ANKENY, Iowa—Des Moines Areas Community College (DMACC) welcomes Chef John Andres as the Director of the Iowa Culinary Institute™ (ICI). In his new position, Chef Andres will manage Culinary Arts as well as the DMACC Hotel and Restaurant Management Programs.

“Chef John Andres brings impressive hotel and restaurant experience, outstanding culinary expertise, and most importantly, total commitment to student learning and success,” said Jim Stick, Academic Dean of the Arts & Sciences Department, who also oversees the Iowa Culinary Institute. “Whether it’s faculty or students, John’s focus is coaching and energizing people through their Culinary journeys,” added Stick.

Chef Andres worked as a Sous Chef at the Des Moines Wakonda Club and served as Executive Chef and Director of Food & Beverages at the Des Moines Renaissance Savery Hotel.

“I have had the opportunity to connect with chefs, farmers, educators, business owners and operators throughout Iowa which has allowed me to learn and continue to grow my skills,” said Chef Andres.

Chef Andres replaces retiring Chef Robert Anderson who served in that role for 43 years and built the Iowa Culinary Institute to national prominence and its high level of excellence. Chef Andres says he wants to build upon ICI’s current reputation.

“I want to be a champion of building upon the greatness of the Iowa Culinary Institute, and ultimately, I wish to inspire students to achieve their potential and goals,”  said Andres.

Chef John Andres to head Iowa Culinary Institute ™

(contributed article and photo, DMACC)