HARDWICK – David Jourdan has been hired by Orleans Southwest Supervisory Union (OSSU) as its director of food service, effective July 1. He succeeds the current director, Valerie Hussey, who is retiring in June, after more than 25 years of service in various food service roles within the supervisory union and its schools.
“Chef Dave has shown a skill and passion for providing nutritious, delicious meals to the students of Wolcott Elementary over the last five years,” said OSSU operations director Joe Houston. “We are excited to have him bring that energy to the supervisory union level as food service director.”
Jourdan, a Morrisville native and People’s Academy graduate, studied culinary arts at Green Mountain Technology and Career Center and earned a degree from the former New England Culinary Institute.
Jourdan brings more than 20 years of culinary experience, having worked as a chef in hotels and institutions across the country, including extensive time in New Orleans. After returning to Vermont in 2011, he joined Keurig Green Mountain Coffee as part of the beverage research and development team.
In 2021, Jourdan became head chef at Wolcott Elementary School, where he has focused on expanding students’ exposure to fresh, local and diverse foods. During his time with OSSU, he has also played a key role in kitchen improvements, including contributing to a major remodel and equipment upgrades.
Reflecting on his work in schools, Jourdan said he has learned to keep food approachable and student-centered. “The students keep it real. They are going to tell you what they like or dislike,” he said. “So much of my formal training focused on making food complicated and sophisticated. Keeping things simple and showing them that just because something sounds complicated, it really isn’t, has been key. Much of my success in Wolcott has been deconstructing things and allowing students to slowly try new items.”
Jourdan has further supported the community by helping with the preparation of free summer meals for children across the OSSU region for the past four years.
