BATON ROUGE – Gov. John Bel Edwards, Donna Edwards and the Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs honored Centerplate Executive Chef Lenny Martinsen and the other winners of the 2019 Governor’s Outstanding Leadership in Disabilities (GOLD) Awards in a ceremony at the Old State Capitol. Martinsen was named as the Employer of the Year for 2019.
Martinsen is the executive chef for Centerplate at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, Smoothie King Center and Champions Square in New Orleans. For many years, he has employed young adults with mental health disabilities so they can gain job skills and self-confidence.
“Every year, the GOLD Awards honor Louisianans who dedicate their time and energy to making our state a more inclusive place to live,” said Gov. Edwards. “It’s important to recognize the hard work these honorees are doing every day to move Louisiana forward.”
The GOLD Awards recognize extraordinary individuals and organizations that have contributed their time and talents to benefit the lives of persons with disabilities in Louisiana.
“We are thrilled that Chef Lenny is being honored this year for his work with the disabled community,” said Centerplate Chief Executive Officer Steve Pangburn. “He embodies the very best that we have to offer as he is committed to enrich the lives of those who work alongside him.”
Martinsen oversees the hospitality experience at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome which has been named the “Best NFL Stadium for Food” by The Daily Meal and No. 1 in “Overall Gameday Satisfaction” from the NFL.
