Al da Costa FFCSI was deeply committed to the success of FCSI members and to the Society worldwide. He served as Worldwide conference chair and from 2000 to 2004 held leadership roles on the Worldwide board, including director, secretary/treasurer, president elect, president and immediate past president. From 2005 to 2010, he remained an influential member and guiding presence.
His leadership saw FCSI through pivotal moments including the formation of the Council for Professional Standards (CPS), the elevation of the Asia Pacific Chapter into the Asia Pacific Division, the updating of FCSI Worldwide’s outdated constitution into a new set of by-laws, a full update to the membership requirements for all membership levels, the transition to a new association management company and a significant rebranding exercise for FCSI Worldwide. Al was a driving force in creating FCSI’s tagline under Ken Winch FFCSI’s presidency. As Ken says, the tagline will be used forever because it is simply what we do: “We share, we support, we inspire.”
Al was exceptionally qualified to be board liaison to the FCSI CPS. After FCSI divided CPS into divisional CPS Committees, he served from 2010 to 2018 on the CPS-TA. With Al’s guidance, CPS-TA established criteria for professional membership in The Americas Division to evaluate competency and strengthen FCSI’s brand.
Al worked tirelessly with CPS-TA to develop an impartial process to evaluate candidates for professional membership. Initially, CPS-TA used English-only study guides and tests, limiting access for many in the division. He championed an ambitious initiative that invited South American FCSI members to join CPS-TA and help create a path to professional membership in multiple languages. Through his mentorship, the work was completed and inspired the creation of a new FCSI chapter in Brazil.
A mentor to many
In any role, Al’s impact far exceeded the work he delivered. He was a visionary leader with an extraordinary ability to keep teams on track while encouraging them to stretch into uncharted territory. Even while fully engaged in the work, Al observed the process, shared insights, and cultivated each person’s talents. He pushed people to dig deep, find their voice, build community, and always celebrate accomplishments.
He ensured every voice in the room was heard, whether in committees, task forces or on the board. He was multi-lingual and as such was able to bridge gaps in understanding for committees and boards with members whose first language was not English. He turned division into collaboration through his thoughtful and forthright facilitation of groups. Al was a mentor to many of FCSI’s worldwide and divisional leaders who followed him.
In 2009, FCSI Worldwide honored Al da Costa with its highest honor. He was made a Fellow of the Society to recognize his extraordinary contributions to the foodservice and hospitality industry, to foodservice consulting, and to FCSI.
A curious mind
Beyond Al’s expertise and dedication, he was a remarkable man with a deep soul and a joyful zest for life. Al approached life and people with a keen eye, a curious mind, and an open heart. He brought a boundless spirit and enthusiasm to every situation, along with an infectious smile and wickedly clever sense of humor.
Al had enduring passions for music, languages, cooking, and hospitality, and shared them with those around him. He cherished and collected custom-made guitars, each reflecting his love of music and craftmanship. Later in life, Al embraced the study of Koeikan Karate and earned his black belt, a testament to his lifelong pursuit of growth and mastery. As his Sensei observed “He left us as he lived; a wise soldier, devoted individual and martial artist on the path to enlightenment.”
Al was treasured by his FCSI friends, who were blessed to have known him and whose lives were enriched by his friendship. The love, guidance and joy he shared will continue to inspire our lives and keep his memory alive.
With contributions from Ken Winch, Scott Legge, Ed Bernard, Karen Malody, Mike Redlin, Char Norton, Barb Pyper, Connie Dickson, Kip Serfozo and Emmanuel Melo
