SANTA CRUZ, Calif.
Benchmark Hospitality International named Kirsten Ponza director of food & beverage for Chaminade Resort & Spa.
“I am so pleased to announce Kirsten’s new position, which represents a promotion for her at our resort,” says Kevin Herbst, general manager. “She has brought incredible culinary talent and creativity to Chaminade, first as pastry chef, then as our executive chef, and now as the leader of the entire food and beverage department. Kirsten is a terrific example of how Benchmark builds careers.”
Ponza was previously executive chef for Chaminade Resort & Spa, a position to which she was appointed in 2013. She has also served as executive sous chef and as pastry chef for the resort.
While Chaminade’s executive chef, Ponza actively brought the resort into the community, with annual participation in Santa Cruz’s Grazing on the Green Food, Wine & Beer Festival to help raise funds for the Santa Cruz Cancer Benefit Group. She remains active with the culinary arts program at Cabrillo College in Aptos, Calif. near Santa Cruz. Never one to shy away from a particularly unique opportunity, Ponza has served as tour chef for the legendary English rock band, The Rolling Stones.
A native of Canada where she launched her culinary career, Ponza is a graduate of Fanshawe College in London, Ontario, where she earned her Culinary Management Degree. She resides in Santa Cruz.
Chaminade Resort & Spa is located on 300 acres in the Santa Cruz Mountains and overlooking Monterey Bay. The resort features 156 newly renovated guest rooms, two restaurants, a pool, four tennis courts and a full-service spa. The historic Mission-style resort is an IACC approved meeting destination offering 12,000 square feet of meeting and event space.
