Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Arlene Beahm

Arlene Beahm

Salem,CT

Summary

Dynamic culinary professional with extensive experience as Chief Cook at the Dept. of Commerce, recognized for enhancing kitchen efficiency and fostering team collaboration. Expert in innovative cooking techniques and food safety procedures, I excel in menu planning and conflict resolution, consistently delivering high-quality meals while reducing food waste and optimizing costs.

Overview

2025
2025
years of professional experience

Work History

Chief Cook

Dept. of Commerce
  • Enhanced kitchen efficiency by streamlining meal preparation processes and implementing innovative cooking techniques.
  • Fostered a culture of continuous improvement within the kitchen staff by regularly soliciting feedback and implementing changes aimed at enhancing efficiency, quality, and creativity.
  • Collaborated with other chefs to develop seasonal menus featuring fresh, locally-sourced ingredients for diverse clientele.
  • Mentored junior cooks in developing advanced culinary skills, fostering a supportive learning environment within the kitchen team.
  • Mastered multiple cooking styles by attending industry workshops, staying current on culinary trends, and experimenting with new techniques in daily operations.
  • Ensured compliance with health department regulations through diligent monitoring of kitchen sanitation practices and staff training programs.
  • Maintained high food quality standards through consistent taste testing, ingredient evaluation, and recipe refinement.
  • Reduced food waste by utilizing proper storage methods, inventory tracking, and creative menu planning.
  • Evaluated vendor relationships regularly to maintain optimal pricing options while maintaining desired product quality levels.
  • Optimized budget management by negotiating supplier contracts, reducing costs without compromising quality or variety.

Second Cook

Dept. of Commerce
09.2014 - 02.2025

Cooked meals for scientists and crew on NOAA research vessels.

Education

Graduate Certificate - Plant Forward Cooking Course

Culinary Institute of America
03.2024

Graduate Certificate - Culiniary

Sclafani Cooking School, New Orleans, LA
07.2012

Skills

  • Food pairings
  • Cooking techniques
  • Sanitation standards
  • Food presentation
  • Conflict resolution
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Nutritional knowledge
  • Self motivation
  • Portion and cost control
  • Task prioritization
  • Team building
  • Food stock and supply management
  • Prioritization and organization
  • Safe food handling
  • Kitchen safety
  • Decision-making
  • Adaptability and flexibility
  • Effective communication
  • Active listening
  • Creative thinking
  • Organizational skills
  • Excellent communication
  • Reliability
  • Food prep planning
  • Multitasking
  • Attention to detail
  • Time management
  • Problem-solving
  • Teamwork
  • Food allergy safety
  • Food safety procedures
  • Kitchen sanitation management
  • Menu planning

Timeline

Second Cook - Dept. of Commerce
09.2014 - 02.2025
Chief Cook - Dept. of Commerce
Culinary Institute of America - Graduate Certificate, Plant Forward Cooking Course
Sclafani Cooking School - Graduate Certificate, Culiniary
Arlene Beahm