Don Bernacchi is a native of Chicago, Illinois, and holds a bachelor of science in chemistry from Roosevelt University and a Masters in Food Technology from the Illinois Institute of Technology. Originally interviewed by Dr. Lloyd Augustus Hall, he has worked at Griffith Laboratories since 1959 and is a trusted source of insight, dedication and creativity. Early in his career, Don worked closely with both Dr. Hall and C.L. Griffith.
Don has been a vice president of creative development at Griffith Laboratories since 1986. He has been intimately involved in most of the company's scientific and technical advances throughout his career. He holds numerous US patents and has been leading the creative development effort at Griffith ever since he was chosen to lead a small Griffith Laboratories venture called Chef's Associates in the 1970s. Chef's Associates mission was to develop and sell restaurant concepts — from menus to interior design and architecture. Chef's Associates was eventually transformed into the Product Development department and Don Bernacchi has been leading the effort to blend science and creativity to develop products that consumers love ever since.