Mackenzie, 22, grew up in Boothbay, Maine, and was practically raised in the industry, with Chef Margaret McLellan as his mom. In high school, he worked at local restaurants, and attended the Bath Region Vocational Center’s Culinary Arts program. After high school, Mackenzie attended The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Hyde Park, New York. During summer breaks, he worked at Spruce Point Inn in Boothbay Harbor, and completed an externship at The Phoenician Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona. Mackenzie graduated from CIA with an Associates Degree in Culinary Arts, and moved to Clearwater Beach, Florida to work at The Sandpearl Resort. He went back to CIA for his Bachelors Degree in Hotel/Restaurant Management, and will graduate on October 15^th, 2009.