Ludlow, VT – Tim and Diane Mueller, operators of Okemo Mountain Resort, have named Brian Flanders as the Vermont ski and snowboard resort’s new executive chef.

Flanders, a native New Englander originally from Cape Elizabeth, Maine, comes to Okemo from the Stone House Resort and Spa, in Little Compton, R.I. As executive chef, he was in charge of two full-service restaurants.  He previously held the position of executive chef at the River Inn, in Memphis, Tenn. He was sous chef at Hemingway’s, a Mobil four-star-rated restaurant, in Killington, Vt., and executive sous chef at Twin Farms, a Mobil five-star-rated restaurant in Barnard, Vt. Twin Farms was also named Best Small Hotel by Zagat.

Flanders is a graduate of the New England Culinary Institute. In addition to being European-style trained, Flanders brings 21 years of high-end culinary experience to Okemo. He has opened nine restaurants during his culinary career.

In his new role, he will oversee Okemo’s Coleman Brook Tavern, located in the Jackson Gore Inn. He will also supervise all culinary aspects of the Resort’s banquets, events and weddings.

“I’m happy to be back in Vermont,” said Flanders. “The availability of local produce and the production of food in the state is second to none. I’m looking forward to streamlining the banquets operations for Okemo, and Coleman Brook Tavern has tremendous potential for growth.”  He is quick to note that he is only as good as the people he works with and plans to nurture his staff – making himself available to them.

Flanders’ wife and two children, ages 7 and 1, will be joining him in Vermont at the end of the school year.