Executive Director

Dr. Jovanny Suriel

Dr. Jovanny Suriel is the inaugural Executive Director of the Culinary Education Center, a workforce training initiative rooted in community, culinary arts, and labor partnerships. With nearly 15 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Suriel has led impactful work across career and professional development, workforce readiness, employer relations, and civic engagement. He brings a deep passion for community engagement and a lifelong commitment to uplifting others through service—principles that guide his leadership and program development.
Email Address

jovanny@cec100.org

Previously, Dr. Suriel served as Assistant Dean of Civic Engagement and Director of Career Development at Bard College, where he also directed the Engaged Liberal Arts & Sciences (ELAS) Program, supporting faculty and community-based learning experiences for students. He earned his Doctorate of Education in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California, dual master’s degrees in Arts and Education in Psychological Counseling from Columbia University, and a Bachelor of Science in Human Development from Binghamton University (SUNY).