Chef Robert Anderson, Certified Executive Chef, Certified Culinary Educator and Program Chair of the Iowa Culinary Institute located at Des Moines Area Community College Ankeny campus has received the Iowa Restaurant Association’s Lifetime Achievement award. Anderson received the award at the Association’s annual hospitality industry awards ceremony held September 25 at the Renaissance Savery Hotel in downtown Des Moines. Humble Beginnings From a young age, Anderson knew he wanted to be a chef and took every opportunity to experiment in any kitchen available. In 1972 Anderson began his career in earnest at the Broadmoor Hotel and Air Force Academy Officer’s Club in Colorado Springs. In 1974 he moved to Ankeny, IA to serve as program chair to a three-student culinary and hospitality program at Des Moines Area Community College. His program now has a waitlist of 100+ students and is the state’s largest post-secondary culinary program. Anderson became certified by the American Culinary Federation as a Certified Executive Chef and Certified Culinary Educator. In 2000 he was inducted into the Honorable Order of the Golden Toque. He is only one of 99 American chefs in this elite society of distinguished culinary arts professionals and the only active chef from Iowa. “Robert has been a huge proponent for the Iowa Restaurant Association Education Foundation’s ProStart High School culinary arts and restaurant management program,” said Jessica Dunker, president and CEO of the Iowa Restaurant Association. “He has traveled the state helping schools understand the career opportunities available to those who pursue the hospitality profession.” Anderson joins the handful of culinary masters to receive the Iowa Restaurant Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award. ### Iowa Restaurant Association The Iowa Restaurant Association is an advocacy organization supporting Iowa’s industry with educational and promotional programs across the state. www.restaurantiowa.com Media Contacts Jessica Dunker President & CEO Iowa Restaurant Association jdunker@restaurantiowa.com 515-276-1454