Association Forum Announces 2024 Honors Award Recipients

CHICAGO (March 22, 2024) — Association Forum is proud to announce the five honorees for the organization’s most prestigious awards, who will be recognized at Association Forum’s annual Honors Gala.

“I am so pleased to congratulate the 2024 Honors Award recipients,” said, Association Forum President and CEO Artesha Moore, FASAE, CAE. “The dedication and work each of these individuals put forth in a volunteer capacity to better this industry is truly incredible and inspiring.”

The Awards & Scholarship Committee reviewed applications and recommended candidates which were approved by Association Forum’s Board of Directors. “Congratulations and thank you to all the 2024 Award recipients. Not only is this group deserving of these accolades, but they truly ‘Walk the Talk’ and make a difference in our industry,” stated, Association Forum Board Chair, Bob Moore, FASAE, CAE, Executive Director at American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians.

The association community will gather on June 20, 2024, at Chicago’s Theater on the Lake to celebrate these professional trailblazers at Association Forum’s Honors Gala™—Walk the Talk. Back by popular demand, the “sneaker ball,” encourages all attendees to put their best foot forward and wear fun footwear of their choice. “This unforgettable evening goes beyond just glitz and glamour – it is the heartbeat of the Association Forum Foundation. Last year, thanks to your incredible support, substantial funds were raised that powered professional development scholarships for ambitious association professionals,” said Board Chair, Bob Moore.

The 2024 applauded honorees are as follows:

Samuel B. Shapiro Award for Chief Staff Executive Achievement—Powered by Atlanta Convention and Visitor’s Bureau

Association Forum is proud to bestow its highest honor, the Samuel B. Shapiro Award for Chief Staff Executive Achievement, to Christie Tarantino-Dean, FASAE, CAE, CEO, Institute of Food Technologists. Tarantino-Dean has served in her current role since 2014 and continues to be mission and vision-driven in all programs, services, and activities. A lifelong association professional, she has dedicated her career to advancing the mission of organizations and developing others – including members and staff – to fulfill their potential. Continuously giving back to the industry, her volunteer responsibilities span various areas at Association Forum including services on numerous committees and involvement in SIGs, as well as many other industry-wide efforts.

John C. Thiel Distinguished Service Award

The John C. Thiel Distinguished Service Award is presented for outstanding service to Association Forum. This year’s recipient is Loretta DeLuca, 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, she makes supporting associations a continuous priority.

Association Professional Achievement Award—Powered by Visit Anchorage

The Association Professional Achievement Award is presented to an association professional member (not a Chief Executive Officer) for exemplary service and outstanding accomplishments in association management. This award reflects an important level of commitment to professional growth and personal pride in the association management industry. This year’s recipient is Carlos Cardenas, Senior Director of Information Technology, National Board of Certification & Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists. Cardenas is an exemplary association professional whose dedication and contributions have significantly advanced his employer’s mission. Not only has he become a recognized association technology figure in the field, but Cardenas has also demonstrated a strong commitment in giving back to the association industry by volunteering in various capacities including serving on Association Forum’s Welcoming Environment Committee, Latinx Advisory Board, and participating in various SIGs.

Inspiring Leader Award—Powered by Meet Minneapolis

The Inspiring Leader Award is presented to an individual who has established a culture that fosters employee satisfaction, motivation, engagement, and achievement. This year’s recipient is 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 continues 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 achieving organizational goals – Muse truly “Walks the Talk.”

Welcoming Environment® Organizational Award—Powered by Choose Chicago

The Welcoming Environment Organizational Award is given to an association that has demonstrated exemplary outcomes in providing an inclusive and welcoming environment and culture. This year’s winner is the 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.

On behalf of Association Forum’s Board of Directors, Awards & Recognition Committee, and staff, congratulations to this year’s recipients. Click here to purchase your tickets for Honors Gala 2024.

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About Association Forum
The mission of Association Forum is to advance the professional practice of association management. Founded in 1916, Association Forum serves 4,000 association professionals whose efforts serve more than 37 million members and generate $22 billion in global annual expenditures. Visit www.associationforum.org for more information.