Jeff Henderson, the nationally acclaimed chef, author and motivational speaker, has joined Yonkers-based Greyston Board of Directors. Henderson will enhance the board”™s ability to guide Greyston in scaling its social justice mission in southwest Yonkers and beyond.
Having served nearly a decade in prison for dealing drugs Henderson”™s personal and professional trajectory has made him one of the most inspirational African American chefs in the country.
Greyston Board Chair Andrew Yearley said, «Jeff is an extraordinary addition to our board. His personal story, his unique perspective, and his passion for mentoring others in conquering adversity will be invaluable in expanding Greyston”™s workforce development and community wellness programming and supporting Greyston Bakery”¦”
Following his appointment, Henderson said, “It has been my passion to share my journey of redemption to help others to achieve their dreams no matter where they are in life. I was the Greyston baker; I was the Greyston workforce development client; and I know the power and value of what Greyston does for people who need help in reinventing their lives.”
In 2001, Henderson made history in Las Vegas, when he became the first African American named “Chef de Cuisine” at Caesars Palace. He eventually became an executive chef at several top restaurants, including Café Bellagio, where he worked until 2006. He also hosted several Food Network shows and authored a New York Times best-seller “Cooked: My Journey from the Streets to the Stove.”
Greyston is a nonprofit social justice enterprise working to create job opportunities and provide services that enable self-sufficiency through the Open Hiring® business model. Its bakery is a world-class commercial operation, producing 8 million pounds of award-winning brownies annually for customers such as Ben & Jerry”™s and Whole Foods Markets.
