Franco Pacini

Franco Pacini joined The French Pastry School on August 1, 2005 as Director of Operations. Franco is responsible for strategy and development of The French Pastry School. He oversees the school's business development, financing, marketing, and admissions departments.

A Chicago native born and raised on the north side, Franco experienced a true immigrant lifestyle. With his mother from Paris, France and his father from Luca, Italy, it’s quite clear where Franco acquired both his love and passion for food. At the age of sixteen, Franco Pacini started working in the food industry for Service Systems, a subsidiary of Marriott Food Service. He thrived at Marriott for a combined thirteen years. During his time with Marriott Food Service Franco earned his B.A. in Business from DePaul University and achieved the position of General Manager of the Commerce Clearing House account. In 1990 following the direction and guidance of his client, Franco pursued a new career in sales with Albert Uster Imports, Inc. Since 1990, Mr. Pacini’s devotion for selling has been steadily rewarded. In 1995 he became the company’s top sales person having grown the territory five-fold. In 1997 he was promoted to National Sales Manager, and in 2000 to the position as Vice President of Sales. 

Franco also devotes his time and talent to numerous other organizations. He sits on the board of directors of For the Love of Chocolate Foundation which provides scholarships to qualified students in the specialized training of the pastry arts, specifically to L’Art de la Pâtisserie program taught by The French Pastry School for the City Colleges of Chicago. For the Love of Chocolate Foundation promotes commitment in pastry arts education for individuals looking to change careers, as well as individuals who have shown potential in the culinary field but who have no formal pastry education. 

Franco also is a member of the American Culinary Federation Windy City Chapter and is an advisor to the Board of Directors, is a member of Pastry Chicago, sits on the board of directors of Zagone Studios LLC, sits on the board of directors for Esperanza Community Services and chairs the Development Committee, and is a member of the French American Chamber of Commerce.