Cristeta Comerford, Executive Chef

President Barack Obama has retained Filipino American Cristeta Comerford as White House executive chef. She has held the position since 2005, which made her the first woman to hold the title. Despite requests by distinguished foodies such as Ruth Reichl of Gourmet Magazine to replace Comerford, the Obamas chose to stay with the University of the Philippines graduate because they liked the fact that she's also a mom. Positive praise form former First Lady Laura Bush also seemed to help in the Obamas' decision; she has commended Comerford in the past for making "original dishes with American flavor." Comerford has a bachelor's degree in food technology and was trained in French cooking. She initially joiend the White House culinary team in 1995, serving as assistant chef.