The late Kurt Waldele worked for many years as the NAC’s Executive Chef. He was a mentor and friend to countless chefs both in Ottawa and across the Canada. He oversaw food preparation and service at 24 Sussex between 1984 and 1993, and also assumed those responsibilities for many major Government of Canada functions, including the 1981 and 1988 economic summits, several royal visits, and the state dinner for the opening of Expo 1986 in Vancouver.