Keynote Speakers

Saturday 2/23
9:10 a.m.- 9:40 a.m.
Keynote Speaker Chef Jeff Henderson

Sponsored by Mercer Cutlery

Jeff Henderson is an award-winning chef, bestselling author and popular public speaker—and an ex-convict, having served nearly a decade in prison for drug trafficking. Having run kitchens as Executive Chef at the renowned Bellagio Hotel and Casino and Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, he is one of the most influential African-American chefs in the country. In 2000, Henderson made history when he became the first African-American named Chef de Cuisine at Caesars Palace. Promotion to Executive Chef positions followed, and he’s held that position at several top restaurants, including taking the helm at the Café Bellagio in 2003.
Chef Jeff’s story of finding his passion for cooking while incarcerated and turning his life around was captured in his New York Times Best-seller COOKED (2007 William Morrow). His story is now being turned into a major motion picture.

Saturday 2/23
9:45 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
Keynote Speaker Chef Steven Jilleba

Unilever Foodsolutions North American Executive Chef Steven Jilleba, certified master chef (CMC), certified chef educator (CCE), American Academy of Chefs (AAC) has been granted the American Culinary Federation, Inc. (ACF) 2006 President’s Award. Presented by ACF President John Kinsella, CMC, CCE, AAC at this year’s Annual Convention, the President’s Award recognizes ACF members that demonstrate superior leadership skills and a commitment to making a difference within the organization. Jilleba has extensive experience in culinary competitions, both as a participant and manager, and was acknowledged for his dedication to working with ACF student members, judges and competitors.
He is Team Manager for the 2008 ACF USA Youth Culinary Team and has received numerous awards, including the Herman Rusch Lifetime Achievement Award from the Central Region ACF in 2005 and ACF Regional Chef of the Year in 2001.