Jennifer Breckner

Director of Programs and Special Projects, Strategic Initiatives Group, The Culinary Institute of America; Napa, CA

Jennifer Breckner is director of programs and special projects for the strategic initiatives group at The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) where she hosts high-energy industry conferences such as the flagship Worlds of Flavor, as well as Global Plant-Forward and the now retired Flavor Summit. Here, she curates thoughtful, inclusive programs with the world’s most interesting, creative, and relevant chefs, food scholars, sector experts, and nonprofit professionals that educate foodservice operators on the culinary, environmental, and cultural shifts that are changing the industry and American menus. Bridging the worlds of art and food, Jennifer possesses a master’s degree in arts administration and policy, and a master’s degree in art history, theory, and criticism, both from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where her research focused on meals constructed by artists as art. She’s had an eclectic career beginning in the Midwest producing architecture and design events at the world-renowned Art Institute of Chicago, followed by stints for Brooklyn Brewery, and the regional grain group, Artisan Grain Collaborative. Pursuing a life in the sunshine, she moved to California in 2021 and served as a writer and communications professional for The North American Craft Maltsters Guild, before joining the CIA. One of the most fulfilling experiences of her life is as a long-time volunteer with Slow Food, promoting agricultural biodiversity and Slow Meat, co-founding Slow Beer, and organizing events in the U.S. and Italy.  Jennifer is excited for the delicious diversity of flavors and culinary applications to be found in fermented foods and beverages and is an advocate for the people along supply chains who make more flavorful, just, equitable, and sustainable food systems possible. @jenniferbreckner (Instagram) 

Photo credit: Cody Wilson