Danielle Hughes
New York
Summary
Distinguished Chief Culinary Specialist with over 13 years of service in the United States Coast Guard, recognized for advancing military culinary excellence through leadership, innovation, and international competition. A Certified Executive Chef (CEC) and ACF National Team USA member with a proven record of mentoring, managing, and inspiring elite culinary teams to national and global success. Accomplished competitor and presenter with extensive experience representing the U.S. Coast Guard and the American Culinary Federation (ACF) at the highest professional levels.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Chief Culinary Specialist (E-7)
United States Coast Guard
04.2012 - Current
- Direct culinary operations across multiple Coast Guard installations and cutters, ensuring excellence in menu design, nutrition, and galley management.
- Mentor and train junior culinary specialists, preparing them for ACF certification and competitive excellence.
- Lead and coach Coast Guard culinary teams to award-winning performances at national and international competitions.
- Develop and implement advanced culinary programs aligned with ACF standards and Coast Guard operational needs.
- Represent the Coast Guard in professional culinary forums, strengthening inter-service and civilian culinary partnerships.
Education
Advanced Culinary Leadership Training
U.S. Coast Guard
ACF Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
U.S. Coast Guard
Leadership and Management Courses
U.S. Coast Guard Training Center
Associate of Arts - Organizational Leadership
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ06-2027
Skills
- Dining facility management
- Kitchen organization
- Cooking methods
- Estimating and ordering inventory
- Food preparation
- Nutrition and meal planning
- Team leadership
Websites
Accomplishments
- ACF National Chef of the Year – Winner
- Regional Chef of the Year – Winner
- Armed Forces Chef of the Year – Winner
- Military Master Chef – Winner
- Team Captain, U.S. Armed Forces Culinary Arts Team (USACAT) – 2024 IKA Culinary Olympics
- Led team to 11th place out of 21 nations, earning a Bronze Medal
- Coast Guard Culinary Team Leadership
- Mentored and managed Coast Guard culinary teams to three consecutive “Installation of the Year” awards, the first in Coast Guard history
- Elevated the team to compete successfully on the national platform
- Presenter, ACF National Convention – Delivered professional culinary presentations representing the U.S. Coast Guard and ACF
- Recipient, ACF Cutting Edge Award – Recognized for innovation and advancement in professional culinary development
- Competitor and Attendee, Canadian National Culinary Convention – Represented the U.S. Coast Guard and ACF in international competition and collaboration
- ACF National Certification Committee Member – 3 years of service
- Attendee, ACF National Conventions – 2022, 2023, 2024
Certification
- Certified Executive Chef (CEC) – American Culinary Federation
- Member, ACF National Team USA
- Team Captain, U.S. Armed Forces Culinary Arts Team (USACAT)
- Member, ACF National Certification Committee
- Active Member, American Culinary Federation (ACF)
- Presenter, ACF National Convention
- Competitor, Canadian National Culinary Convention
Awards & Recognition
ACF National Chef of the Year, Regional Chef of the Year, Armed Forces Chef of the Year, Military Master Chef, USACAT Bronze Medalist – 2024 IKA Culinary Olympics, ACF Cutting Edge Award Recipient, Coast Guard “Installation of the Year” (3x) – Culinary Team Lead
Professional Involvement
- Presenter & Competitor – ACF National Conventions (2022–2024)
- Competitor & Attendee – Canadian National Culinary Convention (Ongoing)
- Mentor & Coach – Coast Guard and Armed Forces Culinary Teams
- Guest Demonstrator & Judge – ACF regional and national competitions
Timeline
Chief Culinary Specialist (E-7)
United States Coast Guard
04.2012 - Current
ACF Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
U.S. Coast Guard
Leadership and Management Courses
U.S. Coast Guard Training Center
Advanced Culinary Leadership Training
U.S. Coast Guard
Associate of Arts - Organizational Leadership
Arizona State University