2024 AHF National Culinary Competition
We are thrilled to announce the five finalist teams selected for AHF’s Culinary Competition! These teams, each comprising two members from self-operated facilities across the country, will compete for Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals, as well as the title of National Healthcare Foodservice Culinary Champion.
The competition will take place during our National Conference in San Antonio, Texas, from August 23-25, 2024.
This career-transforming opportunity involves a 75-minute timed competition where teams will use a selection of ingredients from AHF’s curated Market Baskets.
These five finalist teams were chosen through a rigorous, blinded selection process from a large pool of applicants. They have already accomplished so much by being selected as finalists!
Get ready for the excitement by watching the recording of our 2023 Culinary Competition to understand how the competition works and to see what our finalists will experience.
Adams Health Network
FAITH WERLING
LEAD COOK
This year is my first year working food service in healthcare. I love the challenge of keeping food within the proper nutrition for all the many different diets. One of my favorite things about working in food service is getting to make food that makes people happy and feel better. I believe nutritious food plays an important role in patient well-being.
Michael Secaur, cdm, cfpp
Culinary Education Coordinator
My name is Michael Secaur, and I am a Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) and Certified Food Protection Professional (CFPP), currently serving as a Culinary Educator at Adams Health Network in Decatur, Indiana. My journey in the culinary world spans several decades, encompassing experiences in fine dining and healthcare food service management.
My journey began with Education in Culinary Arts from Ivy Tech College, Indianapolis, in 1992. My career began as a professional Chef, spending 13 years in the States of Indiana, Florida and Georgia working in high-end settings, including hotels, gourmet restaurants, and private city clubs, developing a deep understanding of fine dining and culinary excellence. My drive and inspiration comes from working under 2 Master Chefs that demanded excellence and culinary perfection.
After more than a decade in the commercial culinary world, I transitioned into the healthcare sector, driven by a desire to improve people’s health through nutrition. Over the next 20 years, I served as a Food Service Manager in long-term care facilities and hospitals. This phase expanded my knowledge of nutrition and diets, emphasizing the importance of dietary management in healthcare settings. I am inspired by the work of ANFP and AHF as they have given the Healthcare industry the continuing education and tools to grow. My broad experience and commitment to excellence in food service and nutrition continue to positively impact the community I serve. Inspired by industry leaders and health advocates, I strive to combine culinary artistry with nutritional science to enhance the well-being of those around me.
Bethany Children’s Health Center
Trina Burks
Director of Nutrition
After leaving the Air Force as a cook, I thought about future career options and the people I had worked with for many years. The people I had the opportunity to work with and for over the years impacted my choice to stay in the food service industry. The people in this industry are inspiring because we all can work together towards excellence, getting better each day. I decided to go to Le Cordon Bleu Institute of Culinary Arts in Pittsburgh, PA and work in fine dining restaurants and hotels. Marcelo Miranda brought me to Integris Health as a Lead where I continued to grow and learn about hospital food services. I served in many managerial roles within the food service at Integris Health. After many years at Integris, I had the opportunity to grow with Bethany Children’s Health Center. At Bethany Children’s, we are all honored to serve our patients and families with healthy nutritious foods that meet their specific needs.
Maria Gisselle Ortiz
Gisselle Ortiz has always loved the culinary arts, a talent she developed while cooking with her family. Gisselle spent six years at Panera Bread, learning the importance of consistency and good standards. She excelled at all the positions in the restaurant and rose to the positions of Trainer and Team Lead. Gisselle is an up and coming leader in the Nutrition Department at Bethany Children’s Health Center, where she has been for the past two years. She has greatly influenced the department with her positive attitude, strong work ethic and creative cooking ideas. Gisselle’s teammates say she is very focused and has a great ability to prioritize work in the Kitchen to get things done efficiently. She stands out because of her calm demeanor and willingness to support others. In her spare time, Gisselle enjoys visiting new restaurants and trying new cuisine so she can continue to build her culinary knowledge and skill at the hospital.
Endeavor Health
Wes Lieberher
Executive Chef, South Region
Chef Wes Lieberher forged his skills in popular kitchens in Philadelphia in the early 2000’s, climbing the ranks until he became executive chef of French Bistro, Vintage. In 2010, he moved to Los Angeles to further pursue his career as a chef. Shortly after arriving in LA, Chef Wes opened Beer Belly, a craft beer & comfort food restaurant. As Executive Chef he and his team turned Beer Belly into one of the most popular comfort food eateries in the history of the city.
Since Beer Belly closed in 2018, Chef Wes has opened multiple restaurants & concepts in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Chicago, & Berlin, Germany as an executive chef and culinary consultant.
Chef Wes has been featured on Food Network multiple times appearing on Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives and competition shows Guys Grocery Games and Super Chef Grudge Match. He has also been featured on the Travel Channel’s Food Paradise and ABC’s The Taste with Anthony Bourdain.
Chef Wes joined forces with Top Ranked Health System, Endeavor Health, in 2021 to focus on creating a new culinary experience for patients and customers in the area. Chef Wes has found a new sense of passion for health and patient care and is determined to change the culinary boundaries of the healthcare industry.
