Hospitality Management Faculty

Jeff began his career in food service at the age of 16, as a busboy and dishwasher at a restaurant in his hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. A graduate of Northwood University with a degree in Culinary Arts and a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality and Restaurant Management from the New England Culinary Institute, Jeff has worked in nearly every facet of the business. Most of his experience has been in managing upscale hotel kitchens and clubs. 

Jeff’s affiliation with Wake Tech began in 1989 as an industry advisor; he has served as a culinary instructor since 2001. Jeff is responsible for the coordination of Wake Tech’s exchange program with a hotel/culinary school in France. He has also participated in a program called Adopt-A-Ship, in which chefs conduct training classes on board Navy ships at sea. Outside of work, Jeff enjoys mountain biking and auto sports.

Jane has been teaching Hotel and Restaurant Management classes at Wake Tech since 1996. In 2000, she received the Excellence in Teaching Award for the Business Division. She is certified as a Hospitality Educator (CHE) by the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute. Before coming to Wake Tech, she worked with the Marriott Corporation for 13 years. Jane earned her BA in Spanish from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, and spent her junior year at the University of Madrid in Spain. 

Jane is married to Bill Chesanek, and they have two sons, Will and Brian. Her hobbies include traveling, reading, walking, scrapbooking, and watching sports. Jane says, “I am passionate about teaching. I learn so much from the students while they learn from me. Our industry is a vibrant one and our students are energetic, hard-working, and committed to being successful. A degree in Hospitality from Wake Tech pushes a student’s career four to five years ahead of those who have not had hospitality education.”

Barry J. Tracey joined the Wake Tech community in 2021 after nearly 20 years of hospitality leadership. Before joining Wake Tech, he held positions in military foodservice operations, resorts and hotels, all aspects of the restaurant industry, and most recently, he worked nearly 10 years with University Dining at NC State University. Barry has earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Northern Arizona University; his Master of Arts degree in Human Resource Management from Concordia University – St. Paul; and is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Grand Canyon University.

Barry is happily married to Michelle and they have three children: Raymond, Kayla, and Robbie, along with an extremely lovable and playful Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Maize. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and watching sports.