CCAC Professor Named “Outstanding Industry Educator” by Leading Restaurant Industry Association

Chef Art Inzinga, CCAC professor and coordinator of the Culinary Arts program was named Outstanding Industry Educator/Trainer/Coach by the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association (PRLA). The award was presented during the association's 2024 Spirit of Hospitality Awards Gala last month.

PRLA presents the annual award to an outstanding industry leader who demonstrates exceptional dedication as an educator, trainer and mentor and one who has made outstanding contributions to advancing career development in the Pennsylvania hospitality industry.

Inzinga began his culinary career at Del's Restaurant in Bloomfield before his apprenticeship at Oakmont Country Club while still a student at CCAC in what was then the Chef's Apprentice program. He graduated from the program in 1977, was recognized as "first in his class" and named the "Outstanding Apprentice of the Year."

After graduation, Inzinga worked as chef at the Hyeholde Restaurant in Coraopolis. During his tenure, the restaurant was awarded a four-star rating by the Mobil Travel Guide. His career path also includes positions as corporate chef for the Robert Wholey Company and executive chef at Cafe Jacqie, Siena Restaurant and the Fox Chapel Yacht Club. In 1999, Inzinga transitioned to a career as an educator at Le Cordon Bleu Institute of Culinary Arts in Pittsburgh and later at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh before accepting his current position at CCAC in 2016.

Throughout his career, Inzinga has received many awards and recognitions. He remains active in the American Culinary Federation and also serves as a member of the International Food and Wine Society and the Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs. Inzinga also served as Midwest regional officer of Conseiller Culinaire Provencial, where he organized the Midwest region's Best Young Chef Competitions.

Chef Inzinga has participated in numerous charitable dinners over the years, including Taste of the Nation, the March of Dimes' Signature Chefs Auction and the Mario Lemieux Celebrity Auction. He and his CCAC students regularly assist area nonprofits, including volunteering at the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank's annual Empty Bowls and Off the Record fundraising events.