White House executive chef Cristeta Comerford has retired after nearly three decades cooking for five commanders-in-chief and their families, a White House official confirmed. Comerford, who made history as the first woman and person of color to hold the top position in the White House kitchen, began her tenure at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue during the Clinton administration in 1995. She was later promoted to executive chef by first lady Laura Bush in 2005.
Over the span of 29 years, Comerford prepared meals for the Clinton, Bush, Obama, Trump, and Biden families, overseeing a wide range of White House cuisine from everyday family meals to elaborate state dinners. Her final day in the role was Friday, as per the White House official.
First lady Jill Biden expressed gratitude for Comerford's dedication and service, emphasizing the chef's leadership, warmth, and creativity in nourishing both the first families and their staff. Comerford led a team that included three sous chefs and executive pastry chef Susie Morrison.
In a 2014 interview, Comerford highlighted the importance of temperament in the role of a White House chef, emphasizing the significance of how one treats others and delegates tasks within a team. She described the experience of cooking for the first family and the president as humbling.
Originally from Manila, Comerford moved to the US at the age of 23 and began her culinary career as a 'salad girl' in Chicago hotels. She later worked as a chef in Washington, DC, and honed her skills in French culinary techniques during a stint in Vienna, Austria, before joining the White House kitchen.
Comerford competed against hundreds of applicants for the executive chef position in 2005, which involved a final 'cook-off' round to showcase her culinary talents and leadership abilities.
