Association Forum Announces 2025 Honors Awards Recipients

CHICAGO (March 21, 2025) — Association Forum is proud to announce the honorees for its most prestigious awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to the association community. The recipients will be celebrated at Association Forum’s annual Honors Gala™ on June 11, 2025, at Chicago’s iconic Griffin Museum of Science and Industry.

“I am so pleased to congratulate the 2025 Honors Award recipients,” said Artesha Moore, FASAE, CAE, President and CEO of Association Forum. “Each of these honorees has set the bar for excellence and service, pushing boundaries and making a powerful impact on the association industry. Their dedication is nothing short of inspiring and serves as a bold reminder of what’s possible when we lead with purpose and passion.”

“These outstanding individuals embody leadership and commitment,” said Bob Moore, FASAE, CAE, Association Forum Board Chair and Executive Director at the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians. “Their contributions have left a meaningful impact, and we are proud to recognize their accomplishments.”

The 2025 Honors Gala™—Shine On is slated to be an unforgettable celebration of the association community and beyond. Hosted at the renowned Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, this year’s gala embraces the theme “Shine On”—an illuminating tribute to the distinguished honorees and a call to all attendees to continue making a lasting impact in their careers and communities. This annual event also supports the Association Forum Foundation, funding professional development scholarships for association professionals.

2025 Honorees

Samuel B. Shapiro Award for Chief Staff Executive Achievement
Association Forum is proud to bestow its highest honor, the Samuel B. Shapiro Award for Chief Staff Executive Achievement, to Mary Lynn Fayoumi, CAE, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, President & CEO of HR Source. Fayoumi has made significant contributions to association management, fostering innovation and professional development in the industry. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated exemplary leadership and a commitment to advancing the profession.

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 George Miller, MS, CAE, Practice Director at McKinley Advisors. Miller has shown unwavering dedication to the advancement of the profession through his long-term volunteer contributions. His mentorship and support of association professionals have left a lasting impact on the industry.

Association Professional Achievement Award – Powered by Choose Chicago
The Association Professional Achievement Award is presented to an association professional member for exemplary service and outstanding accomplishments in association management. This year’s recipient is Nathan Chamberlain, CAE, Director of Membership at the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology. Chamberlain has demonstrated exceptional leadership, a commitment to professional growth, and dedicated service to the association community, advancing the mission of his organization.

The Chris Mahaffey Inspiring Leader Award – Powered by Visit Anchorage
The Chris Mahaffey 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 Jose Segarra, MNA, CAE, CNP, Strategic Director and Senior Account Executive at Bostrom. Segarra exemplifies inspirational leadership through his mentorship, development of others, and commitment to professional excellence, empowering his team and setting a high standard of achievement.

Welcoming Environment^® Organizational Award
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 recipient is the American Osteopathic Association. The organization has implemented meaningful initiatives to create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for its staff and members, fostering a truly welcoming atmosphere.

Join Us to Celebrate Excellence

On behalf of Association Forum’s Board of Directors, Awards & Recognition Committee, and staff, congratulations to the 2025 award recipients.

Get your tickets now for Honors Gala™ 2025 to celebrate these outstanding professionals and support the Association Forum Foundation.

About Association Forum

Founded in 1916, Association Forum serves nearly 3,000 association professionals who represent over 37 million members and generate $22 billion in global annual expenditures. The mission of Association Forum is to advance the professional practice of association management.