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Thank You To
Our Partners
The 2026 Honorees
Association Forum’s Honors Awards celebrate the visionaries, change makers, and trailblazers whose leadership continues to shape the future of the association profession. As we commemorate 110 years of impact, this year’s honorees embody the spirit of innovation, collaboration, and excellence that has defined our community for more than a century. In true All Jazzed Up style, we recognize individuals and organizations who inspire progress, elevate our profession, and create meaningful change through their dedication and influence. Honors Gala is more than a celebration — it is a tribute to those whose contributions keep our industry moving forward, energizing the next era of leadership, connection, and possibility. CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2026 HONOREES!
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Samuel B. Shapiro Award for Chief Staff Executive Achievement Powered by |
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Gregory Heidrich, MA, NACD-DC, CEO, Society of Actuaries
Association Forum’s highest honor is awarded to Gregory Heidrich, MA, NACD-DC, CEO of the Society of Actuaries. Heidrich is recognized for his exceptional leadership, significant contributions to the association profession, and commitment to advancing innovation and professional development. About the Award The highest honor that Association Forum bestows on an association professional, the Samuel B. Shapiro Award for Chief Staff Executive Achievement, is presented to the chief staff executive (e.g. CEO, executive director, or equivalent level) for outstanding service and accomplishments in association/nonprofit management. The award is named after Samuel B. Shapiro, CAE, past chairman of Association Forum and the American Society of Association Executives. Recipients of this award have made outstanding accomplishments in their professional and personal lives. |
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Nikki Palluzzi, CAE, Senior Director of Membership at the Illinois CPA Society This award honors outstanding volunteer service to Association Forum. The 2026 recipient, Nikki Palluzzi, CAE, Senior Director of Membership at the Illinois CPA Society, is recognized for her unwavering dedication, mentorship, and long-standing contributions to the association community. About the AwardThe 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 Powered by
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JoAnna Leon, Director of Membership & Chapters at MHI and Managing Director of MHI-CICMHE 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 Powered by
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Tammy Kwiatkoski, MBA, CAE, FHIMSS, Senior Director of Global Community Operations at Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) This award recognizes an individual who fosters a culture of engagement, motivation, and achievement. The 2026 recipient, Tammy Kwiatkoski, MBA, CAE, FHIMSS, Senior Director of Global Community Operations at HIMSS, is honored for her inspiring leadership, dedication to team development, and commitment to excellence. About the AwardThe Chris Mahaffey Inspiring Leader Award is presented to an individual who has established a culture leading to employee satisfaction, motivation, engagement, and achievement. |
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Welcoming Environment® Organizational Award Powered by
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Association of African American Financial Advisors (AAAA) Presented to an association that demonstrates excellence in fostering an inclusive and welcoming culture, this year’s recipient is the Association of African American Financial Advisors. Under the leadership of CEO Sheena Gray, the organization has implemented impactful initiatives that promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and psychological safety for staff and members. About the AwardThe 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 Powered by
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Denise LeDuc Froemming, CPA, CAE, President & CEO of the California Society of Certified Public Accountants Association Forum proudly announces Denise LeDuc Froemming, CPA, CAE, President & CEO of the California Society of Certified Public Accountants (CalCPA), as the recipient of the 2026 Woman of Influence Award. Froemming’s career embodies transformational leadership—modernizing organizations, strengthening cultures, and nurturing inclusive pathways for future leaders. Her executive roles at CalCPA, the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM), and the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) have been marked by daring innovation, governance reform, and an unwavering commitment to people-first leadership. LeDuc Froemming was presented the award at the 2026 Women's Executive Forum™ on March 13, 2026. 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. |
View all past award recipients here.
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