Melissa Nordbeck

Board Member

After many years in the airline industry, some soul searching made it clear to Melissa that a career change was her new mission. Following a lifelong passion for all things culinary, she enrolled in the Hillsborough Community College program in Tampa. Studying under Chef George Pastor, EdD, CEC, CCE, ACE and founding member of the local American Culinary Federation, Melissa settled into her new world and quickly came to realize the extent of the culinary field.

A presentation by Hillsborough County Schools at an ACF meeting was proof of that reach. The school district needed Chef Instructors or would have to shut down several high school culinary programs. Melissa heeded the call and in 2006 opened the school year at Blake High School with a new approach for students; culinary as a career path, not just employment.

This core principal was the driving force for a curriculum that emphasized reading, writing, math and science as well as culinary skills. Guest chefs and college recruiters were a frequent sight in the kitchen. Students were excited and engaged and could see a path that led to a future anywhere in the world they could imagine.

In addition to instruction, Melissa’s industry experience includes catering, purchasing and nutrition. She also has one cookbook to her credit marketed to patients prescribed soft food diets.

Melissa resides in Odessa, FL with her ever patient husband, Steve, and several four footed family members. She also enjoys her horses and being outside as much as possible.