White House Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford Retires After Nearly 30 Years

Cristeta Comerford, the White House executive chef, is retiring after a nearly 30-year tenure serving five US presidents. Comerford joined the White House staff in 1995 as an assistant chef under Bill Clinton. In 2005, she was promoted to executive chef by Laura Bush, becoming the first woman and woman of color to hold the position.

I always say, food is love. Through her barrier-breaking career, Chef Cris has led her team with warmth and creativity, and nourished our souls along the way. Joe and I are filled with gratitude for her dedication and years of service — First Lady Jill Biden

Comerford's last day is confirmed for Friday. As executive chef, she oversaw daily family meals and state dinners, leading a team of sous chefs and an executive pastry chef. Born in Manila, Philippines, Comerford moved to the US at 23, working in Chicago and Washington D.C. restaurants before joining the White House.

Spanish-American chef José Andrés called Comerford a "national treasure" and a "culinary diplomat," while Comerford herself reflected on the importance of "temperance" and team-building in her 2014 interview with CNN.