Culinary Careers Program Welcomes Christina Grdovic as New Executive Director to Inspire Future Culinary Leaders

Culinary Careers Program Welcomes Christina Grdovic

The Culinary Careers Program (C•CAP) has taken a significant step towards empowering the next generation of food and hospitality leaders by appointing Christina Grdovic as its new Executive Director. This announcement marks a pivotal moment for C•CAP, a national nonprofit focused on workforce development in culinary arts, as it continues to broaden access to educational resources and career opportunities for under-resourced high school students and adults across the country.

Christina Grdovic brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in the food and hospitality industry, making her a formidable force for the organization. Her resume includes notable positions that demonstrate her expertise in brand building and transformational growth. Initially making her mark at Wonder, where she served as Head of Partnerships and Content, Grdovic was instrumental in attracting celebrity chefs and well-known restaurant partners. This role allowed her to forge powerful relationships within the industry, enhancing Wonder's content and outreach efforts significantly.

Her previous tenure as Publisher at Food & Wine further solidified her reputation in the culinary world, as she not only spearheaded sales and marketing initiatives but also orchestrated global food and wine festivals. One of her standout achievements was launching the Top Chef partnership with Bravo, a venture that significantly elevated brand visibility. In addition, Grdovic's role as Chief Partnership Officer at Goldbelly involved creating high-impact business collaborations, reflecting her adeptness at nurturing relationships that benefit both parties.

In her new position at C•CAP, Grdovic will lead the organization’s strategic vision and growth initiatives. Her goals include enhancing access to culinary education, essential job skills, and fostering career development pathways for those who are often overlooked in the industry. In tandem with Christina's appointment, Jennifer Solomon will assume the role of Chief Business Officer. Solomon's responsibilities will include overseeing business development, finance, human resources, and operations to maximize organizational efficiency and social impact.

Richard Grausman, the founder of C•CAP and Chair Emeritus, highlighted the longstanding mission of the organization, which centers around utilizing food as a tool for education and opportunity. He expressed immense confidence in Grdovic's capabilities, stating, "Cristina Grdovic brings both deep respect for C•CAP's mission and the leadership needed to build on its strong foundation."

Chef Marcus Samuelsson, co-chair of C•CAP, reminisced about the inspiring moment when Grdovic was awarded an honoree accolade during a C•CAP Benefit in 2010. He articulated how gratifying it is to see Grdovic return to the organization in a leadership capacity, emphasizing her understanding of the role food plays in creating opportunities.

Grdovic herself expressed enthusiasm for her new role, stating, "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 am thrilled to step into this role."

Since its inception, C•CAP has positively impacted the lives of close to 400,000 students across the United States, awarding an impressive $76 million in college scholarships. As the organization looks ahead, Grdovic's leadership is expected to unlock new pathways and strengthen its programs substantially.

With a vision that aligns with her deep respect for the culinary arts and education, Christina Grdovic’s arrival at C•CAP heralds a new era of growth and opportunity. The community eagerly anticipates her contributions and the positive changes that are sure to follow.

As Christina Grdovic steps into her role as Executive Director, the culinary world watches with great interest, hopeful that C•CAP will continue its legacy of fostering talent and nurturing leaders who will shape the future of the food and hospitality industry.