Professonal Achievement Award Winners

NACE Hall of Fame

The NACE Hall of Fame Award, its highest member honor, recognizes members with history a of career achievement, sustained commitment to the advancement of the industry, and significant contributions to NACE on a national or local level. Honorees are individuals that have contributed to the catering and events industry and their service to the association has been significant, substantial, and long-standing.    

Mindy Angress
Brent Ashton, CPCE
Kevin Brant, CPCE
Greg Casella, CPCE 
Vincent DeFinis, CPCE
Jerry Edwards, CPCE
Ed Fiscella
Peter Gunther, CPCE, CMP
Lisa Hopkins Barry, CPCE
Cindy Marshall, CPCE
Larry Osburn, CPCE
Shelley Pederson, CPCE
Michele Polci, CPCE, CMP
Helen Roberts, CPCE
Terry Shields, CPCE, CSEP

George Zell Spirit of NACE

The George Zell Spirit of NACE award recognizes NACE members whose commitment and compassion toward humanitarianism make a profound and recognizable impact in memory of NACE member George Zell, who passed away in 1999. George was the quintessential NACE member, dedicated to his chapter and the national organization through leadership. 

2024
Ashley Anderson

2023
Leigh Tidwell, CSEP

2022
Jodi Harris

2021
Dawn Peterson, CPCE

2020
Linwood Campbell, CPCE, DFS

2019
Clara Hough, CPCE

2018
Monique Studak

2017
Kat Creech

2016
Dana Blaugrund, CPCE, CWC

2015
Adam Rineer, CPCE, CMP 

2014
Gary Baumann, CPCE

2013
Erin Kenyan, CPCE, CHE
Terry Shields, CPCE, CESP

2012
Kevin Brant, CPCE
Margery Reinheardt, CPCE
Jo C. Dermid, CPCE
Cheryl Sgovio, CPCE, CHE

2011
Julie Brown Pfleuger, CPCE
John Zucco

2010
Vickie Preston
Michele Polci, CPCE, CMP

2009
Paula Fenner, CPCE
Lisa Lynn Backus, CPCE, CMP

2008
Dulany Noble 

2007
Luana Stoutmeyer

2006
Andy Ebon
Elena Lipkins
Billy Singleton

2005
Amy Blach, CBA
Robert Capers

2004
Joseph Mahoney, CPCE
Patricia K. Discianno, CMP
Bonnie Fimiano

2003
June Bowerman
Mel Gilman
Michel Malécot, CPCE
Susie Stallings

2002
Gayle Skelton
Mike Sipe
Marjorie Pruitt

2001
Bobbi Roberts

2000
Michael Neagle
Kelly Murphy

1999
Kathi Sullivan
Karen Segee

 

Icon Award 

The NACE Icon award recognizes an industry professional who has made an impact through their company’s or personal efforts that advanced or made a significant contribution to the catering and events industry. The recipient of this award will join a group of outstanding individuals who have also made a meaningful impact on the industry. 

2024
Monique Studak, CSS, CSW

2022
Kevin Dana

2020
Kate Patay, CPCE

2016
Joyce Inderbitzin

2014
Jerry Edwards, CPCE, CEC

2013
Patti J. Shock, CPCE, CHT, CGSP

 

Michel Malecot Culinary Excellence Award

The Michel Malecot Culinary Excellence Award recognizes outstanding achievement in culinary excellence and community and industry involvement by a chef, chef-owner, or a major principle in a catering organization, including a restaurant, catering school, off-premise, or on-premise catering, with a minimum of 50% of revenue from catering or private events. This award recognizes those individuals with a commitment to leadership in culinary education, sustainability, and social responsibility, along with mentorship of chefs new to the catering and events industry.

2024

Brett Tucker