Meet the Judge: Nancy Geddes

By: Jamie McAllister

Nancy Geddes (Courtesy photo)

Nancy Geddes grew up in Rockford, Illinois, about an hour and a half west of Chicago. Cooking was a cherished family pastime and young Nancy also spent hours watching her idol, Julia Child, explain the intricacies and delicacies of French cooking on television.

Although her passion for fine foods bloomed early, Nancy chose to pursue a career as a legal secretary on Madison Avenue in New York City before going back to school to earn her culinary arts degree. She now works in Culinary Services at Williamsburg Landing, a retirement community.

Nancy has been a member of the March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction judging panel for two years. She became involved with the group through the Virginia Chefs Association, of which she is the current chapter president.

“It is obvious the public loves the Chefs Auction,” Nancy said. “Attendees are able to get so close to the chefs, which is not something they normally get to do in a typical restaurant environment. It is truly a wonderful opportunity.”

Nancy also recognizes the tremendous amount of effort the chefs put into the event. “They pack up their tools and ingredients, transport them to the hotel ballroom, unload everything, and prep and prepare all of their dishes,” she said. “It is very different to be cooking outside of your home kitchen and my hat goes off to all of the chefs for their hard work.”

In addition to the Chefs Auction, Nancy also judges other local food competitions, including the Jamestown Chowder Festival.

“I have a lot of fun as a food judge,” Nancy said. “I feel blessed to be able to pay it forward and give back to the community.”

Nancy lives in James City County with her Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Her daughter, Kathleen, inherited her mother’s love of cooking. She works as a full-time instructor at The Chefs Academy in Raleigh, North Carolina.

“My greatest joy in life has been seeing the passion for cooking passed down to my daughter,” Nancy said.