Briefly In Business: Overton promoted to chef de cuisine

Montage Laguna Beach has named Casey Overton as chef de cuisine for the Loft.

“We’re delighted to promote Casey to chef de cuisine of the Loft restaurant,” Todd Orlich, general manager, said in a statement. “He has demonstrated superior skills and culinary aptitude since joining us in 2005, and we know that The Loft will flourish under his direction.”

Overton joined Montage as a cook at Studio, the resort’s signature restaurant celebrated for modern French cuisine with California influences. Overton was promoted to sous chef in 2007, working with former Executive Chef James Boyce and most recently with Executive Chef Craig Strong. Prior to joining Montage, Overton completed his apprenticeship at Aubergine in Newport Beach, according to the statement.

“I am passionate about providing guests with dishes that showcase wonderful ingredients prepared simply. I like to focus on three to four ingredients in a dish and prepare them perfectly,” Overton said.

For more information visit www.montagelagunabeach.com.

Stenroos joins Friendship Shelter

Friendship Shelter has appointed of Mark Stenroos as development director, responsible for marketing, public relations and fundraising activities. Stenroos replaces Randy Kraft, who has resumed a freelance communications practice.

Stenroos has more than two decades of fund development and marketing experience in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors. He most recently served as director of development for the Balboa Performing Arts Theater Foundation and previously held lead positions with several arts organizations, including the Fresno Metropolitan Museum and the Las Vegas Philharmonic. Earlier in his career, he served as vice president of marketing for Polygram, where he founded a classical record label. He is also a private vocal instructor, has produced several recordings and is a member of the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences.

Kraft plans to establish a West Coast consultancy in nonprofit marketing and communications and to remain involved with Friendship Shelter as chairwoman of a new event planned for later this year.

“These were hard shoes to fill,” said Executive Director Dawn Price. “Randy Kraft has been instrumental in solidifying Friendship Shelter as a programmatic and philanthropic leader. We’re pleased that she will remain involved as a volunteer. Going forward, Mark brings not only exceptional skills but a strong belief in the work we do. His career path and his way of thinking signals an ‘out-of-the-box’ perspective, which is much needed in today’s difficult fundraising environment. We welcome Mark to the team and wish Randy the best in her new endeavors, with our thanks for her hard work on behalf of Friendship Shelter.”

For more information, visit www.friendshipshelter.org or call (949) 494-6928.