Thomas Macrina, CEC, CCA, AAC, HOF, HBOT
Food Fanatic Chef | US Foods
Thomas “Tom” Macrina, national ambassador for Turkish Tastes, is a World Certified Master Chef (WCMC), Certified Executive Chef® (CEC®), Certified Culinary Administrator® (CCA®) and a member of the American Academy of Chefs® (AAC®), the honor society of the American Culinary Federation, Inc. (ACF). Currently, he serves as the president of ACF and the chair of the ACF Education Foundation. Previously, he was elected the ACF national president for two terms, 2013-2015 and 2015-2017 term. He also held the positions of ACF Board of Directors national secretary, 2011-2013, and chair of the AAC, 2007-2011. He is a Food FanaticsTM Chef for US Foods, Philadelphia Division, Philadelphia. He has been with US Foods since 2011. Chef Tom Macrina was awarded a National Ambassadorship for Turkish Tastes in 2024Macrina graduated from Norristown Area High School and the culinary-arts program at the Center for Technical Studies, both of Norristown, Pa., in 1974. He received his Associate of Science degree, with honors, from The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, N.Y., in 1976.His culinary career began in 1977 as executive chef at the Downingtown Inn Resort, Downingtown, Pennsylvania. In 1980, he accepted the position of executive chef at the Clayton Plaza Hotel, St. Louis, until 1981, when he was named corporate executive chef of Tabas Enterprises, Philadelphia. He served in this role from 1981 to 1997 and oversaw operations for eight properties. In 1997, he joined The Desmond Hotel and Conference Center, Malvern, Pennsylvania., as executive chef.Advancing the culinary industry, fostering the talents of culinary students, and helping his local community are three values important to Macrina, as noted in his tireless volunteer work. He has significantly contributed to furthering the culinary industry as ACF national secretary, 20112013; ACF Culinary Team USA business manager, 2010-2012; AAC chair, 2007-2011, and vice chair, 2003-2007; and ACF Philadelphia Delaware Valley Chefs Association chapter president, 1996-2006. In addition, he remains an active member of the American Academy of Chefs, ACF Philadelphia Delaware Valley Chefs Association, Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, Escoffier Society of Chicago, the National Restaurant Association and the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association’s Brandywine Chapter.His dedication to developing the skills of culinary students has been tireless. He has been an advisory board member for the Central Montgomery County Center of Vocational Technical Studies since 2010, The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College since 1985 and The Art Institute of Philadelphia since 2000. He previously served in the same role for Bucks County Community College, 1997-2007. In addition, he served as coach for the ACF Philadelphia Delaware Valley Chefs Association Student Team, 2002, 2003 and 2005, and ACF Culinary Youth Team USA, 2001-2004; as well as held the positions of American Culinary Federation Education Foundation Apprenticeship Committee chair, 1997-2005, and American Academy of Chefs Education chair, 1999-2003.Giving back to his local community is natural for Macrina, whether it is cooking, donating food or sharing his expertise. Some of his charitable work includes Home of the Sparrow culinary chair, 2004-2012; Salvation Army of Greater Philadelphia advisory board member, 2000-2006, and Salvation Army national board of directors, 2005; March of Dimes Pennsylvania Chapter Star Chefs of Philadelphia committee member, 1996-2004; and Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania advisory board member, 2001-2003.Throughout his career, Macrina has received numerous accolades for his dedication and contributions to the culinary industry, as well as his volunteer work. His most notable achievements include: ACF Chicago Chefs of Cuisine Inc.’s Most Honored Chef, 2011; AAC Chair’s Medal, 2007; ACF President’s Medallions, 2000, 2002, 2005 and 2006; ACF National Chef Professionalism Award, 2005; March of Dimes Guy Prepberin Award, 2005; Salvation Army’s Service Award, 2004; and ACF Award for Culinary Excellence, 2003. In addition, he was inducted into the following prestigious culinary organizations: Disciples of Escoffier, 2006; Honorable Order of the Golden Toque, 2001; and AAC, 1988. Macrina and his wife Catherine are the parents of four children and grandparents of four. He enjoys the time he spends with them, especially when it involves cooking in the kitchen.