WEST BEND, WI, November 2, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Felicia N. Alsberg, CEC, has been recognized for achievement in the hospitality and events industry.

Ms. Alsberg's distinguished career in food spans more than four decades, marked by innovation, mentorship and a deep commitment to excellence. Since 2015, she has served as executive chef and owner of Orchard Valley Acres, a seasonal wedding and event venue that she personally transformed from the family dairy farm into a celebrated destination.

In this role, Ms. Alsberg responds to emails and event inquiries, maintains the gardens and building improvements, creates menus for smaller events prepared on site as well as signature cocktail menus and manages the financial aspects of the business. She closely monitors industry trends to ensure the venue remains relevant and competitive, meets with clients both on and off site and oversees staff operations. Additionally, she interviews outside caterers and compiles a curated list for clients' use, having recently opened the venue to external catering services.

Orchard Valley Acres stands as Ms. Alsberg's most notable achievement. She not only renovated the barn and revitalized the surrounding landscape but also established a farm-to-table program featuring vegetables she cultivated herself, prioritizing fresh, local and organic ingredients whenever possible. The venue operates seasonally, providing employment opportunities for high school and college students whom Ms. Alsberg mentors and teaches. Many of these young staff members return for special events, expressing gratitude for the skills they acquired under her guidance.

Prior to founding Orchard Valley Acres, Ms. Alsberg spent five years as corporate executive chef for Sodexo, where she was responsible for setting up corporate kitchens and training staff to operate efficiently using structured menus and curated products. Her expertise in launching new operations contributed significantly to Sodexo's culinary standards during her tenure.

Earlier in her career, Ms. Alsberg held the position of executive chef at Smith Brothers in Port Washington. There, she played an instrumental role in revamping services and was integral to the launch of a brewpub within the establishment. She also served as executive chef at Ramada and Hilton Hotels, further honing her leadership skills in diverse hospitality environments. Before these roles, Ms. Alsberg owned her own restaurant, gaining firsthand experience in managing all aspects of food service operations.

Throughout her professional journey, Ms. Alsberg has demonstrated expertise recognized by her peers through her certified executive chef designation. She is an active member of the American Culinary Federation and the Wisconsin Agritourism Association, reflecting her dedication to advancing industry standards and supporting local agriculture.

Ms. Alsberg's educational background laid a strong foundation for her accomplishments in food service management. She began her career while studying mathematics and working as a dishwasher at a hotel; a restaurant chef who recognized her talent encouraged her to pursue an apprenticeship through the Culinary Institute of America program. That led her to earn her degree in culinary arts and hospitality management which led to her Certified Executive Chef designation. She did return to finish her mathematics degree before she earned an additional project management degree that complemented her accounting skills.

Mentorship has been central to Ms. Alsberg's success. She credits her own mentors with guiding her through challenging times and attributes her achievements to perseverance and an unwavering refusal to accept failure. That same spirit defines her team, who care deeply about their work and the people they serve. Ms. Alsberg emphasizes that every event, whether a wedding, a celebration of life or a birthday, centers on a person with a story. Her team's role is to welcome each guest into the family and help tell that story.

Beyond her professional responsibilities, Ms. Alsberg is actively involved in civic initiatives such as Feeding America, the Community Soup Bowl Fundraiser for Food Pantries and the Annual Chefs Meal Program for Food Pantries and Food Banks. Her dedication to community service underscores her commitment to addressing food insecurity.

Ms. Alsberg's contributions have been recognized with several honors, including recognition for mentorship from the American Culinary Federation as well as winning titles at the Taste of Fond du Lac Competition, Taste of Washington County Competition and Taste of Ozaukee Competition.

Born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Ms. Alsberg is devoted to her family life with seven children and enjoys gardening alongside spending time with her grandchildren. Looking ahead, she is focused on mentoring her daughter to eventually take over Orchard Valley Acres while continuing to support the growth of future staff members who will carry forward her legacy of excellence in food service and hospitality.

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