Lee brings a resume shaped in some of New York’s most demanding kitchens, including tenures at Momofuku, Craft, and the Michelin-starred Jean-Georges. At Apex, he joins a faculty tasked with preparing students for high-demand careers through hands-on mentorship and professional discipline. The school currently positions its $16,500 tuition as the most accessible state-licensed, nationally accredited culinary program in New York.

For Apex President Steve Markowitz, the hire underscores the school’s mission to provide clear pathways into the workforce. This expansion aligns with a broader strategy at The Fedcap Group, which aims to integrate vocational education directly into its existing employment ecosystem. By pairing top-tier instructional talent with industry-linked social enterprises, the organization intends to bridge the gap between classroom training and immediate career placement for graduates across the city.