglobal.net	Recertification/Certification Chairman Nico Luna Home (219) 365-5231 nicoluna@comcast.net
Central Region Vice President David Russell, CEC, AAC 2200 Cabot Drive Lisle, Illinois 60532 ACF Chicago Chefs of Cuisine, Inc. Division Corporate Chef Unilever Food Solutions (630) 955-5122 work david.russell@unilever.com	Elections/Chef of the Year Bi-Laws Chairman Jack Mix - mixnuts@sbcglobal.net Jim Galligan - chefgalligan@verizon.net
Public Relations Scholarship Chairman Chef n Child Chairman Educational Chairman Jim Galligan - chefgalligan@verizon.net

Past Board Members

2008-2009
President - Jack Mix
Vice President - Glennard K. Brooks
Chairman of the Board - Peter E. Jeschke CCC
Treasurer- James Galligan
Secretary - Cheryl Molenda
Sargeant At Arms - Nico Luna, CEC

2006-2007
President - Peter E. Jeschke, CCC
Vice President - Glennard K. Brooks
Chairman of the Board/Treasurer- James Galligan
Secretary - Cheryl Molenda
Sargeant At Arms - Jack H. Mix

2004-2005
President - Pete Jeschke, CCC
Vice President - Travis Dale,CCC (served 1-5/05)
Vice President - Michael Mazur,CCC (served 6-12/05)
Secretary - Tammy Williams (served 1-5/05)
Secretary - Cheryl Molenda (served 6-12/05)
Treasurer - James Galligan
Sargeant At Arms - Jack Mix

2002-2003
President - James Galligan
Vice President - Rick Smolik
Secretary - Pete Jeschke, CCC
Treasurer - Tammy Williams

2000-2001
President - Jerry Mahshie, CEC
Secretary - Cathy Smith
Treasurer - James Galligan

1998-1999
President - Jerry Mahshie, CEC
Secretary - Cathy Smith
Treasurer - James Galligan

1996-1997
President - James Galligan
Vice President - Philippe Joseph
Secretary - Cathy Smith
Treasurer - Kathy Newman

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