Closeup smiling man

Dominick Mauro is Central Valley's new Food Service Director. He replaces Barb Cristman who retired on June 30.

Years of culinary experience

Mr. Mauro brings 33 years of food service experience to his new job. He graduated with his Associates Degree in Food Science Administration from Mohawk Valley Community College and owned a restaurant and event venue for six years. He served the next 24 years in food service for the New York State Department of Corrections. He began as a cook and steadily advanced up the ranks, ultimately becoming the Deputy Superintendent of Administration. His primary responsibility was overseeing the food production for all New York State Correctional Facilities.

For the past three years he served as the Culinary Arts Instructor at Herkimer BOCES. He taught high school juniors and seniors culinary skills they could apply in their personal lives as well as future food service careers. Students were taught theory, baking, cooking, kitchen skills, and food presentation. His students catered several special events held at BOCES.

Looking ahead

Mr. Mauro is looking forward to serving the students of Central Valley.

"I love to cook," he said.

"So, what I put in front of students, I would eat myself. We eat with our eyes, so food needs to look good."

He admits he has a steep learning curve and is willing to work hard to understand the  school food service requirements, meeting staff, and getting to know the vendors.

He recognizes that his customers are the students. "I need to know the students’' needs," he said.

Summing it up, Mr. Mauro stated, "We will provide nutritional food in a safe environment, from preparation to service."