Zachary Pope, also known as Chef Zach, the is the Food Director at IAFF Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Treatment and Recovery. While studying pre-med at Baylor University, Pope took a job as a waiter and was so drawn to the kitchen that he enrolled in the Baltimore International Culinary College. Chef Pope excelled in his studies at BICC and was awarded a seven-month fellowship at the Park Hotel, Ireland’s premier country resort famous for its classic cuisine. Upon his return to the states, he expanded his culinary experience by working as a sous chef, an executive chef at several premier restaurants and launching his own catering and personal chef business.

Pope has a unique connection with members being treated at IAFF Center of Excellence – “I, myself, am in recovery, so I identify with these fire fighters,” he says. “I’ve been on their side. But I have never been to an inpatient place that serves the food that I do, and I think that is special and deserving of this group.”