Cheney Public Schools is excited to share that the Director of Nutrition Services and District Executive Chef LJ Klinkenberg was inducted into the American Academy of Chefs in Las Vegas, Nevada, on July 26, 2022. The American Academy of Chefs is the honor society of the American Culinary Federation; chefs inducted must meet rigorous requirements, be nominated by two other members of the federation, and be selected by the screening committee.

 

Chef Klinkenberg leads the food services program for the district feeding thousands every school day, as well as serving as an adjunct professor at Spokane Community College. 
 
A decorated professional, in addition to a culinary arts degree, Klinkenberg has earned a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Government, as well as a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership with an emphasis on Servant Leadership from Gonzaga University. Klinkenberg is a current ACF member that holds multiple certifications through the American Culinary Federation. Klinkenberg is a CEC© (Certified Executive Chef), CCA © (Certified Culinary Administrator), and is an Approved Certification Evaluator (ACE). He also holds a WCEC (World Certified Executive Chef) from World Association of Chef Societies. MCFE (Master Certified Foodservice Executive) through the International Food Service Executives Association and CFSE (Certified Food Service Educator) through the Foodservice Educators Learning Community.
 
Congratulations to Chef Klinkenberg!