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HGTC’s Joseph Bonaparte (left), Executive Director of the International Culinary Institute of Myrtle Beach, received the 2026 A. Wade Martin Innovator of the Year Award at the South Carolina Technical Education Association Conference. Pictured with him is Dr. Marilyn “Murph” Fore (right), president of Horry-Georgetown Technical College.
Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC)’s Joseph Bonaparte, Executive Director of the International Culinary Institute of Myrtle Beach, has been named the 2026 recipient of the A. Wade Martin Innovator of the Year Award. The honor was presented at the annual conference of the South Carolina Technical Education Association.
Established in 1980, the award recognizes an outstanding employee within the South Carolina Technical College System who demonstrates innovation, leadership, and measurable impact on workforce development and student success.
“Chef Bonaparte exemplifies the innovation and excellence this award represents,” said Dr. Marilyn “Murph” Fore, president of Horry-Georgetown Technical College. “Under his leadership, the International Culinary Institute has become a sustainability-focused, nationally recognized program that directly supports South Carolina’s culinary, hospitality, and tourism industries.”
Bonaparte joined HGTC in 2012 and has led transformative growth at the Institute, including the opening of its 30,000-square-foot Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver-certified facility designed as a model for hands-on, sustainability-driven instruction. He implemented a comprehensive recycling and composting initiative that reduced waste by more than 70 percent and collaborated with the James Beard Foundation to adopt industry-leading food sustainability practices.
He also developed HGTC’s Hospitality and Tourism Management degree program to address workforce needs in one of South Carolina’s largest industries. Under his direction, HGTC became the first technical college in the state to earn accreditation in both Culinary Arts and Baking and Pastry Arts through the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation.
In addition to elevating instructional quality, Bonaparte has expanded national visibility for HGTC through partnerships, student competitions and culinary events that connect education with industry and community.
The A. Wade Martin Innovator of the Year Award includes a monetary honorarium and recognizes a full-time, vested employee whose work strengthens both their institution and the statewide Technical College System.