Jeanne Prestella is a dedicated culinary professional and community leader residing in South Lake Tahoe since July 1983. She and her husband Alton Prestella created their family home to raise their three now adult children. Jeanne’s 50-year employment career has spanned from Culinary, Business Management, Accounting, Finance, Computers, Banker to currently a Realtor in California and Nevada. With decades of experience in food service, event catering, hospitality management and volunteerism, Jeanne has made a significant impact both in the kitchen and throughout her community. Her culinary experience began in Ohio as a teen and gave her an opportunity to return to her home state of California. As a Restaurant Manager for Howard Johnson’s and its subsidiary Ground Round, she traveled opening seven new restaurants across five states. In the 80’s while her family grew, Jeanne worked at John’s Tahoe Nugget (the original one) and Lakeside Inn & Casino restaurants and gaming floor in Stateline, NV. At the same time she attended the weekend A.A. program at LTCC and was in the first class to graduate at the One College Dr., facility. She also started a home accounting business and worked seasonally as a Food & Beverage Assistant Manager/Supervisor at Cal Lodge Heavenly Ski Resort. Overseeing restaurant operations, catering, and large-scale event execution including weddings and corporate executive functions. Her experience led her to work numerous private and corporate events, including client appreciation meals, Holiday celebrations, summer barbecues, and monthly staff meetings throughout her employment. Jeanne is a winner of several National chili cookoff competitions with her recipes featured in local newspaper, community events and sold at several local restaurants. She holds a range of certifications including a permanent Douglas County Sherrif’s, SERVSafe Food Handlers/Food Manager and TIPS cards. She is trained, certified and experienced in all restaurant facility equipment. Outside of the culinary credentials Jeanne is a licensed Real Estate Broker, Property Management Broker, VHR Broker, and Public Notary, all in held both California and Nevada. Jeanne has been married to Alton for 43 years. He is a Painting Contractor and the Sole Proprietor of Waldo’s Painting Company, she is the Office Manager.

Jeanne has been a community service volunteer for many decades. During the upbringing of her children through today she has stayed involved and been effective to help meet some of this community needs. Her volunteerism has included but is not limited to: Election Coordinator 4 years Soroptimist Intl, Sierra Nevada Regional Board, 14 year Soroptimist International of Tahoe Sierra, Member, Board member and eight-year club Treasurer. Leading hospitality committees, organizing, cooking, serving at major fundraising and outreach events. Chairperson, Chef and team leader for Soroptimist annual Mad Hatter Tea Party, which serves over 140 guests a seven course tasting menu in one hour at Valhalla. Chef and leader for the annual Thanksgiving meal at Mt. Tallac School, with ongoing involvement in student culinary education. Youth and sports engagement over 19 years with American Youth Soccer Organization as Coach, Referee, Board Member, Treasurer and Parent. Also Referee and Safe Haven certification volunteer instructor, supporting youth development and safe play. Volunteer Chef for LasagnaLove.org, Bread and Broth, FeedTahoe ambassador, helping to provide meals and food rescue services to those in need. Organizer and provider of meals for various NASCAR road crew members and team owners during west coast races. Supporting teams and VIP guests with hospitality including multi-day catering from trackside kitchen. Leader and cook for the Soroptimist American Celebrity Golf Concession Tent, managing all aspects of week-long operations. Volunteer hands on for 21 years of Golf tournaments’ community fundraising. Jeanne’s passion for food and service is matched by her commitment to uplifting her community, making her a valued leader and mentor in both.