The Chef of the Year Award was established to pay tribute to that member whose culinary expertise and exemplary dedication have enhanced the image of the chef and this professional association, a person who commands the respect of this organization because of his or her character and performance. Please remember that this is not a popularity contest, but a high honor.

Chef of the Year Criteria
Please be sure that the candidate is qualified according to the rules listed below.

• Nomination may only be made by an Active Member in good standing.
• Candidate must be an ACF member in good standing and must hold or have held the position of Executive Chef, Sous Chef, Chef Instructor, or Pastry Chef.
• Candidate must meet four of the following to be considered for nomination:
  
  *Attendance at 75% of general meetings
  *Participation on a committee or appointed task on the ACF local level
  *Participation in activities on a local level as officer or committee chair
  *Participation in charitable, civic, and educational chapter affairs
  *Involvement in promoting the culinary profession through chapter activities
  *Participation in an ACF-approved culinary competition.


• A former Chef of the Year may not be nominated again for a period of 3 years.
• If only one candidate is nominated, a motion shall be made for acceptance by acclamation.
• In the event that more than one candidate is nominated, the majority will determine the award winner. Voting will be by closed ballot (one vote per Active Member, one-half vote per Junior Member).

Download the Chef of the Year Guidelines
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Past Winners
2010 Chef of the Year: Michael Paradiso CEPC
2010 Student of the Year: Stephanie Van Iwaarden