Chef David Russell, CEC, AAC

Corporate Chef 

Chef Russell has over 25 years experience in the food service industry and currently serves as a Corporate Chef for Unilever Foodsolutions. He is very active in the culinary community serving as Past President of the ACF Chicago Chefs of Cuisine and as ACF National VP He also holds the title of National Director of Public Relations of the American Academy of Chefs, the Honor Society of the American Culinary Federation. Chef Russell sits on the permanent committee of the Les Amis d’ Escoffier Society as well as serving as Chairman of the College of DuPage Culinary Departments “Tradition’s in Excellence” fund raising dinner.

Chef Russell has also taught Culinary Arts, as an adjunct instructor, for over 8 years at the College of DuPage where he enjoys mentoring young culinarians. Chef Russell spent over ten years with Marriott Hotels and Resorts as an Executive Chef and Food & Beverage Director as well as serving as a Regional Culinary/F&B Task Force Leader. Prior to his hotel positions Chef Russell held the position of Executive Chef at a number of 3 star restaurants. Chef specializes in regional Italian cuisine and is a honorary member of the Italian chefs and cooks association in Siena Italy, where he was married to his wife Jill, also an accomplished chef

Professional Certification:

• Northwood University BBA Business Management/Marketing
• Joliet Junior College AAS Culinary Arts
• Culinary Institute of America Continuing Education
• Certified Executive Chef
• American Academy of Chefs
• Les Amis d’ Escoffier Society of Chicago-Board Member

Professional Recognition:

• Currently serves as National Vice-President of the American Culinary Federation
• Numerous medals in culinary competitions
• ACF Presidential Medallion 1998
• College of DuPage Adjunct “Instructor of the Year” 1999
• Honorary member of the Italian Chefs and Cooks Association Sienna, Italy
• Chicago “Chef of the Year” 1995

e-mail: david.c.russell@unilever.com