Meet One of Our New Board Members – Stephen A. Kalil, CEC, CRC®
Stephen Kalil is one of our newly elected board members who began his term as of March 18! He serves as the director of research and development and the global executive chef at PepsiCo where he and his team were instrumental in designing a rigorous and efficient process of integrating culinary design with consumer insights, food science, technology and marketing; now known as "iCrave."
To help you get to know Stephen, we asked him a few questions:
What made you want to become a board member?
I have had the privilege of serving on the board from 2001-2009, and I am a past president. The RCA is a great organization with tremendous global reach. During my first years on the board, we grew the organization as a national, professional and educational network. I rejoined the board because I feel the time is right to expand that scope globally, and I am willing to apply myself as a servant leader to help the organization accomplish this growth.
What is your favorite thing about RCA?
Without a doubt, it’s membership. RCA members are creative, talented, and knowledgeable in all aspects of food product development, and they generously share their experiences with other members. Personally, I take pride in hosting student members for their externships and helping them embark on their careers.
What is your favorite meal?
I appreciate everything from sashimi to burgers, but my one comfort food is a pepperoni pizza with mushrooms. It is an homage to flavor, with tomatoes, cheese, mushrooms and pepperoni. Add anchovies, fresh basil and truffle oil and it is a text book umami bomb.
We are thrilled to welcome Stephen to the RCA board of directors!