J.D. THOMAS
Northwest Culinary Institute’s J.D. Thomas named Chef of the Year
J.D. Thomas, certified executive chef at Northwest Culinary Institute in Vancouver, was honored by the ACF Chefs de Cuisine Society of Oregon as 2011 Chef of the Year at its 52nd annual awards dinner.
Thomas, 56, helped build curriculum at Northwest Culinary Institute when the culinary arts and hospitality management school opened seven years ago. Thomas has worked in the restaurant industry since age 14, and his resume includes restaurant ownership and 12 years as an instructor.
The Chef of the Year trophy has been annually awarded since 1960. Among its winners are some of the most notable chefs in Oregon and Southwest Washington, including Horst Mager, Franz Popperl and Greg Taylor.
“To be included in that group of people touches my heart. I’m among some of my idols on the trophy over the years,” said Thomas, adding that he considers winning this award a lifetime achievement.
“Chef Thomas has been an integral part of Northwest Culinary Institute since its inception in 2004,” said Arch Miller, president and CEO of International Air Academy, the parent company of the culinary institute. “He has taught many students who have gone on to become well-known chefs at various hotels, restaurants and retirement centers, among others.”
The ACF Chefs de Cuisine Society of Oregon is a nonprofit chapter of the American Culinary Federation, established in 1950.
DOUG CHAMBERS
Columbia Credit Union recently announced the hiring of Doug Chambers as vice president of branch services.
The credit union said Chambers is charged with leading the strategic development and management of the company’s 12 retail branches to drive maximum productivity, sales, service and growth.
“Doug’s experience makes him the ideal candidate to build a premier service-based sales culture at Columbia,” said Columbia SVP Operations Officer Brad Bauges. “His expertise will provide staff with tools to ensure the best opportunity for our members’ financial success.”
Chambers holds a bachelor’s degree from Utah State University and most recently served as a regional manager/performance coach for an Idaho credit union.
CLARK COUNTY BNI LEADERSHIP TEAM
The Clark County Chapter of Business Networking International (BNI) recently announced its leadership team for 2011-2012.
Team members include: Regina McCarrig (Connecting Touch Therapeutic Massage), president; Jeff Bloomquist (Ameriprise Financial), vice president; Erik Witcraft (Flowers Washougal), Secretary/Treasurer; Lonnie Rae Smith (Advantage Learning Solutions), mentor coordinator; Amanda Houghton (Life’s a Party Event Planning), growth coordinator; Mickey Lane (LiquidGratitude.com), event coordinator; Ken Dahlstrom (Pinnacle Mortgage), education coordinator; Julia Maglione (AlphaGraphics), PR/communications coordinator.
Visitor hosts include Tim Allen, Leroy Santiago, Jerry Engbrecht, Denny Miller, Lora King and Ken Rosengren. The membership committee is made up of: Marilyn Rasmussen, Rhonda Kennedy, Les Wells, Ammon Child, Todd Humphrey and Natalie Fairchild.
Pictured are McCarrig, Bloomquist & Witcraft.
