Central Region Vice President

David C. Russell, CEC, AAC

Currently the division corporate chef for Unilever Foodsolutions in Lisle, Ill., David C. Russell has served many leadership roles in ACF Chicago Chefs of Cuisine, Inc. He is the AAC national director of public relations, and senior editor of the AAC newsletter, Courier. Russell also is the recipient of a 1999 ACF president's medallion and 1995 chapter Chef of the Year award.

Russell believes ACF needs to expand its membership by being a recognizable brand within, as well as outside, our industry. He wants to provide members, new and old, with a sense of value by utilizing the framework set up by the current board and by gaining credibility with lawmakers and industry leaders. Media relations is a focus for him, as well as communicating new and innovative ideas to the public.

Membership growth is a focus for him, as well. "There is no reason that a large percentage of anyone who handles food within the United States shouldn't become a member of one single organization that is recognized as the leader in the culinary world. We need to grow to hundreds of thousands of individuals, not by 10 at a time."

Russell has extensive management experience, overseeing as many as 300+ employees when he worked for Marriott Hotels. He believes the management training he received at Marriott afforded him the skills needed to act as a mentor while delegating tasks that could be achieved in a timely fashion.

"I truly believe if you can motivate and encourage individuals with a positive attitude, the result is a win-win for the individual and the organization."