Lisa Tomecek, chef instructor at Western Tech, honored by American Culinary Federation with Presidential Medallion, inducted into culinary honor society
TOWSON, MD. – Lisa Tomecek, chef instructor at Western School of Technology & Environmental Science, was awarded a 2022 Presidential Medallion by the American Culinary Federation (ACF) and was inducted into the American Academy of Chefs.
Tomecek is one of only 22 ACF members nationally to receive a Presidential Medallion this year. The award is described on the ACF website as “the highest honor given by the President of the American Culinary Federation. It is presented in recognition of outstanding representation of the ACF fundamental principles, including superior strength of character and continued contributions to ACF and/or the culinary industry as a whole.” The award was presented at the 2022 ACF national convention, held July 24 – 28, in Las Vegas.
At the same convention, Tomecek was named an American Academy of Chefs Fellow, inducted as a member of the prestigious honor society of ACF. The American Academy of Chefs is described as representing “the highest standards of professionalism in the organization, society, and industry.”
"Chef Tomecek is a wonderful asset to Western Tech’s Culinary Program and the BCPS Career and Technical Education program,” said Western Tech Principal Jewell Ralph. “She takes tremendous pride as she prepares our students in the culinary arts by providing them with authentic experiences. Chef Tomecek is truly phenomenal and an asset to our students."
“I am grateful to have had professors, chefs, and colleagues throughout my career mentor me to become the chef/instructor I am today,” said Chef Tomecek. “Being so focused on raising the bar at school and in ACF Greater Baltimore Chapter business and events, one does not realize all one has accomplished. Being inducted into the AAC is an achievement that few obtain; I am so honored to be part of such an esteemed society. Being awarded the Presidential Medallion only inspires me to keep working hard to ensure my students’ success, continue to build our Culinary Arts program, and become a driving force in the Greater Baltimore Chapter.”
Tomecek has 13 years of industry experience. Her last private industry position was as executive chef/pastry chef for a local caterer. She has been a chef instructor for BCPS for more than 18 years. Under her direction, the Culinary Arts program earned the distinguished ACF Education Foundation Accreditation last year. In addition to serving as chef instructor at Western Tech, Tomecek also serves as the school’s student service-learning coordinator. She is an ACF Certified Executive Pastry Chef, Approved Certification Evaluator, and serves as vice president of the Board of Directors of the Greater Baltimore Chapter of ACF. She also is a certified foodservice director and recognized by the National Restaurant Association as a Premier ProStart Instructor/Proctor and ServSafe Instructor/Proctor.