The American Culinary Federation – Atlanta Chefs Association, Inc. (ACF-ACA) recently elected Joseph K. Crean (Kully), CEC, CCE, to serve as its 2014-2015 President.
“Kully is an innovative leader, accomplished chef and knowledgeable educator and has contributed much to the ACF and the ACF-ACA during his years of membership and service on the board,” says ACF-ACA Executive Director Cheryl Glass. “Kully’s election was strongly supported by our Board of Directors and the general membership. We are very excited that he will be taking the helm of our growing organization and look forward to continued success under his leadership.”
A Georgia native, Chef “Kully” Crean received his AS degree in Culinary Arts from Johnson & Wales University, his BS degree in Management from Troy State University, and his MBA degree from the University of Phoenix. He has professional certifications from the ACF as a Certified Executive Chef (CEC) and Certified Culinary Educator (CCE).
Chef Crean is a retired U.S. Navy veteran. During his Naval career, he managed the supply and food service operations on board several nuclear submarines; worked as a private chef for several Admirals; instructed at the Navy’s basic cooking school; assessed and authored various culinary training materials, curriculum and assessments; and participated as subject matter expert in several Naval process improvement task forces.
An active member of the ACF since 1986, Chef Crean has served as President of the ACF – Gulf Coast Chapter in Pensacola, FL; ACF National Certification Committee – Southeast Region Representative; and ACFEF Accreditation Commission site evaluator for secondary and post-secondary culinary programs. In early 2013, he was elected to serve on the ACF National Nominations & Elections Committee as the Southeast Regional Representative. He has been a Board member of the ACF-ACA since 2006, serving as Chairperson for the Certification Committee, Chairperson of the Bylaws Committee and Parliamentarian.
Chef Crean’s other work experience includes guest lecturer at Gwinnett Technical College, Foodservice Consultant for several independent projects, executive chef for Eurest Dining Services/Compass Group, culinary instructor for Gwinnett County Public Schools and ACF National Director of Education.
Chef Crean assumed his duties as ACF-ACA President on Jan. 1, 2014. Outgoing President Chef Michael Diehl will re- main with the ACF-ACA as Chairman of the Board.
