VALDOSTA — The James H. Rainwater Conference Center recently introduced Tim Wade as its new Food and Beverage Director and Executive Chef.

Wade officially stepped in as executive chef June 2. With more than eight years of experience as a gourmet cook, Wade has worked in various locations throughout the South Atlantic United States. A Valdosta native, Wade left his hometown and moved to Atlanta to attend culinary school.

“I always had a passion for cooking so I worked several cooking jobs,” Wade said. “When I finished school, one of my friends suggested that I attend the Art Institute of Atlanta.”

After obtaining his degree at the Arts Institute, Wade moved to Orlando, Fla., where worked at Disney briefly before serving as a cook at the Orlando Country Club for two years. From there, he moved to New Orleans and cooked for the American Hawaiian Cruise Line company for almost two years.

Wade returned to Atlanta to work for the Cherokee Town and Country Club, one of few premiere clubs in the Southeast. He remained there for five years.

“I completed my full apprenticeship at the Cherokee Town and Country Club,” Wade said. “There, I got the opportunity to work with two of the 50 certified master chefs in the nation.”

As the new executive chef, Wade prepares all menus, runs the kitchen and catering service and is in charge of the servers, kitchen staff and event coordinators. When asked what sparked his interest in returning to Valdosta and heading the conference center food service, Wade said, “This is a great opportunity. I fit the bill of what they were looking for and since I’m from here, it feels like I’m bringing something back. I also enjoy just being involved in the success of my community.”

Wade now resides in Lowndes County with his wife of 5 1/2 years, Kimberly Moore Wade, and their three children, Jordan, Caden and Cameron.