Honoring CPCEs Who Have Earned Lifetime Emeritus Status in 2025

The Certified Professional in Catering and Events (CPCE) is a nationally recognized program and the mark of excellence for catering and event professionals.

Lifetime Emeritus Status is an honor available to CPCEs in good standing for more than 10 years who are turning 60 years or older the calendar year of their recertification. Below is a list of these honored individuals who gained Lifetime Emeritus Status in 2025. (See further below for a full list of CPCEs with Lifetime Emeritus Status.)
 

  • Lisa Hopkins Barry, CPCE, MSHRD, DFS
  • Bonnie Fimiano, CPCE
  • Domenick Savino, CPCE
  • Cheryl Sgovio, CPCE
  • Valerie Vollmer, CPCE

NACE asks CPCE Emeritus candidates to share how certification has enhanced their professional lives. Their insights are both inspiring and motivating. We invite you to peruse some of their reflections.

Lisa Hopkins Barry, CPCE, MSHRD, DFS
Lisa Hopkins Barry, CPCE, MSHRD, DFS

“Having this designation over my catering career gave me the necessary confidence to bring best practices in catering to both my customers and my work colleagues.  It gave me a network of other CPCEs to connect with to reach out to when I needed help or advise...it also allowed me to be a mentor to those starting in the industry and provided proof we were a professional industry with standards and ideals.”

“When I made the decision to seek a National Board position, I was ready to go with my CPCE certification!"

"I have had great pride and joy in having these letters behind my name.”


Bonnie Fimiano, CPCE
Bonnie Fimiano, CPCE

"NACE had such a profound impact on my professional journey and the success of my company, and many of the individuals I connected with through the organization remain family to this day. The relationships built were truly priceless."

"After earning my CPCE, I continued to encourage others to pursue their certification as well. My decades with NACE will always hold a very special place in my heart, along with the lasting connections made along the way. I am proud to have earned CPCE Emeritus status and to remain part of an events industry that has given me far more than I could ever give in return."


Domenick Savino, CPCE
Domenick Savino, CPCE

“Since earning my CPCE designation in 2004, I have experienced a remarkable transformation in my career. The comprehensive knowledge and skills I acquired through the CPCE program have empowered me to excel in various aspects of catering and event management."  

"Clients and colleagues alike now recognize the CPCE as a mark of excellence and professionalism, which has opened doors to new opportunities and collaborations." 

"[The CPCE designation] serves as a testament to one's dedication to excellence and commitment to upholding the highest standards in our industry."


Cheryl Sgovio, CPCE
Cheryl Sgovio, CPCE

“The CPCE designation has been an invaluable asset throughout my career. With over two decades of experience as the Director of Catering & Convention Sales at the Thomas & Mack Center, overseeing thousands of events annually, the CPCE has provided me with the professional credibility and comprehensive knowledge I need to lead effectively.”

“Having served as a founding leader of the Las Vegas Chapter of NACE, I’ve seen firsthand how the CPCE sets an industry standard, fostering growth and excellence in catering and event management. Retaining this designation is essential not only for my continued growth but also for maintaining the high standards of our profession.”


Valerie Vollmer, CPCE
Valerie Vollmer, CPCE

"Earning the Certified Professional in Catering and Events (CPCE) designation through NACE has been one of the most impactful milestones of my career."

"The CPCE represents true mastery of the catering and events industry. The rigorous process strengthened my expertise across all core domains, uniting hands-on experience with strategic business knowledge. The designation instantly elevated my credibility with clients, vendors, and employers, opening doors to larger, more complex projects and leadership opportunities."


All CPCE Emeriti

 

  • Susan Aaron, CPCE
  • Tracey Amernick, CPCE
  • Kathy Baldieri, CPCE
  • Gary Baumann, CPCE
  • Kevin Brant, CPCE
  • Edward Brennan, Jr., CPCE
  • Richard Buschbaum, CPCE
  • Dan Dablow, CPCE
  • Edmond DiAntonio, CPCE
  • Dee Lane Eades, CPCE
  • Bonnie Fimiano, CPCE
  • Cynthia Griffith, CPCE
  • Peter Gunther, CPCE
  • Gilbert Hall, CPCE
  • Ellen Harte, CPCE
  • Lisa Hopkins Barry, CPCE, MSHRD, DFS
  • Patricia Lemke, CPCE
  • Joseph Mahoney, CPCE
  • Cindy Marshall, CPCE
  • Walter Nemeth, CPCE
  • Robert Neville, CPCE
  • Sharon Nina, CPCE
  • Henriette Ostrzega, CPCE
  • Michael Rabe, CPCE
  • Charles Savarese, CPCE
  • Domenick Savino, CPCE
  • Cheryl Sgovio, CPCE
  • Terry Shields, CPCE
  • William Singleton, CPCE
  • Valerie Vollmer, CPCE
  • Valerie Ward, CPCE
  • Roderick Westmaas, CPCE
  • Debra Wilson, CPCE

Get certified and join a growing, elite community of top catering and event professionals. Visit www.nace.net/cpce today!

 

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