Culinary Careers Program Welcomes New Executive Director Grdovic
Jennifer Solomon Named Chief Business Officer
In an exciting development, Culinary Careers Program (C•CAP) has announced the appointment of Christina Grdovic as its new Executive Director. This national workforce development nonprofit is dedicated to empowering the next generation of food and hospitality leaders. Grdovic, with her extensive background in building renowned brands in the food and hospitality sector, is set to lead the organization's growth and strategic vision.
Grdovic's Vision for Culinary Education
As Executive Director, Grdovic's primary focus will be on improving access to culinary education and job skills for under-resourced high school students and adults across the country. Under her leadership, C•CAP aims to enhance its mission of creating impactful career development programs that facilitate opportunities in the culinary realm.
Support from Industry Leaders
Leading figures in the culinary industry have expressed their enthusiasm for Grdovic's new role. Chef Marcus Samuelsson, Co-Chair of C•CAP, shared, "I still remember Christina Grdovic presenting my honoree award at the 2010 C•CAP Benefit, and it's powerful to see that moment come full circle. Her deep respect for the role food plays in creating opportunity is remarkable. We are thrilled to welcome her as our Executive Director." Likewise, Jeffrey Samuels, Co-Chairman of the Board, stated, "Christina is a seasoned professional and perfectly positioned to guide C•CAP toward further growth and success."
A Wealth of Experience
Grdovic's extensive experience includes notable positions that have honed her expertise in building impactful business partnerships. She served as Head of Partnerships and Content at Wonder, where she effectively attracted celebrity chefs and established partnerships with renowned restaurants. During her time as Publisher at Food & Wine, she led significant sales and marketing initiatives and orchestrated global food festivals, including launching the Top Chef partnership with Bravo. Her career also features a role as Chief Partnership Officer at Goldbelly, where she helped contribute to the company’s growth.
Commitment to C•CAP's Mission
Reflecting on her new role, Grdovic shared her dedication to C•CAP’s mission, emphasizing how she values the organization’s commitment to using food as a pathway to education and opportunity. Richard Grausman, C•CAP's Founder, expressed his confidence in Grdovic, noting her respect for the mission and the leadership qualities she brings. "Cristina Grdovic’s deep respect for C•CAP’s mission aligns perfectly with our goals," he remarked.
Future Goals for C•CAP
Grdovic envisions expanding C•CAP’s programs to fortify its educational reach and enhance career opportunities for aspiring culinary leaders. She remarked, "C•CAP represents everything I value about this industry: creativity, community, and the power of opportunity. I have long admired the organization’s commitment to developing the next generation of culinary leaders, and I look forward to collaborating with the dedicated team to unlock new pathways for success."
About Culinary Careers Program (C•CAP)
Culinary Careers Program (C•CAP) serves as a national workforce development nonprofit committed to training and supporting the future of food and hospitality leaders. The organization offers culinary arts education, job skills training, apprenticeships, scholarships, and career opportunities to individuals from under-resourced backgrounds. To date, C•CAP has positively impacted nearly 400,000 students across the nation, awarding over $76 million in college scholarships. For more information about C•CAP and its initiatives, visit CulinaryCareers.org and follow @CulinaryCareersProgram on social media.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Christina Grdovic?
Christina Grdovic is the newly appointed Executive Director of the Culinary Careers Program (C•CAP), focusing on culinary education and career development.
What is C•CAP's mission?
C•CAP is dedicated to training and supporting the next generation of food and hospitality leaders through education, job skills, and career opportunities.
How many students has C•CAP impacted?
C•CAP has uplifted close to 400,000 students throughout the United States, providing significant scholarships and educational resources.
What roles will Jennifer Solomon have at C•CAP?
Jennifer Solomon has been named Chief Business Officer, overseeing business development, finance, human resources, and operations.
What previous experience does Grdovic have?
Grdovic has extensive experience in the food and hospitality industry, including leadership roles at Wonder, Food & Wine, and Goldbelly.