VERO BEACH, Fla. — Harbor Retirement Associates (HRA), a regional developer and operator based in Vero Beach, has appointed Christopher Thompson as its new vice president of hospitality.
Thompson previously served as HRA’s national director of culinary services. In his new role he will be primarily responsible for designing, planning and implementing standards, policies and programs that impact the delivery of services to HRA’s residents nationwide.
Thompson has more than 28 years of experience in the culinary and culinary education industries. He has served in many roles, including executive chef, chef instructor, culinary dean, associate director of education, and director of business operations and finance. He has also served as a corporate consultant for various properties and campuses over the years.
Thompson studied culinary arts and hospitality management at the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco. He is a Certified Executive Chef through the American Culinary Federation and holds various other certifications through the National Restaurant Association. He has received multiple awards, including Educator of the Year for Academic Leadership, the prestigious L’Esprit d’ Excellence and Extraordinary Student Experience from Le Cordon Bleu-North America. Thompson is also an 11-time recipient of Faculty of the Quarter during his years serving as a culinary instructor.