THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS AND EVENT SUPPORTERS!
The Honorees
The Honorees are individuals who truly Walk the Talk and have made outstanding achievements in advancing the association management profession. We're thrilled to celebrate their contributions to the industry at the Honors Gala. This event is an opportunity to recognize the hard work and dedication of those who have gone above and beyond to significantly impact our field, and who truly embody the spirit of our industry.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2024 HONOREES!
| Samuel B. Shapiro Award for Chief Staff Executive Achievement | |
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Christie Tarantino-Dean, FASAE, CAE, CEO, Institute of Food Technologists
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John C. Thiel Distinguished Service Award |
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Loretta DeLuca, FASAE, Founder & CEO, DelCor Technology Solutions
DeLuca is a past Association Forum Board Member and continues to connect with Association Forum members to provide advice and guidance for what they may need. Her dedication to helping associations and professionals thrive in the tight-knit industry community makes supporting associations a continuous priority.
About the Award The John C. Thiel Distinguished Service Award is presented for outstanding service to the Association Forum by an individual association or supplier partner member. This award has been presented for exceptional, long-term, volunteer service to the Association Forum, primarily through committee service or similar contributions. “Unsung hero” or “above and beyond the call of duty” are two ways to describe past recipients. This award is named in memory of the late John C. Thiel, CAE, the Association Forum’s chairman-elect in 1990-91. In 2010, the Thiel Award was expanded to include both association professionals and supplier partners. |
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Association Professional Achievement Award |
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Carlos Cardenas, CAE, Senior Director of Information Technology, National Board of Certification & Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists About the Award The Association Professional Achievement Award is presented to an association professional member (not a CEO) for exemplary service and outstanding accomplishments in association management. This award reflects a high level of commitment to professional growth and personal pride in the association management industry.
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Chris Mahaffey Inspiring Leader Award |
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Emily Muse, CAE, Sr. Director, Marketing and Membership, American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Association Management Center
Muse’s initiative-taking mindset and collaborative approach continue to be a main contributor to the advancement of her organization. She is a true inspiration and leads by example. Her exceptional leadership qualities are apparent in her ability to envision possibilities and empower her team to achieve organizational goals – Muse truly “Walks the Talk.”
About the Award The Chris Mahaffey Inspiring Leader Award is presented to an individual who has established a culture leading to employee satisfaction, motivation, engagement, and achievement. We recently changed the name of this award. Read the press release here. |
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Welcoming Environment® Organizational Award |
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American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) This organization has shown a strong commitment to creating a Welcoming Environment for its staff and members. This organization’s achievement in fostering an inclusive and equitable work environment is incredible.
About the Award The Welcoming Environment Organizational Award is awarded to an association that has demonstrated exemplary outcomes in providing an inclusive and welcoming environment and culture. |
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Woman of Influence™ Award |
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| Wendy-Jo Toyama, MBA, ASAE, CAE, CEO, American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM), a client of the Association Management Center. She embodies a profound commitment to association management's transformative power, a characteristic that’s evident throughout her contribution to the association community. Her career journey aligns with her values of creativity, service, courage, justice, and family. Passionate about mentorship, Wendy-Jo guides emerging professionals and champions diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), notably reshaping the AAHPM landscape through the creation of the Next Gen Scholar for DEI in Hospice and Palliative Medicine, amplifying underrepresented voices and envisioning a more inclusive future. The 2024 Woman of Influence Award was presented at the 2024 Women's Executive Forum™ on March 15. About the Woman of Influence Award At the heart of every thriving industry, some exceptional individuals go above and beyond to create positive change and propel progress. The Woman of Influence™ Award stands as a beacon of recognition for these outstanding women association leaders, whose dedication and contributions have truly shaped the landscape of association management. By fostering innovation, embracing challenges, and implementing transformative strategies, these exceptional women have paved the way for a bolder, brighter future. |
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View all past award recipients here.
Read the press release
About the Honors Awards
Association Forum’s Honors Awards program provides accolades and recognition to outstanding association professionals and supporting partner members of Association Forum for their outstanding achievements in advancing the association management profession.The award categories include:
- Samuel B. Shapiro Award for Chief Staff Executive Achievement
- John C. Thiel Distinguished Service Award—Association Professional & Supporting Partner
- Inspiring Leader Award
- Association Professional Achievement Award
- Welcoming Environment® Award
- Woman of Influence Award