WASHINGTON Michelle Obama, the wife of President-elect Barack Obama, said she plans to retain Cristeta Comerford as White House chef.
Comerford, who has held the post since 2005, is the first woman to wear the top toque of the White House kitchen. A naturalized citizen who came to this country from the Philippines, Comerford holds a bachelor's degree in food technology from the University of the Philippines.
Prior to joining the White House as an assistant chef in 1995, she worked in Austria and as chef at two Washington, D.C., hotels.
Restaurateurs Alice Waters and Danny Meyer together with Gourmet editor Ruth Reichl earlier had sent a letter to President-elect Obama offering to help him find a chef who was sensitive to sustainable foods and who would work with local and organic ingredients.
In a statement, Michelle Obama said: "Cristeta Comerford brings such incredible talent to the White House operation and came very highly regarded from the Bush family. Also the mom of a young daughter, I appreciate our shared perspective on the importance of healthy eating and healthy families."
Comerford succeeded Walter Scheib III, who was hired by Hillary Clinton when she was first lady but dismissed by Laura Bush.