Summary
Overview
Work History
Skills
Languages
Timeline
Generic
Deb Kennedy

Deb Kennedy

Chef, Hospitality, Photography, Catering
Washington,DC

Summary

Customer Service, Hospitality, Retail Sales and Management Professional. A results-driven individual with extensive experience. Known for strong work ethics, leadership capabilities, and a collaborative team-oriented approach. Committed to exceeding guest expectations and consistently delivering exceptional client experiences. Skilled in curating innovative solutions, optimizing operations, and upholding the highest service standards. Continuously exceeds job requirements by applying a creative, outside-the-box approach to problem-solving and service delivery. Fluent in Spanish

Offering solid foundation in culinary principles and strong desire to excel in kitchen environment. Brings understanding of basic cooking techniques and ability to follow recipes precisely, ensuring consistency and quality. Ready to use and develop skills in menu planning and ingredient sourcing in Desired Position role.

Creative culinary professional seeking to transition into new field, developed skills in high-paced kitchen environments. Demonstrates strengths in team collaboration, problem-solving, and time management. Eager to apply these transferable skills to contribute effectively in dynamic and challenging new role.

Personable and creative individual with passion for culinary arts, committed to delivering high-quality dishes and memorable dining experiences. Possesses foundational culinary techniques and skills in kitchen safety, hygiene, and food preparation. Aims to bring innovative flavors and efficient service to create positive impact in any culinary setting.

Experienced with diverse culinary techniques and creating innovative dishes. Utilizes precise menu planning and kitchen management to drive success. Track record of fostering teamwork and maintaining high standards in fast-paced environments.

Overview

30
30
years of professional experience

Work History

Private (PT) Chef

Chefs for Seniors
01.2024 - Current
  • Nutritious and customized meals prepared in clients home kitchen to fit specific dietary concerns
  • Budget minded local shopping of fresh and unprocessed ingredients for weekly menu rotations
  • Collaborating with clients to provide customized and flavorful foods

Private Chef

Missionaries of Africa
01.2015 - 01.2024
  • Designed and executed customized weekly menus for 6-10 residents, ensuring dietary preferences and nutritional balance
  • Managed inventory procurement, cost control, and waste reduction through creative menu planning.
  • Uphold the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, and kitchen organization.
  • Developed structured meal tracking systems using detailed checklists and spreadsheets.

Independent Contractor / Off-Site Chef

Various Organizations
01.1995 - 01.2016
  • Delivered high-end culinary services for prestigious events at the French Embassy, International Monetary Fund (IMF), and World Bank.
  • Worked alongside event planners to ensure flawless food presentation, service timing, and guest satisfaction.
  • Oversaw comprehensive event logistics, including venue setup, food preparation, and post-event

Room Sales Manager

Virginia Suites
01.2005 - 01.2014
  • Spearheaded the SMERF (Social, Military, Educational, Religious, and Fraternal) market segment, fostering relationships with military and government clients.
  • Secured a dedicated bereavement rate for military families, significantly boosting revenue and client loyalty.
  • Developed strategic partnerships with business and corporate clients, driving sustained sales growth.
  • Consistently exceeded quarterly revenue goals through proactive account management and performance tracking.

Catering Sales Manager

DoubleTree (formerly Holiday Inn)
01.1997 - 01.2003
  • Promoted from Administrative Assistant to Catering Sales Manager, leading event execution for corporate and social functions.
  • Consulted with clients to create tailored event proposals, oversee contract negotiations, and manage payments.
  • Collaborated with key hotel departments (reservations, housekeeping, security) to ensure seamless event experiences.
  • Served as a liaison for Kosher events, working directly with rabbis and communicating dietary specifications to the Executive Chef.

Skills

  • Food safety and sanitation
  • Customer service
  • Knife skills
  • Cooking techniques
  • Food quality
  • Meal preparation
  • Attention to detail
  • Food presentation
  • Kitchen management
  • Kitchen operations
  • Effective communications
  • Team collaboration
  • Grilling techniques
  • Advanced photography techniques
  • Image retouching
  • Food styling expertise
  • Camera equipment proficiency
  • Adobe lightroom experience
  • Set design
  • Lighting mastery
  • Food trends awareness
  • Post-processing proficiency
  • Recipe development
  • Creative direction
  • Visual storytelling
  • Client communication
  • Deadline oriented
  • Made-to-order meals
  • Culinary creativity
  • Stock ordering
  • Catering events
  • Banquets and catering
  • Sanitation practices
  • Purchasing
  • Food service operations
  • Knife use
  • Physical stamina
  • Time management
  • Resource management
  • Vegetarian cooking
  • Seafood preparation
  • Kitchen equipment operation and maintenance
  • Recipe creation
  • Plating techniques
  • Nutrition
  • Portion and cost control
  • Roasting techniques
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Menu planning
  • Recipes and menu planning
  • Allergen awareness
  • Food cost analysis
  • Food pairing
  • Food spoilage prevention
  • Ingredient selection
  • Pantry restocking
  • Problem-solving
  • Order delivery practices
  • Utensils and equipment
  • Sauce preparation
  • Inventory management
  • Equipment maintenance
  • Hospitality service expertise
  • Food and beverage pairing
  • Food plating and presentation
  • Cost control
  • Meal service
  • Food storage
  • Menu development
  • Ingredient knowledge
  • Creative menu planning
  • Budgeting and cost control
  • Vegan cooking
  • Garnishing techniques
  • Special diets
  • Temperature control
  • Food preparation techniques

Languages

Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Hungarian
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

Private (PT) Chef

Chefs for Seniors
01.2024 - Current

Private Chef

Missionaries of Africa
01.2015 - 01.2024

Room Sales Manager

Virginia Suites
01.2005 - 01.2014

Catering Sales Manager

DoubleTree (formerly Holiday Inn)
01.1997 - 01.2003

Independent Contractor / Off-Site Chef

Various Organizations
01.1995 - 01.2016
Deb KennedyChef, Hospitality, Photography, Catering