Leslie Hale/Books for Keeps
Executive Director
Leslie Hale began work in June 2013 as the first-ever executive director of Books for Keeps, after completing a Master of Public Administration from The University of Georgia. While earning her masters degree, Leslie focused on public policy and nonprofit management, while working with the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities and Watkinsville-based Extra Special People.
Leslie spent the first part of her working life as a newspaper reporter in Naples, Florida, covering K-12 and higher education as well as state political races. Watching the policy process first-hand, in the context of an early introduction to volunteerism in her hometown of Asheville, North Carolina, pointed her toward nonprofit work. A long-standing interest in working with under-served and at-risk populations were critical factors in her journey toward taking the reins at Books for Keeps.
Leslie is now proud to call Athens, Georgia, home, along with her husband, Aaron; daughter, Evelyn (born August 2014); and their two cats, Ocho and G.W. When she gets a weekend off, youll find her hiking in the North Georgia mountains, trying out new recipes in the kitchen, running at the UGA Botanical Garden, and, of course, reading in her hammock.
Chef Christophe Le Metayer/Christophe’s To Go
Chef/Owner
French-born Chef Christophe Le Metayer has been pursuing his passion for good food and elegant cuisine for three decades.
-Trained at Lycée d’État de St. Quentin en Yvelines, a formal French culinary school, though he enjoys offering a truly international menu.
-Chef at several Michelin-star rated restaurants.
– Owner and chef at Saint Martin, critically acclaimed by the Michelin Guide (Bib Gourmand), The Pudlowski Guide, and Bottin Gourmand.
-Chef at The Café and sous-chef of The Dining Room at The Ritz-Carlton in Buckhead.
Now Chef Christophe is bringing his worldly experience and passion for delicious food to Christophe’s To Go!
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Jessica Park/Christophe’s To Go
Catering Sales Director
Jessica Park is an Event Planner and Entrepreneur here in Atlanta, as well, she is a native Atlantan. Jessica’s near 25 year tenure in the restaurant and events industry has given her the skills to organize peers and charges to get things done in a high volume environment. Providing food & beverage, as well as, event consulting. A demeanor perfectly suited for event planning, proving to be unusually skilled in multitasking and troubleshooting. Jessica has catered an afternoon tea and dessert for the Dalai Lama, has been featured by Martha Stewart on Martha’s Circle, Style Me Pretty, and Ruffled Blog. Her work has also been seen in Occasions Magazine, The Atlantan Brides, and Pretty Pear Bride featuring her custom made dessert tables. Voted best caterer in Atlanta by Wedding Industry Experts in 2012 & 2013. Hosted a weekly radio show called Meeting Pro’s on Business RadioX. Interviewing event industry professionals on their event businesses and innovation. Jessica has quickly established herself as a valuable asset to the events industry and is an excellent resource.
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