The American Academy of Chefs Lifetime Achievement Award

The Lifetime Achievement Award was introduced to raise funds for the American Academy of Chefs initiatives, and to recognize an Academy Fellow who has shown outstanding dedication to our profession. This individual is regarded as an industry trendsetter and possesses a commitment to excellence, providing leadership, motivation, and inspiration to colleagues and the youth of the culinary industry. Request a Nomination Packet

John Kaufmann

2023 - John Kaufmann, CEC, AAC, HOF

ACF Chicago Chefs

Mark Wright

2022 - Mark G. Wright, CEC, AAC, HBOT

ACF of Greater Buffalo New York

George A. O’Palenick

2019 - George A. O’Palenick, CEC®, CCE®, AAC®, HOF

ACF Rhode Island Chapter

Jess Barbosa

2017 - Jess Barbosa, CEC®, AAC®

ACF Greater Kansas City Chefs Association

Bernard Urban

2013 - Bernard Urban, CEC®, AAC®, HOF

Texas Chefs Association

Gino Corelli

2012 - Gino Corelli, CEC®, AAC®, HOF

ACF Rhode Island Chapter

Noble Masi

2010 - Noble Masi, CEPC®, CMB, AAC®, HOF

Mid Hudson Culinary Association

Jon Greenwalt

2008 - Jon Greenwalt, CEC®, AAC®, HOF

ACF San Francisco Chapter

Fritz Sonnenschmidt

2007 - Fritz Sonnenschmidt, CMC®, AAC®, HOF

Mid Hudson Culinary Association

Bert Cutino

2006 - Bert Cutino, CEC®, AAC®, HBOT, HOF

ACF Monterey Bay Chapter

Ferdinand Metz

2005 - Ferdinand Metz, CMC®, WGMC, AAC®, HOF

Mid Hudson Culinary Association