Noreen Kinney, founder of the Cordon d’Or Gold Ribbon International Culinary Academy Awards, received honorary lifetime membership in the American Culinary Federation at ACF’s 2009 National Convention at the Orlando World Center Marriott Resort & Convention Center. The distinction was announced by ACF’s outgoing president, John Kinsella on July 11 to more than 1,100 culinary professionals assembled for the organization’s annual meeting, which concluded last night.

In receiving the rare honor from ACF, Kinney joins the ranks of culinary luminaries who have been likewise honored, among them Graham Kerr, Paul Prudhomme, Charlie Trotter, Martin Yan and the late James Beard and Julia Child.

Kinney established Cordon d'Or Gold Ribbon in Europe in 1985 for use in her culinary-arts activities. In 1990, she initiated plans for the International Culinary Academy Awards program. After relocating her family to Florida in 1995, Kinney launched her program here. Kinney was honored by ACF for this achievement, but also for her career in Ireland, during which she pioneered the New Irish Cuisine movement that began in 1960.