Howard Chapman, a nearly 30-year veteran of the industry and former president of the Office Coffee Division of Royal Cup Coffee, is NAMA’s 2019 Coffee Legend.

“Howard has made an undeniable impact on the channel and the industry overall,” said NAMA’s CEO Carla Balakgie. “For his leadership and passion for advancing coffee services and his commitment to helping industry colleagues, we are honored to recognize Howard as this year’s Coffee Legend.”

Most recently, Howard served as President of the company’s Office Coffee Division, a role he held for nearly 10 years. His experience at Royal Cup was marked by a series of promotions, having joined the company as District Manager in Atlanta, later being named Office Coffee Division Manager. He was promoted to Vice President and then Division Manager of the Office Coffee Division in 2000.

Along with his management responsibilities at Royal Cup, for nearly two decades, Howard served in leadership roles for the industry including Chair of NAMA as well as Chair of the NAMA Foundation. He was also Coffee Committee Chair, leading the initial development of the association’s Coffee Tea & Water (CTW) group’s strategic plan as well as Co-Chair for the Positioning for Growth Capital Campaign. In 2011, Howard was recognized by the industry as NAMA’s OCS Operator of the Year.