Matt Winters, CEC | Executive Chef

I'm originally from American Fork, Utah, in the Salt Lake City/Provo area, and my journey in hospitality began at the young age of 15. Since then, my passion for culinary and hospitality excellence has driven my career forward.

I earned my Associate’s Degree in Hospitality Management from Utah Valley University, and continued my education at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, taking courses that refined my skills in American regional cuisine, global cuisines, confectionary, and pastry. Achieving certification as an Executive Chef from the American Culinary Federation was a pivotal milestone in my career.

Throughout my career, I've garnered numerous accolades, including being a 5-time Northeast Wisconsin Chef Showdown Champion, earning the title of 2012 Chef of the Year from the ACF Fox Valley Chapter, and receiving the 2014 Golden Deed Award from the Green Bay Exchange Club. Most recently, I was honored with the 2022 Culinary Leadership Award from the ACF Fox Valley Chapter.

Community involvement has always been close to my heart. I've served as Past President and currently as Vice President of the American Culinary Federation, Fox Valley chapter, contributing extensively to initiatives like the ACF/Leaven Fundraising Banquet, which supports local families in need. I also founded and continue to serve on the ACF Committee for the Hospitality Awards Gala, raising funds for culinary and hospitality scholarships.

In addition to my community work, I've had the privilege of working in various settings such as country clubs, fine dining establishments, and full-service hotels and resorts across the country, accumulating 35 years of experience in full-service hotel management. I thrive on the diversity of cuisines found in catering and the challenge of managing multiple restaurant concepts under one roof.

Outside of work, I'm dedicated to giving back through initiatives like the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Neenah "Chefs Dinner Experience" auction, where we've raised approximately $15,000 over the past two years to support youth mentoring programs.

My career has been defined by a commitment to excellence, a passion for culinary arts, and a deep-rooted desire to make a positive impact in both my professional community and the broader society.