Culinary Institute of America Adds Four Industry Veterans to Board

Event summary

  • The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) appointed four new trustees on March 26, 2026, bringing expertise in leadership, technology, franchising, and communications.
  • Courtney della Cava, senior managing director at Blackstone, joins with a focus on talent and organizational performance.
  • Allison Page, co-founder of SevenRooms (acquired by DoorDash), brings hospitality technology and data-driven guest experiences.
  • Amber Pfau, president of Amplify, offers strategy and communications leadership in hospitality and foodservice.
  • Dan Rowe, CEO of Fransmart, provides franchising expertise with a portfolio including Five Guys and QDOBA.

The big picture

The Culinary Institute of America is bolstering its board with industry veterans as it prepares for its 80th year. The appointments reflect a strategic emphasis on technology, franchising, and talent development, aligning with broader trends in hospitality and foodservice. With nearly 60,000 alumni and a global presence, CIA's governance shifts could signal a more data-driven and scalable approach to culinary education.

What we're watching

Strategic Alignment
How the new trustees' expertise in technology and franchising will shape CIA's curriculum and industry partnerships.
Industry Trends
Whether the board's focus on data and talent will accelerate CIA's adaptation to AI and automation in hospitality.
Governance Impact
The pace at which the new trustees influence CIA's expansion into global markets and sustainable food systems.