Percy S. Whatley
Percy S. Whatley is the Executive Chef of The Ahwahnee, Yosemite National Park’s Four-Diamond, historic national landmark hotel. Initially arriving in the park in 1989, Whatley’s Yosemite culinary career began as a cook at the Pizza Deck in Curry Village. In January 1996, Whatley enrolled at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. Whatley graduated with honors in October 1997, returning to The Ahwahnee as Sous Chef. There he honed his creative skills, developing special entrées and appetizers for the cultured palates of Ahwahnee guests. Under the guidance of DNC Corporate Chef Roland Henin CMC, Whatley earned dual certification by passing the distinguished ProChef III exam, proctored by The Culinary Institute of America, earning him the prestigious Certified Executive Chef and Certified ProChef III designations.

In February 2010, Whatley competed for the second time in his career in the prestigious Bocuse ‘dOr USA culinary competition held in Hyde Park, New York, capturing the honor of “Best Meat” for his lamb chop, besting 10 other chef teams in the category.