AMERICAN CULINARY FEDERATION (ACF) is a professional, not-for-profit organization for chefs and cooks, whose goal is to promote the professional image of American chefs worldwide through education among culinarians at all levels, from apprentices to the most accomplished Certified Master Chefs.

MICHAEL BASKETTE, CEC, CCE, AAC, is an ACF-certified executive chef and certified culinary educator who holds the position of Director of Educational Development for the ACF. He has authored several texts and articles on professional cooking, kitchen management, and quality control in foodservice and hospitality.

BRAD BARNES, CMC, CCA, AAC, is Certification Chair for the American Culinary Federation and the creator of the practical testing program for all chef certification levels currently used in the United States. He is one of sixty-one Certified Master Chefs in the United States and co-owner of B&B Solutions, a culinary information and training company.