From Stars to Students! Meet Chef Dibella

This December, we shine the spotlight on Chef Charles Dibella, an exceptional culinary instructor at Lively Technical College whose journey is as flavorful as the dishes he creates.

Chef Dibella’s culinary adventure began with his graduation from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America (CIA)—not to be confused with the Central Intelligence Agency! Over the years, he’s cooked for Governors, a Secretary of State, and even Hollywood icons like John Travolta and Tom Cruise. His career has taken him around the globe, from teaching safe cooking practices to collaborating with billion-dollar companies on innovative food solutions.

Despite his impressive résumé, Chef Dibella remains humble, describing his experiences as “wild” and often expressing disbelief that he’s had a front-row seat to such extraordinary opportunities. From family-owned restaurants and private country clubs to the Marine Corps Community Services in Japan and Campbell’s Company, Chef Dibella’s diverse career reflects his passion for the culinary arts. This Spring, he’ll continue his journey, heading to Africa to teach safe cooking and sanitation practices to resort staff.

When asked why he pursued such unique opportunities, Chef Dibella simply replies, “Why not?” It’s this mindset that makes him an invaluable instructor. He brings real-world experience and a hands-on teaching approach that prepares students not only for the kitchen but also for the challenges of life.

Chef Dibella encourages his students to be confident and creative, blending technical skills with the freedom to experiment. As he says, “The recipe is great, but create it based on your feelings. A great chef experiments and adds their creativity to every dish.”

So, why not try the Culinary Program at Lively Technical College? With Chef Dibella leading the way, students are gaining the skills and confidence to succeed in kitchens, catering environments, and beyond.