TROY A. SMITH
Hampton,VA
Summary
Dynamic culinary and hospitality professional seeking a challenging position leveraging strong leadership skills, extensive industry experience, and a commitment to exceptional customer service. Proven ability to create memorable dining experiences while fostering a collaborative team environment. Passionate about driving operational excellence and enhancing guest satisfaction through innovative culinary solutions. Eager to contribute to a forward-thinking establishment dedicated to outstanding hospitality.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Cook
Seafarers International Union of American
2005 - 2008
- Responsible for overseeing the general operation of the galley, utilizing guidelines, approved recipes, instructions, and progressive cooking techniques in the execution of the daily preparation sheet, maintenance of sanitary standards within the Galley. Inspected all galley equipment daily to ensure safe operation, sanitation and proper maintenance standards are adhered to. Also responsible for serving line set-up and learning the location and use of all firefighting and damage control equipment in galley areas.
- Various ships
Dietitian
Sentara Norfolk General Hospital
Norfolk, VA
1999 - 2004
- Provided medical nutrition therapy by creating customized nutritional programs based on the health needs of patients on how to improve their health through nutrition.
Sous Chef
Radisson Downtown Norfolk (now Norfolk Plaza Hotel)
Norfolk, VA
2003 - 2004
- Collaborated closely with the Executive Chef to manage aspects of the kitchen to deliver excellent guest and member experiences. Required to manage food provisions, assist with guest queries, control costs, ensure consistent production of high-quality food through all hotel food outlets, ensure foods are of good quality and stored correctly, contribute to menu creation and managing all aspects of the kitchen including operational, quality and administrative functions.
Sous Chef
Main Street Jazz Restaurant
VA
2004 - 2005
- Assisted in the preparation and design of all food and drink menus, ensured that the kitchen operations met quality standards, filled in for the Executive Chef in planning and directing food preparation, when necessary, managed, and trained kitchen staff, establish working schedules and assessed staff’s performance. Also, ordered supplies to stock inventory appropriately and complied with and enforced sanitation regulations and safety standards.
Various Chef roles
Norfolk Waterside Marriott
VA
2004 - 2005
- Served in various capacities as Chef for Guests, Banquet Chef, Restaurant Chef and Taste Panel Chef
Chief Steward
Seafarers International Union of American
2008 - Current
- Responsible for all food service operations, and the management, sanitation, discipline, and training of personnel within the Food Service Division on merchant ships. Duties include assuring that onboard food service operations meet the highest standards of preparation, production, presentation, fiscal responsibility, and accountability daily. This also includes responsibility for the maintenance of galley, food ordering, menu planning, maintaining high standard of cleanliness and compliance with maritime regulations, coordinating social events, training and supporting new staff, and monitoring equipment, inventories, consumption and waste.
- Various ships
Education
Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship
Skills
- Food pairings
- Cooking techniques
- Menu Planning & Nutrition
- Food presentation
- Food Safety & Sanitation
- Inventory & Supply Chain Management
- Culinary Knowledge
- Budgeting & Cost Control
- Team Leadership
- Vendor & Contract Management
Certifications & Credentials
- CPR Certification
- ServSafe Manager and Food Handler Certification
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
Timeline
Chief Cook
Seafarers International Union of American
2005 - 2008
Dietitian
Sentara Norfolk General Hospital
1999 - 2004
Sous Chef
Radisson Downtown Norfolk (now Norfolk Plaza Hotel)
2003 - 2004
Sous Chef
Main Street Jazz Restaurant
2004 - 2005
Various Chef roles
Norfolk Waterside Marriott
2004 - 2005
Chief Steward
Seafarers International Union of American
2008 - Current
Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship