DeLana Ashton
Hemlock,MI
Summary
Dynamic Executive Chef with a proven track record at Wescourt Retirement, specializing in menu development and team management. Expert in optimizing kitchen operations and reducing food waste, while fostering a collaborative environment. Committed to delivering exceptional dining experiences through innovative culinary techniques and strict adherence to food safety standards.
Overview
1
1
Certification
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Chef
Hemlock Schools
Hemlock, MI
08.2025 - 09.2026
- Helped kitchen team prepare nutritious student meals while following dietary guidelines.
- Completed regular quality checks to support food safety and hygiene compliance.
- Improved kitchen workflow by using new cooking methods during peak hours.
Executive Chef
Wescourt Retirement
Saginaw, MI
05.2021 - 11.2024
- Developed diverse seasonal menus to enhance dining experience for residents.
- Led kitchen staff in daily operations, ensuring food quality and safety standards.
- Streamlined inventory management processes, reducing food waste and optimizing supply usage.
- Trained new culinary team members on food preparation techniques and kitchen protocols.
- Implemented cost-effective purchasing strategies to maintain budgetary compliance without sacrificing quality.
- Conducted regular kitchen audits to uphold cleanliness and organization standards across all areas.
- Fostered a positive work environment through mentorship and team-building initiatives among staff members.
- Developed kitchen staff through training, disciplinary action, and performance reviews.
- Maintained a safe and sanitary work environment, adhering to health department standards and regulations.
- Increased customer satisfaction by creating innovative and diverse menus tailored to various dietary needs.
- Developed menus, controlled food costs and oversaw quality, sanitation, and safety processes.
- Inventoried food, ingredient, and supply stock to prepare and plan vendor orders.
- Delivered excellent food quality and maximized customer satisfaction by preparing meals according to customer requests.
- Developed strong relationships with vendors, negotiating competitive prices on ingredients and supplies.
- Requisitioned food, selected and developed recipes and standardized production recipes for consistent quality.
Executive Chef
SWAN HAVEN RETIREMENT
Saginaw, MI
10.2015 - 01.2020
- Developed seasonal menus reflecting nutrition and dietary needs of residents.
- Supervised kitchen staff, ensuring compliance with food safety standards.
- Coordinated food preparation for special events, enhancing community engagement.
- Trained new culinary staff in kitchen operations and best practices.
COOK
Covenant HealthCare
Saginaw, MI
09.2005 - 10.2015
- Prepared and cooked meals following established recipes and dietary guidelines.
- Kept kitchen equipment and workstations clean and organized.
- Worked with team members to support timely meal service during peak hours.
- Followed food safety protocols to meet health regulations.
- Trained new kitchen staff on proper cooking techniques and safety procedures.
- Maintained clean, organized work areas to support safety and quality in food preparation.
Education
High School Diploma -
Heritage High School
Saginaw, MI06-1993
Skills
- Cooking techniques
- Sanitation practices
- Food presentation
- Kitchen management
- Allergen awareness
- Food pairing
- Food safety standards
- Menu development
- Waste reduction
- Recipe creation
- Nutritional advice
- Food safety
- Food safety regulations
- Team management
- Kitchen operations
- Workflow optimization
- Grilling
- Fine-dining expertise
- Plating and presentation
Certification
Management serve safe certificate
Timeline
Lead Chef
Hemlock Schools
08.2025 - 09.2026
Executive Chef
Wescourt Retirement
05.2021 - 11.2024
Executive Chef
SWAN HAVEN RETIREMENT
10.2015 - 01.2020
COOK
Covenant HealthCare
09.2005 - 10.2015
High School Diploma -
Heritage High School