JJC Culinary Professor Earns Master Pastry Chef Certification

Joliet Junior College award-winning culinary professor Andy Chlebana has added one more accolade to his resume. Chlebana is now an American Culinary Federation Certified Master Pastry Chef (CMPC). 

This title is the lone American master pastry chef certification recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor. The culinary arts professor is now one of 15 Certified Master Pastry Chefs in the nation. 

“This is one of the biggest achievements of my professional career,” Chlebana said. “My certification validates everything I have done in my career, and it makes me appreciate the industry professionals that have made an impact on me since I was a young pastry cook.” 

Earning the certification wasn’t always a goal for Chlebana. Without JJC, he may have never even worked towards it. 

Chlebana earned an A.A.S. in culinary arts at JJC and was taught by a CMPC, Professor Emeritus Chef Albert Imming. 

“It was amazing to have someone so talented instructing me,” Chlebana said. “I thought it would never be possible for me to earn this certification. I think there is a part of my career that was passively preparing me for this, but it wasn't until I came back to JJC and started competing and was coached by JJC culinary professor Chef Tim Bucci in my competitions that I felt I was working towards this and could be successful at it.” 

Busy competing and coaching in culinary competitions at a national and international level, Chlebana doesn’t currently work with JJC’s culinary competition teams. However, the accomplished chef still wishes to have an impact on the students in his baking, sanitation and certificate courses. 

“I hope my success inspires our students to keep pushing, do as much as they can and to have goals, and maybe one day they can reach them too.” 

For media inquiries, contact Communications and Media Manager, Katie Smith, at katherine.smith@jjc.edu.