RCA Pioneer Award Recipients

Is awarded to an individual who has, through their own achievements, become recognized as a leader in the food industry utilizing the practice of combining culinary craftsmanship and food science (applied the discipline/concept of Culinology^®) for at least 10 years. Nominee’s influence must be apparent throughout the food industry, including in education and standard practices.

2022

Howard Cantor
Fuchs North America

Kimberly Schaub, CCS^®
Griffith Foods

2021

John Draz, CEC^®, CCE^®, CRC^®
Ed Miniat

2020

Dennis Girik
Griffith Foods

2019

Mario Valdovino
Tyson Foods, Inc. 

2018

Thomas W.J. Dickhans
Hormel Foods Corporate Services , LLC

2017

Craig Bacon
Senior Vice President of Research & Development, Tyson Foods

2016

Mark Crowell
Principal Culinologist, CuliNex

2015

Kevin Anderson
Chef Consultant, Kevin Anderson LLC

2014

Kevin McDermott, CEC
Executive Chef, International Flavors & Fragrances 

2013

Stan Frankenthaler
VP of Global Innovation, Dunkin’ Brands 

2012

Richard Cusick
Barry Callebaut
Eric Sparks
Park 100 Foods, Inc. 

2011

Craig "Skip" Julius, CRC, CCS, CEC
Advance Pierre Foods 

2010

Michael Lonteen, CEC, Custom Culinary, Inc. 

2009

John L. Csukor, Jr.
KOR Food Innovation 

2008

Stephen Giunta
Cargill
Christopher Loss, AOS
The Culinary Institute of America 

2004

Robert E. Rich, Rich’s Foods 

2003

Nancy Silverton, Campanile Restaurant and La Brea Bakery 

2002

Ben Cohen, Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream 

2001

Michael Minor, Nestle Food Services 

2000

Harold McGee, author
Martin Yan, chef 

1999

Jeff Cousminer, Firmenich, Inc.
John Folse, John Folse & Co.
Ferdinand Metz, The Culinary Institute of America 

1998

Graham Kerr, Kerr Corporation
Warren Leruth
Winston Shelton