Jeanne LeClare is a lecturing instructor of Hospitality and Service Management at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA). She joined CIA in 2025, bringing more than two decades of experience in the foodservice and hospitality industries, where she mentored teams, refined processes, optimized service models, and drove innovation. Her passion for hospitality and top-tier service fostered her professional growth.
With roles ranging from frontline service staff member to private dining room manager to service trainer, LeClare is a seasoned leader across diverse casual and fine-dining restaurants and event settings. She developed her skills and helped create memorable guest experiences at industry-leading establishments, including Dos Caminos, Tabla, and Blue Smoke in New York City, as well as Market by Jean-Georges, which she helped open, in the W Hotel in Boston.
Her experience extends beyond service and hospitality to beverage. At jm Curley in Boston, LeClare led the opening of a high-volume beer hall concept for a growing craft brewery in Framingham, MA, and then helped open a country-themed bar, restaurant, and music venue in Worchester, MA.
With each new experience, LeClare refined her expertise in guest service, event management, and operational leadership and developed her extensive knowledge of food and beverage ingredients, from the full range of Indian spices to 140 different types of tequila to countless craft brews.
LeClare holds a bachelor’s degree, with a double major in Journalism and Theater Arts, from Rutgers University.
When she’s not teaching, LeClare enjoys spending time with her husband, stepchildren, and dog, kayaking, hiking, soaking up a variety of theater arts, and floating in any body of water she can find.