In June 2005, Trident Technical College President Mary Thornley announced the formation of the Culinary Institute of Charleston's Chefs Council and inducted eight of Charleston's top chefs as founding members. This group of renowned industry leaders will serve as a guiding force for the Culinary Institute of Charleston at Trident Technical College.

Inducted for the vital role they have played in shaping the Culinary Institute of Charleston and for their past support of the College's culinary students and programs, the Council's founding members include:

^{You will need the updated version of RealPlayer to access these video messages from the Chef Council Members}

	Donald Barickman Hospitality Management Group Inc. (Magnolias, Cypress & Blosssom Cafe)		Brett McKee Oak Steakhouse
	Robert Carter Peninsula Grill		Frank McMahon Hank's Seafood
	Mike Lata FIG		Ken Vedrinski Sienna
	Frank Lee Slightly North of Broad		Bob Waggoner Charleston Grill at Charleston Place

James Burns 
Chefs Council Member Emeritus
j.b.c. Catering

"These chefs continue to commit their time and resources to making our vision a reality.  They are part of a support network of individuals who recognized from the start that the Culinary Institute of Charleston would be vital in producing the qualified and highly skilled workforce required by the growing demands of the food service industry.  We felt that it was important to celebrate them and to harness their insights and guidance as we move forward," says Thornley.

The Chefs Council will provide insight and vision for the Institute's programming and academic offerings.  Representing the needs of the industry, the Council will evolve under the leadership of its founding members to reflect a cross-section of Charleston's culinary leaders and to serve as a link between the College and Greater Charleston's business community.

The Culinary Institute of Charleston encompasses the College's current culinary and hospitality programs, as well as a wide array of new continuing education offerings.  It is housed within the new Complex for Economic Development on TTC's North Charleston Campus, building 920.

"I hope our community will see the Chefs Council as more evidence of Trident Technical College's commitment to producing the kind of top-notch culinary professionals that the industry is demanding," says Thornley.