In selecting Ryan as this year’s award winner, UCLA Extension hailed his:
- Commitment to the chef as a professional on par with advanced-degree professionals the world over
- Commitment to creating an inclusive industry, made up of thought leaders and restaurateurs of all stripes
- Commitment to culinary technique coupled with a focus on the consumer and guest, regardless of outlet
- Leadership of a not-for-profit college that has evolved from one simply teaching students how to cook to one that offers them the skills to be successful in an ever-more-complex industry
- Commitment to expanding the consciousness of an industry to include business development, health, wellness and food research and development
UCLA Extension is the continuing-education division of the university. It is the largest professional continuing-education institution, offering more than 6,500 courses and corporate education with annual enrollments of 90,000. Its annual Restaurant Industry Conference, now in its 17th year, brings together more than 350 executives from restaurant operating companies, investment firms and professional advisors.