Michael Krefski

The Supernova Award is the highest individual honor that our company gives and each year. One individual on the leadership team at Summit Hills is voted by their colleagues as the community’s Supernova based on an assortment of criteria. Each year during the Senior Living Communities Annual Meeting, the winner is revealed and given a customized crystal award at the company’s formal Supernova Awards Evening. The criteria for voting is based on upholding our company’s mission to be caring professionals dedicated to quality services. Additionally, this individual will consistently deliver excellent customer service (to Members, families, and colleagues), lead positively with integrity, take accountability, put the team before themselves, and embody the company’s vision to create communities where people live longer, healthier, and happier lives.

This year, we are proud to congratulate our Executive Chef, Michael Krefski as the recipient of the 2021 RidgeCrest Supernova Award. This honor was bestowed at the Senior Living Communities Annual Meeting on Thursday, August 5th at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation on Amelia Island, Florida. Chef Michael makes our full-service dining program the best restaurant in town through his leadership and supervision of production staff, commitment to quality and diversity of food and compliance to local and state regulatory agency standards.

Michael is a hospitality veteran, starting in the industry when he was 14 years old. At 21, he became an Executive Chef for Sheraton Hotels, expanding his knowledge within food service. Michael has worked with brands like Sodexo, Cura, and GF Management while gaining experience from healthcare to campus services and the private sector to country clubs.

Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with wife of 27 years, Dawn Marie, and their children Jessica and Michael. The Krefski’s are dog lovers and share their home with three Boxer fur babies: Deacon, Lily, and Guinevere.

Interview with 2021 Director of the Year, Michael Krefski

What’s a quote or inspirational words that influence/impact you?

“You must cook with love and passion.”

Congratulations on being chosen as a Supernova! How do you feel?

I am grateful to my team for the support, the faith, and the family love that gives us the ability to create everyday.

What’s your favorite part about your position?

The ability to be creative and see the joy on the faces from the members for all that we do.

What do you want people to know about working in a retirement community?

Working in a retirement community is the best in the world. You have unlimited creativity, freedom, and the passion to put your heart into everything you do.