Culinary Arts Grad Matt Smith Honored

Matt Smith

Culinary Arts Graduate Chef Matthew Smith, executive chef, Sheraton Columbus on Capitol Square, received the American Culinary Federation’s (ACF) Highest Award at a presentation in Orlando, Florida recently.

At the National Convention in Orlando, Chef Smith received the Presidential Medallion. The Presidential Medallion is the highest award in the ACF. It is awarded to members who exemplify culinary excellence and leadership, and have contributed their knowledge, skills and expertise to the advancement of the culinary profession. Congratulations to Tri-Rivers Graduate Matt Smith.

Smith is the executive chef at the  Sheraton Columbus on Capitol Square, Columbus, Ohio. He is a member of the ACF Columbus Chapter.

“As a 2001 Alumni of the Culinary program, the stepping stone in my education/career that Tri-Rivers has offered me has proven to be one of the best decisions that I could have made in my life,” said Smith. “After the program I was able to attend Hocking College to further my education—an opportunity that I might not have been capable of with just my high school diploma. The keen focus of the teachers with a special mention to Chef Hamm allowed me to see the talent and an eye for leadership hidden inside of me. Motivating me with their precisely guided career oriented encouragement and attention to detail; I have worked my way through the ranks of a professional kitchen.”

Currently the Executive Chef of my second property and responsible for millions in food revenue annually, I simply cannot picture my life without some of the tools that Tri-Rivers offered me a short time ago. One of my most recent initiatives is to further impact successful careers choices and develop stronger relationships at the Career Tech level with my ties in the industry.