Lazier named as new executive chef

Johnston Sun Rise ·

Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center has named Johnston resident Darrell Lazier as its new executive chef, overseeing food and beverage service for both its highly regarded youth education programs and its award-winning events venue.

Lazier served as executive chef for both the Grace Vanderbilt Hotel in Newport and the Omni Providence Hotel. His roles in Boston included executive sous chef for the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center and sous chef for the Park Plaza Hotel.  

“Darrell is an incredibly skilled chef and culinary leader who has embraced the unique challenge and joy of serving our wide range of visitors, from students and teachers to wedding guests and corporate event clients,” said Arthur Pearson, CEO of Thompson Island Outward Bound. 

Thompson Island provides thousands of area students with a multi-year sequence of hands-on field science infused with Outward Bound’s approach to social-emotional learning, while Thompson Island Signature Events hosts weddings, corporate parties and retreats, family reunions, and more. Revenue from the events provides critical funding for the youth programs.

“I can’t imagine a more fulfilling role at this point in my career,” said Lazier, who is a 1999 graduate of Johnson & Wales University. “I feel strongly about Thompson Island’s youth-focused mission. I aim to expose students to new foods and healthy eating, since I see a lot of who I was as a child in these kids.”

Lazier has already improved food quality and cost efficiency, adding new items while building on the regional favorites that Thompson Island has long offered, such as clambakes. Next he is cooking up new fall menu items for corporations looking to host outings and employee appreciation events in a peaceful spot away from the city, as well as brides and grooms looking to have their dream wedding among the natural beauty of Boston Harbor.