March is Women’s History Month! Did you know that two talented women lead the modern White House Kitchen?
On August 14, 2005, First Lady Laura Bush announced the promotion of Assistant Chef Cristeta Comerford (pictured) to White House executive chef, a position she still holds today. Chef Comerford is the first woman and first Filipino American to hold the position of White House executive chef since the position’s establishment during the John F. Kennedy presidency.
Every White House executive chef also needs a talented executive pastry chef at their side—and today, Susan Morrison serves in that role. Chef Morrison, pictured below with a selection of beautiful desserts for a 2016 State Dinner, was promoted to the role of executive pastry chef in 2014. Like Comerford, Chef Morrison is the first woman to hold this prestigious role. In addition, Morrison manages the White House beehive on the South Lawn.
Together, chefs Comerford and Morrison plan elaborate menus and dishes—both savory and sweet—for important White House events including State Dinners, luncheons, and receptions. They also oversee a talented team of culinary professionals on the White House staff. Hail to the chefs!
