Wilderness Country Club in Naples welcomes Katz as executive chef

Wilderness Country Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael S. Katz as its new executive chef. In this position, Katz is responsible for culinary innovation, leading kitchen operations, team building and member satisfaction.

Katz is a Certified Executive Chef (CEC) with more than 20 years of leadership at prestigious clubs across Southwest Florida. Most recently, he was Executive Chef, Executive Vice President for Naples Yacht Club, which was recently ranked as the top yacht club in Florida and fifth nationally by Distinguished Club-Boardroom magazine.

Before that, Katz was Executive Chef, Culinary Director for Quail West Golf & Country Club in North Naples and Executive Chef, Food & Beverage Manager for The Gasparilla Inn & Club in Boca Grande, Florida. Katz also has experience with The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, Hilton Hotels, and Lely Resort Golf and Country Club, and was a Professor, Faculty Team Leader at the Culinary Institute of America in San Antonio, Texas.

Katz is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. He also received a Business degree from the State University of New York (SUNY) Rockland.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome Michael to our team as Executive Chef,” said Alan Raulerson, General Manager for Wilderness Country Club. “With an impressive culinary background at both country clubs and resorts, he has a passion for innovative cuisine that will bring a wealth of experience and creativity to our restaurant operations.”