Awards Presented at COEX 2026: Regynald Washington and Herb Ring Recognized

CHICAGO, March 10, 2026 — IFMA The Food Away from Home Association awarded two industry leaders with special recognition today at their annual COEX conference. 

“It’s been an honor to work alongside these two extraordinary industry legends, and we’re honored they have both agreed to serve on our Education Foundation Board of Trustees,“ said association President & CEO Phil Kafarakis. “It was fitting to honor them publicly at COEX today in front of hundreds of their peers.” 

Regynald Washington Presented the William J. Tobin Award

The award honors an industry executive who has made notable and lasting contributions to advance foodservice education — and Dr. Regynald G. Washington exemplifies that mission in every sense.

Washington was the 2019 recipient of the association's Gold Plate Award — the highest individual honor for an operator in the industry. 

The Tobin Award recognizes his substantial personal support of the association's Education Foundation — allowing the organization to bring the Foundation’s mission and vision to life. 

Throughout his career — from more than twelve years at The Walt Disney Company, where he served as Vice President of Worldwide Food and Beverage Operations for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, to leading as CEO of Hojeij Branded Foods and President of the Paradies Lagardère Dining Division — Washington has consistently been an advocate and a mentor. 

In 2024, Georgia State University awarded him an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration — recognizing decades of investment in and volunteering for educational institutions, including his service as a trustee of the Georgia State University Foundation board and his transformative personal gift to the Cecil B. Day School of Hospitality Administration.

A past Chairman of the National Restaurant Association and a recipient of the Elliot Leadership Institute's Legends & Leaders Impact Award, Washington has dedicated his career to lifting others up. 

Herb Ring Receives Honorary Silver Plate Award 

The Honorary Silver Plate is reserved solely for association board leaders who have given a tremendous amount of time, talent, and treasure to IFMA The Food Away from Home Association over the years. It only goes to those truly deserving — and Herb Ring is the very definition of deserving.

Ring is quite simply one of the pillars of the association. 

He chaired the Board of Directors twice — and did so at a pivotal time, as the association was navigating its way out of COVID. Under his leadership, IFMA didn't just survive  — he ensured that the association remained relevant, and a leader and place of truth in our industry. 

Beyond the boardroom, Ring played a central role in shaping the strategic plan and served on the search committee — both of which have had a lasting impact on the direction of this organization. 

“It's especially fitting that we honor him here at COEX, because Herb also chaired this conference twice” said current association Board Chair and Vice President of Industry Relations at Ecolab, Greg Cocchiarella when presenting the Silver Plate. “He always raised his hand. He always volunteered. He dedicated much of his time, his talent, and his treasure to this association — year after year, without hesitation.”

With the Silver Plate Award comes membership in the associations Gold & Silver Plate Society, made up of all past honorees. The new class of Gold & Silver Plate winners will be celebrated on May 16, 2026 in Chicago. Read more >>