Unlike many of his executive peers who turn to exercise or travel to relieve stress, Kevin Spiegel, president and CEO of Chattanooga, Tenn.-based Erlanger Health System, finds respite in the kitchen, according to the Times Free Press.
"I've always had a passion for cooking," said Mr. Spiegel, according to the report. "It's a way to balance life — a stress relief."
Mr. Spiegel credits his mother for his interest in the culinary arts, though she said, "He's a better cook than me," according to the report. "He's always liked to cook, and I think that's an asset. He likes to do things to please people, and cooking is one way to do that."
Mr. Spiegel said he loves to cook when he and his wife entertain guests at their home, and he even made all of his kids' baby food.
His passion for food, especially healthy food, translates into his role at the helm of Erlanger Health System, as the organization is rolling out a new dining program for patients, as well as for hospital visitors and employees in the cafeteria.
"There are going to be dramatic changes," Mr. Spiegel said, according to the report. "Our focus on bidding out food service to begin with was to have healthy choices. I think we'll have one of the most modern dining experiences in the country. It will be state-of-the-art. We're very excited about offering a new culinary experience at Erlanger."
The hospital food changes will be fully implemented by early 2017, according to the report.