Mynor Garcia
Sous Chef, Edward Hospital
Mynor’s journey in culinary arts began in 2009 when he attended The Illinois institute of Art-Chicago. After three years of working full time in shipping and receiving while attending school part time, Mynor finally graduated in 2012.
Shortly after graduating Mynor started at Durty Nellie’s as a prep cook. Proving his hard work and dedication to the team, he was promoted to line cook where he executed meal orders efficiently. After working in restaurants for several years, Mynor continued to pursue his career in culinary arts and transitioned to senior care. Throughout Mynor’s journey in senior care, he was able to start as a Sous Chef at Symphony of Hanover Park before moving on to a new opportunity at Endeavor Health.
Mynor is now in a leading role as Sous Chef/Supervisor at Endeavor Health Edward Hospital where he consistently executes catering events, retail management, ordering, and care for patients. Mynor leads a team of twenty cooks as well as inventory staff that serve over 1400 meals per day.
Geisinger Health System
Brian Dixson, MBA
Regional Manager
I graduated with a BS Degree in Culinary Arts Technology from the Pennsylvania College of Technology in 2005. This opened the door to work in both upscale and casual dining kitchens throughout central Pennsylvania. I transitioned into the healthcare foodservice industry after graduation and never looked back. I have spent the last 19 years in healthcare foodservice, from preparing daily meals for our patients, employee appreciation meals, to catering events for our executive administration team. I completed my MBA from Bloomsburg University in 2012. Currently, as a regional manager with Geisinger, I support four community hospitals throughout central/north-central Pennsylvania. Alongside site leadership, assisting in implementation and monitoring of policies and procedures. Removing barriers so that our foodservice teams have the proper tools, training, and resources available, so that they can provide the best possible care for our patients, visitors and Geisinger family.
Brianne George
Foodservice Supervisor
Geisinger Medical Center Muncy
My love and passion for food started in my grandmother’s kitchen. Her cooking told a story of togetherness and family, you can only find sharing a meal with your loved ones. She inspired me to go to culinary school. I moved to Atlanta and enrolled in Le Cordon Bleu. After graduation I worked at several popular restaurants in Atlanta. Petite Auberge, The Red Snapper, and Bazati. My culinary journey has now taken me back to Pennsylvania where I grew up. I’m 3 years into my new career as a Foodservice Supervisor at Geisinger Medical Center Muncy. I have an extraordinary team there who love cooking for the patients and the visitors in our café.
INTEGRIS Health
Joshua Sabedra
Food Services- Retail Manager
INTEGRIS Health – Baptist Medical Center
Joshua started his foodservice career when he was 14 in the front of house of a modest tex-mex restaurant in his hometown. After graduating high school, he decided he would stay in the service industry due to his passion for serving others. He pursued an education in culinary arts at his local culinary school and graduated near the top of his class.
With over two decades of culinary experience, Joshua has honed his skills in the vibrant world of restaurants. Ranging from quick serve scratch diners to exclusive country clubs and fine dining establishments. His journey took an unexpected turn when he was contacted by a former colleague who invited him to join the culinary team at Integris Health. Prior to this, Joshua had never worked within a healthcare system.
Joshua’s culinary background reflects a passion for flavors, textures, and presentation. From bustling, high-volume kitchens to large banquet halls, he brings his love of servitude to every dish. His adaptability and commitment to excellence shine through, making him an invaluable asset in any culinary setting.
As Joshua Sabedra steps into this new chapter, he carries with him the rich tapestry of his culinary adventures—a fusion of tradition, innovation, and unwavering dedication.
DeCleasha Martin, BS, CDM, CFPP
Food Services – Operations Manager
Integris Health – Baptist Medical Center
As a trained Chef turned Food Service Manager, DeCleasha brings an international flair and expertise to the healthcare culinary industry. With a passion for creative and innovative cuisine, DeCleasha has spent many years honing her skills in the culinary profession.
DeCleasha began her career as a Caterer throughout Oklahoma, where she quickly rose through the ranks due to her dedication and hard work. Her culinary skills and creativity were further developed during her time studying abroad in Scotland and Finland, where she learned to master the art of fusion cooking.
After earning multiple degrees from Oklahoma State University and Turku AMK she later transitioned to a Food Service Operations Manager role. Applying her culinary expertise to oversee the day-to-day operations of several high-profile hospitals in the hospitality industry. This role requires her to not only maintain the quality of her dining services, but also to ensure efficient and cost-effective operations for the hospital. Under her leadership, Food Services has gained a large following of dedicated customers.
Beyond her work at INTEGRIS Health, DeCleasha is an active member of the culinary community, seeking out new culinary trends, ingredients, and techniques to incorporate into her cooking. Her passion for food is contagious, and she is always eager to share her knowledge and expertise with others.
In her free time, DeCleasha can be found exploring local farmers’ markets, experimenting with new recipes, and hosting dinner parties for family and friends. Her love for cooking is truly a part of who she is, and she is constantly seeking new ways to express her creativity and passion through the culinary arts.
