E134: Jen White, WV Catering Magic

Host: Carol MacAllister Guest, Jen White, WV Manager of Catering & Retail ServicesDescription: In 1992, Jen White was fresh out of Quarryville, PA, high school when her mother insisted she find a job. As they drove to Willow Valley, Jen cried all the way, but by the end of the day, she called her mother to say she had made a friend and would not need to be picked up. And so, a lifelong friendship with that girlfriend and with Willow Valley began and continues to this day. Jen started in culinary services as a “bus person,” wearing a short white dress with a starched black apron and white shoes. The dress code in those days was much more formal for staff and residents. After that, she became a clerical assistant and rose through the ranks under the guidance of Stacy Musser, who also started in culinary and is now VP of Resident Services. Proof positive that WV is a great place to work (and eat!) and advance in your career. Jen, along with Chef Fernando Garcia-Aguila, presently oversees the Guest Suites Breakfast room, Local Table, and her catering team for the Cultural Center and Chautauqua Hall. It is a big job considering all that goes on at Willow Valley, a “happening place.”