Each year, CSAE celebrates outstanding individuals and organizations across our community at our Annual Conference, and we are so proud of the recipients for this year's honors in six specific categories!

International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer
2025 Association Of The Year
The Association of the Year Award celebrates exceptional achievements and leadership within the state's vibrant association community. Recognizing organizations that excel in driving industry innovation, member engagement, and community impact, this prestigious accolade highlights the exemplary contributions of associations across diverse sectors. From fostering collaboration to advocating for important causes, recipients demonstrate outstanding commitment to their members and broader society.  The award not only honors excellence but also inspires a culture of continuous improvement and sets a standard for organizational success. The Association of the Year Award represents the pinnacle of achievement and distinction in association management.

Brian Stockman, Vice President and CEO of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA)
2025 Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement Award is the pinnacle of recognition, honoring an individual whose enduring contributions have shaped the association profession and left an indelible mark on the CSAE community. This prestigious accolade celebrates a lifetime of exemplary leadership, unwavering dedication, and transformative impact. Through decades of service, the recipient has demonstrated unparalleled commitment to advancing the mission and values of CSAE, inspiring countless professionals and fostering innovation and collaboration within the association industry. Their remarkable legacy serves as a guiding light, inspiring future generations to aspire to greatness and continue their legacy of excellence. 

Tara Holmes
Executive Director, American Cheese Society and Chief Staff Executive, Civica Management
2025 Association Professional of the Year
This award recognizes an exemplary individual who has made outstanding contributions to the advancement and success of their association. This prestigious accolade honors a leader who demonstrates unwavering dedication, exceptional expertise, and visionary leadership in guiding their organization to new heights of excellence. The recipient embodies the highest standards of professionalism, inspiring colleagues and stakeholders alike with their integrity, innovation, and commitment to excellence. Through their strategic vision, collaborative approach, and tireless advocacy, they have made a lasting impact on their association and the broader industry, setting a benchmark for excellence and inspiring others to strive for greatness.

Hotel Colorado - Larry MacDonald, General Manager; and
BizStream - Rob Bean, Senior Strategist
2025 Association Partners Of The Year
The judges chose to honor two companies this year for their outstanding partnerships with the association industry and CSAE.  The Association Partner of the Year Award celebrates an exceptional business whose unwavering support and commitment have significantly contributed to the success and growth of the association industry. This esteemed recognition honors a business that has demonstrated outstanding dedication, innovation, and collaboration in advancing the mission and objectives of the association industry and/or to CSAE, as it supports associations across the state.

Richelle Kemper, Senior Sales Manager, Denver Marriott Westminster and
Chair, 2024 CSAE Silent Auctions and Co-Chair, 2025 CSAE Silent Auctions; and
Janet Randles, Lodging Manager, Triple Crown Sports and
Co-Chair 2024 and 2025 CSAE Membership Committee
2025 CSAE Volunteers Of The Year

The judges also chose to honor two individuals this year for their extraordinary involvement and volunteerism in CSAE.  The CSAE Volunteer of the Year Award celebrates an outstanding individual whose selfless dedication and tireless efforts have significantly enriched the CSAE community. This prestigious accolade honors a volunteer who exemplifies the highest standards of service, commitment, and leadership in advancing the mission and goals of CSAE. Through his/her invaluable contributions, proactive engagement, and passion for the association's mission, he/she has made a profound impact on the organization and its members. Their exemplary volunteerism serves as an inspiration, encouraging others to actively participate in fostering collaboration, innovation, and growth within the association profession.

Kelsey Wood, Director of Membership,  International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer
2025 Emerging Leader Of The Year
The Emerging Leader Award recognizes rising stars within associations who exhibit exceptional promise, dedication, and innovation in their respective fields. This prestigious accolade celebrates individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership potential, actively contributing fresh perspectives and initiatives to their organizations. Recipients of this award exhibit a strong commitment to professional growth, fostering collaboration, and driving positive change within their association and beyond. They inspire peers with their visionary thinking, strategic approach, and ability to navigate complex challenges with resilience and creativity. The Emerging Leader Award honors those who exemplify the future of association leadership, poised to make a lasting impact in their industries.

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Judging Committee
Our thanks to Paul Caputo, Executive Director, National Association for Interpretation, for serving as Chair of the Judging Committee Chair, and to the outstanding members on the Committee:

Glenda Mostek
Executive Director, Colorado Nursery and Greenhouse Association

Brian Rossbert
Executive Director, Housing Colorado

Mike Skinner
Executive Director, Asphalt Pavement Alliance

Marilyn Stansbury
CEO, Independent Electrical Contractors Rocky Mountain Chapter

Julie Whitacre
Executive Director, Colorado Trial Lawyers Association