American Academy of Chefs: October 2026 News & Updates
October 2026 | Academy Connection
From international recognition for Chef Americo “Rico” DiFronzo to upcoming elections and 2027 induction opportunities, here is the latest news from the American Academy of Chefs.
A Message to the Fellows of the Academy
Dear Fellows of the Academy,
As summer comes to an end, we look forward to a busy fall filled with Zoom meetings with the AAC Board and its committees, along with travel to ACF and AAC events throughout the country. It is an honor to represent the American Academy of Chefs, its mission, and our distinguished Fellows wherever our travels take us.
We are also completing the 2027 AAC budget, which will be presented to the AAC Board and incorporated into the ACF/ACFEF budget presentation to the Board of Governors this fall. Sound financial stewardship and responsible planning remain essential to the continued strength and sustainability of our Academy.
Our newly appointed AAC Nominations & Elections Chair, Chef Michael Deihl, CEC, AAC, thanks all Fellows participating in the nomination and approval process for the upcoming 2027 Chair and Vice Chair elections.
The Academy greatly values the time, dedication, and leadership our Fellows give to serving the AAC. Their commitment advances our mission, supports continued growth, and upholds our responsibility to future generations of culinary professionals.
We encourage all AAC Fellows, whether newly inducted or long-standing members, to consider joining one of our committees or exploring our volunteer opportunities. The strength of the American Academy of Chefs has always been our Fellows and their willingness to serve.
Thank you, Chef Michael, and all of our Fellows who continue to give their time, talent, and leadership to the AAC.
Congratulations to Chef Americo “Rico” DiFronzo
The American Academy of Chefs extends its warmest congratulations to Chef Americo S. DiFronzo, CEC, CCA, AAC, HOF, HBOT, on his appointment as ICHC Honorary Grand Culinary Patron by the ICHC Culinary Heritage Centre Malaysia.
Recognized for his 49 years of culinary excellence, leadership, mentorship, and dedication to the profession, Chef DiFronzo exemplifies the highest standards of culinary professionalism.
This distinguished international honor recognizes his enduring contributions to the culinary community and his commitment to inspiring future generations of chefs.
We congratulate Chef Rico on this well-deserved recognition and wish him continued success in advancing culinary excellence and preserving our rich culinary heritage.
Celebrating Lasting Culinary Friendships
It was wonderful to reconnect with my 1976 Culinary Institute of America classmates at our annual HGT meeting and dinner in Port Huron, Michigan. So many memories, friendships, and stories continue after all these years!
Those gathered included Chef Thomas J. Macrina, CEC, CCA, AAC, HOF, HBOT; Chef H. Michael Garbin, CEC, AAC; Chef Mark Spellman; Chef James L. Miller, CEC, AAC, from Cleveland; Chef Michael J. Beriau, CEC, AAC; and our favorite chef instructor, Chef Fritz Sonnenschmidt, CMC, AAC, HOF.
Respectfully,
2027–2029 AAC Officer Elections
Nominations for the 2027–2029 AAC Officer Elections are now open. All required paperwork must be submitted by December 1, 2026, to be considered as a candidate.
The two-year term begins on the Monday following the 2027 ACF National Convention and continues through the close of the 2029 ACF National Convention.
Visit the AAC Elections page for complete information and required forms.
Save the Date: 2027 AAC Induction Dinner
Tuesday, July 13, 2027
Orlando World Center Marriott | Orlando, Florida
Join the American Academy of Chefs for the 55th Annual AAC Induction Reception and Dinner, honoring the next class of AAC inductees and award winners.
The dinner will take place Tuesday evening during the 2027 ACF National Convention, July 12–14, at the Orlando World Center Marriott.
Mark your calendar—we hope to see you there!
Honoring Military Service in the AAC
The American Academy of Chefs proudly recognizes its active-duty service members and military veterans.
The Lt. General John D. McLaughlin Award, presented annually at the AAC Dinner, honors an AAC member who has served or is currently serving in the military.
To help the Academy identify eligible individuals, AAC members with military service are encouraged to contact Karen Stamper at the ACF National Office.
Email kstamper@acfchefs.org to update your military service information.
Thank you for your service!
2027 American Academy of Chefs Applications
Membership • Connection • Involvement
The American Academy of Chefs, the prestigious honor society of the American Culinary Federation, recognizes culinary professionals who have worked hard and risen through the ranks of the profession.
Acceptance as an AAC Fellow represents years of dedication to the culinary field and involvement as an ACF member.
Application requirements include:
An Academy Fellow must request an application for a potential inductee.
Candidates must provide two sponsor letters of recommendation from voting Academy Fellows.
An Academy Fellow may sponsor one new applicant per year, as may a Regional Director.
Applications must be returned by December 1, 2026. Induction will take place at the 2027 ACF National Convention.
Applications are now available. Review the current requirements on the ACF website to learn more about becoming an American Academy of Chefs Fellow.
2027 Culinary Hall of Fame
The Culinary Hall of Fame honors individuals whose outstanding achievements, professional contributions, and dedication have earned the respect of their peers. Their recognition serves as an inspiration to others pursuing excellence in the culinary profession.
Applications for 2027 Hall of Fame consideration are now available and must be returned by December 1, 2026. Induction will take place at the 2027 ACF National Convention.
To request an application, email kstamper@acfchefs.org.
Thank You to Our Donors
Donations received September 1–30, 2026
Robert J. Stricklin, CEC, AAC
On behalf of the entire Academy family, thank you for your generous support.
Donations are welcome throughout the year and may be made by check mailed directly to the Academy Office, online, or by credit card.
For questions, contact the Academy Administrator at academy@acfchefs.org.
Thank you to all of our 2026 donors!
Share Your News with the Academy
We would love to hear about the great things our Academy Fellows are doing.
Send events, photos, achievements, and acknowledgments about AAC Fellows to Karen Stamper at kstamper@acfchefs.org for consideration in the monthly Academy Connection.
Thank You to Our 2026 AAC Sponsors
Thank you to our sponsors for their continued support of the American Academy of Chefs and its mission.
Source: American Academy of Chefs, October 2026 Academy Connection newsletter.