Following the competition, finalists are invited to a private critique with our panel of celebrated expert judges. This unique educational experience offers invaluable feedback from highly regarded chefs, helping competitors refine their craft. Renowned for their culinary expertise and integrity, our judges ensure the highest standards, guiding participants to reach new heights in their culinary journey.
2025 Judges
To Be Announced
2024 Judges
CHEF Jared Hunter
Executive Chef
MD Anderson Cancer Center
2023 AHF Gold Medalist
CHEF MATTHEW WARD
Executive Chef
of Residential Dining
University of North Texas
Dining Services
CHEF Brian West
Owner
Chef Brian West, inc
“The Voice of Texas Cuisine”
CHEF Aatul Jain
Executive Chef
St. Peter’s Healthcare System
Jared joined the team at MD Anderson in 2021. Jared attended an apprenticeship program through El Centro College and the Texas Chef Association, graduating in 1997. Jared has led culinary teams for Westin Hotels, 4 Seasons Hotel, Zilla Street Eats, NRG Stadium, and the Houston Texans. At team MD Anderson, Jared focuses on patient care, delivering our core values one plate at a time.
Jasmin Parks-Papadopoulos is a third generation Chef who began her first culinary steps in Europe. As the daughter of a Chef and restaurateur, the hospitality industry was a world she was born into and loved dearly for her 15 years of tenure as Executive Chef. She retired from the culinary industry as head of Food and Beverage for the Radisson Hotel Group in Colorado in 2021 and has joined the hospitality industry from the mental health/wellness and recovery perspective as Chief Growth Officer of CHOW, an organization that offers free mental health/wellness and recovery support to folks in the food/beverage/hospitality industry.
Matthew Ward brings decades of professional culinary experience to his role as executive chef of residential dining at the University of North Texas (UNT) in Denton, TX, where he has worked since 2017. Chef Ward started his tenure at UNT as chef general manager of Mean Greens Café, the nation’s first and only 100% plant-based university dining hall. Mean Greens Café is also home to a hydroponic freight farm, Mean Green Acres, that provides leafy greens and herbs to various outlets across campus. Thanks to his leadership, Mean Greens Café has maintained an A+ rating from PETA2’s Vegan Report Card for the past several years, gained numerous accolades, and also received praise from industry publications and food blogs. Before joining the UNT Dining Services team, Chef Ward worked in various fine dining establishments throughout the country including the River Café (Brooklyn, NY), Bouchon Bistro (Yountville, CA) and The French Room at the Adolphus Hotel (Dallas, TX). Matthew is a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, Class of ’99. Chef Ward is also co-chair of the Executive Chef’s Committee for the Menus of Change University Research Collaborative (Denton, TX).
A native Texan, Chef Brian West exploded onto San Antonio’s culinary scene more than a decade ago with his Café Paladar. Since, he has seen San Antonio emerge as a food lover’s destination and has himself emerged as one of the most influential faces of Texas cuisine. Brian’s love of mentoring and inspiring new chefs called him to serve as a senior instructor at the Culinary Institute of America and lead the school to multiple victories in competitive BBQ and smoking challenges. In 2015, he was the Texas chef for the Great American Seafood Cookoff. He returned to the Great American Seafood Cookoff in 2016 and 2017 as a national judge. He has also served the Operational Chef of the Food Network’s hit show “Restaurant Impossible.”
In 2016, recognizing a need for Texas to market its own unique flavors and styles of cooking, he published the Texas Culinary Manifesto. This manifesto gave birth to the popular chef led Fiesta event, Taste of the Republic. He also co-founded the Texas culinary alliance which helps smaller, locally owned restaurants around the state compete with larger operations. In addition to his collaboration with the San Antonio Fiesta commission, Brian is also the official chef of the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. During the Rodeo, he hosts the Directors Club Restaurant featuring Texas dishes. Brian can also be seen on West Wednesday’s segments on San Antonio’s Fox News Daytime @ 9. Chef Brian West currently lives in his hometown of San Antonio Texas with his wife, son and dog.
With extensive multinational foodservice operational and strategy experience,
Chef Aatul is currently at the helm of St. Peter’s Health System’s culinary
production in New Brunswick, NJ. An alumna of the CIA, a Certified Dietary
Manager and a Certified Executive Chef, he holds an MS in Management and
Leadership. His experience includes fine catering, Michelin star restaurants,
volume foodservice production in B&I and Healthcare within the self-op and
contract management realm. Aatul revels in globally inspired ingredients and believes in transformational leadership. He lives with the mantra: dream and you shall see it, ask and you shall receive.
All applicants were required to select at least one ingredient from Basket A along with at least two ingredients from Basket B. The finalists chosen stood out for their exceptional creativity and skill in utilizing these ingredients, securing their spot as finalist for their innovative dishes.
Market Basket A
- To Be Announced
Mystery Ingredient
To Be Announced at Conference
Market Basket B
- To Be Announced