Chef Charles Ziccardi has been a full-time chef instructor in the Hospitality Department at Drexel University in Philadelphia since August 2000. He also serves as a program manager for the Culinary Arts program.

Charles was born and raised in South Philadelphia. In 1984, Charles began as a cook, working at various local restaurants to gain the necessary experience for acceptance to culinary school. He currently holds an associate's degree in Occupational Studies in Culinary Arts from The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York; a Bachelor of Science in Hotel/Restaurant Management from Widener University in Chester, Pennsylvania; and a Certificate of Achievement in Classical Italian Cuisine from The Italian Culinary Institute per Stranieri in Torino, Italy.

Charles has held a number of chef positions in the Philadelphia area, Colorado, and Italy. He has worked under some world-renowned chefs, including Jean-Marie Lacroix at The Four Seasons Hotel in Philadelphia and Jean-FranÁois Taquet of Restaurant Taquet. Charles greatly enjoys interacting with the students and helping them develop their skills. He has extensive education and experience in the food and culture of Italy, and specializes in classical and regional Italian cuisine and culture.