Baystate Noble Executive Chef Wins Culinary Excellence Award

WESTFIELD — Baystate Noble Hospital Executive Chef Christopher Smith received the Willis Williams Spirit of Service Award for Culinary Excellence from Morrison Healthcare, a leading contract food and nutrition services company for hospitals and health systems across the U.S.

The Willis Williams Spirit of Service Award was established in 2014 in honor of Willis Clay Williams Sr., a 32-year veteran of Morrison, who served as corporate executive chef. The award is presented annually to the Morrison Healthcare Culinary team member who demonstrates the cultural beliefs that Williams exemplified so passionately.

In more than four years with Baystate Noble Hospital, Smith has continued to develop his skills and share those rewards with clients and guests, always eager to learn from colleagues and implement new ideas. He has taken a personal interest in developing the career of his sous chef, Rosa Nieves. Through his mentoring, she completed a two-year culinary certification and continues to build upon her personal development.

In addition to the creative, enthusiastic approach he takes to leading his team at Baystate Noble Hospital, Smith also takes a personal interest in the community by cultivating young chefs through the local schools and supporting local gardens. Through healthy-cooking demonstrations and education, he is teaching the next generation of chefs that wellness is a conscientious choice that can be filled with big rewards and big flavor.