Cathy Jörin

Courses: Orientation and Cohort Formation.

Cathy Jörin is the senior advisor of CIA’s School of Graduate Studies, and the liaison to Japan. As a recognized leader in her field, Cathy has over 40 years of experience in food and hospitality, over 25 of which are in the higher education sector, with expertise in strategic planning, marketing, finance, and project leadership.

Ms. Jörin was the founding senior director of the CIA’s School of Graduate Studies from its inception in 2016 to August 2024, when she retired from her full-time position and transitioned to the part-time role as senior advisor. In this role she will be a resource to the graduate team, and execute special projects related to the graduate programs.

During her tenure as senior director of CIA’s School of Graduate Studies launched four accredited master’s degree programs, including Food Business (with Restaurant and Food Product specializations), Wine and Beverage Management, Sustainable Food Systems, and Culinary Arts, all which continue to be successfully executed. A fifth degree program is awaiting final approval from New York State Department of Education. Ms. Jörin played a key role in the strategic planning and led the graduate school education administration, faculty, finance, and operations, and also oversaw graduate pedagogy and online learning standards, along with leading selected program residencies as a faculty member.

Ms. Jörin has enjoyed a long and rewarding career with CIA, previously as director of special projects and planning for the Strategic Initiatives Group, heading up initiatives such as the Singapore-based Worlds of Healthy Flavors ASIA® and CIA Worlds of Flavor® conferences, including Japan: Flavors of Culture, 2010, and Asia and the Theater of World Menus 2015. Ms. Jörin continues to serve as the liaison to Japan and is the primary project leader on a Japanese Cuisine concentration program for CIA bachelor’s degree students which commenced in 2016. Previously, she held positions as director of business analysis for continuing education and associate director of education at CIA Greystone.

Ms. Jörin’s prior experience includes two years as vice president of sales and marketing at The Perfect Purée of Napa Valley, and six years as a co-owner of a retail and wholesale bakery. A former member of the Board of Directors of Women Chefs & Restaurateurs, Ms. Jörin was chair of the organization’s Business Development Committee, and chair of its 2013 conference, which celebrated WCR’s 20th anniversary. She is a member of the San Francisco Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier, and former chair of its Membership Committee.

Ms. Jörin earned her MBA at the University of San Francisco. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Irvine, and is a graduate of the culinary arts program of the California Culinary Academy.