{"id":3575,"date":"2025-10-07T09:15:58","date_gmt":"2025-10-07T09:15:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/?page_id=3575"},"modified":"2026-02-09T16:38:18","modified_gmt":"2026-02-09T16:38:18","slug":"2026-honorees","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/2026-honorees\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 Honorees"},"content":{"rendered":"<!-- samplepage -->\n<section class=\"sample_page ef-fe-element\" id=\"ui-id-3-154220106060698\" >\n    <section class=\"hero hero_inner\"   style=\"background-image: url( ); \"  >\n\n        <!-- hero__layout -->\n        <div class=\"hero__layout\">\n\n            <!-- site__centered -->\n            <div class=\"site__centered\">\n\n                <!-- time-schedule -->\n                <div class=\"time-schedule\">\n\n                    <!-- site__title -->\n                                            <h2 class=\"site__title site__title_inner site__title_inner-small\" style=\"color:  ;\" >2026 HONOREES<\/h2>\n                                        <!-- \/site__title -->\n                                            <span class=\"hero__subtitle\" style=\"color:  ;\" > <\/span>\n                    \n                <\/div>\n                <!-- \/time-schedule -->\n\n            <\/div>\n            <!-- \/site__centered -->\n\n        <\/div>\n        <!-- \/hero__layout -->\n\n    <\/section>\n    <div class=\"content\" style=\"background-color:  ;\">\n        <div class=\"site__centered\" >\n            <\/p>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\">\u00a0<\/h1>\n<h1><span style=\"color: #000000;\">2026 ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVES OF THE YEAR<\/span><\/h1>\n<div class=\"content row clearfix\">\n<div class=\"col col-md-6\" style=\"text-align: center;\">\n<h4><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Trade Association Executive of the Year<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-3686\" src=\"http:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Kevin-Burke-300x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Kevin-Burke-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Kevin-Burke-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Kevin-Burke.png 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/> <\/span><br \/><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Kevin M. Burke joined Airports Council International \u2013 North America (ACI-NA) as President and Chief Executive Officer in January of 2014. Since he joined ACI-NA, Burke has expanded ACI-NA\u2019s reach and influence as the Voice of Airports\u00ae in North America by amplifying the important role airports play in our everyday lives, unifying the industry behind shared priorities, and advancing a common cause with non-traditional allies.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In addition to his proven government relations background and immense experience managing associations, Burke is a visionary leader who serves the airport industry as a passionate advocate for legislative and regulatory policies that strengthen the ability for airports to serve their passengers, customers, and communities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Prior to joining ACI-NA, he served for 13 years as President and CEO of the American Apparel &amp; Footwear Association (AAFA). Growing its member programs, its financial position, its standing on Capitol Hill and around the world are among his many accomplishments at AAFA.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Burke began his career in 1979 at the Republican National Committee and later the Reagan-Bush Presidential Campaign, where he served as Outreach Director for the campaign\u2019s Nationalities Division. Following the campaign, he moved to Capitol Hill to work as a legislative assistant and later press secretary to Representative Norm Lent (R-NY). Burke has more than 30 years of experience as a government relations professional, having previously led government affairs efforts for Food Distributors International, the American Bakers Association, and the National Association of Broadcasters.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Burke is a graduate of American University in Washington D.C., with a Master\u2019s degree in Public Administration. He also holds a bachelor\u2019s degree in Political Science and Government from the State University of New York at Brockport. Kevin and his wife Barbara Ianniello reside in Great Falls, Virginia. <span style=\"font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; text-align: center;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col col-md-6\">\n<h4><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Professional Society Executive of th<\/span>e Year<\/p>\n<p><\/strong><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-3620\" src=\"http:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Marty-300x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"352\" height=\"352\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Marty-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Marty-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Marty.png 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 352px) 100vw, 352px\" \/><\/span><\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Martha (Marty) Liggett is Executive Director of the American Society of Hematology (ASH), which represents over 17,000 hematologists worldwide committed to preventing and curing blood diseases. Ms. Liggett was named Executive Director in 1996.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">During her tenure, ASH has transitioned to self-management; undertaken self-publication of its journals; brought management of the Society\u2019s annual meeting in-house; and purchased\/renovated a headquarters building that is certified LEED Platinum. The ASH annual operating budget is $120 million and 165 staff. Attendance for the ASH annual meeting is over 30,000.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Ms. Liggett was a member of the board of directors of the Council of Medical Specialty Societies beginning in 2019 and served as its president-elect, president, and past president, respectively, from 2000 to 2022. She served on the membership committee (2020-2024) and served as the chair of the nominating committee in 2023. Ms. Liggett served on the board of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) from 2013 to 2016; during which time, she served on its Awards, Leadership, and Audit Committees. She continues as a member of the ASAE Key Professionals Associations Committee, on which she served as Vice Chair and Chair (2009-2010). She is also a member of the Key Global Associations Committee. Ms. Liggett was a member of the board of directors of the Association Mutual Health Insurance Company (AMHIC) from 2005 to 2010.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Ms. Liggett received her undergraduate education at the University of Nebraska, her Master of Science degree from Columbia University in New York City, and her law degree from Georgetown University. She is admitted to the bar in the District of Columbia. In 2013, Ms. Liggett was named Cather Circle Alumna of the Year by the University of Nebraska and appointed as a University of Nebraska Foundation trustee in 2021.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Prior to joining ASH, Ms. Liggett was assistant professor at Boston University School of Dental Medicine; Associate Professor, at Georgetown University School of Dentistry; and served as General Counsel and Assistant Executive Director at the American Association of Dental Schools.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">\u00a0<\/h3>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">\u00a0<\/h3>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">\u00a0<\/h3>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">2026 ASSOCIATION INDUSTRY PARTNER OF THE YEAR<\/span><br \/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-3602\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"http:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Sherry-Whitaker-Budziak-2-300x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"401\" height=\"401\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Sherry-Whitaker-Budziak-2-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Sherry-Whitaker-Budziak-2-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Sherry-Whitaker-Budziak-2.png 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 401px) 100vw, 401px\" \/><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Sherry Whitaker Budziak <\/span><br \/><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Founder and CEO, .orgSource | Co-Founder, .orgCommunity<\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">For more than three decades, Sherry Whitaker Budziak has been a visionary leader, mentor, and trusted partner in the association community. As founder and CEO of .orgSource and co-founder of .orgCommunity, she has guided more than 350 associations and nonprofits through transformation with a rare blend of strategic foresight, innovation, and integrity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Sherry is widely recognized for helping organizations embrace digital change and align technology with mission-driven strategies. Her Future-Ready Technology Framework and H.E.A.R.T. Powered Leadership Framework (Humanize, Empower, Ascend, Reimagine, Transform) have become guiding models for associations navigating disruption. A sought-after speaker, author, and podcast host, she is a bestselling author and regularly convenes leaders through initiatives like Solutions Day, strategic retreats, and the Association 4.0 podcast.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Beyond her professional achievements, Sherry is known for her collaborative spirit, commitment to mentorship, and dedication to advancing the association sector. She has been honored with the Association Forum John C. Thiel Distinguished Service Award, WSAE Visionary Award, and Valparaiso University&#8217;s Alumni Achievement Award.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">With her unwavering commitment to integrity, innovation, and community, Sherry has become a cornerstone of the association industry and continues to inspire the next generation of leaders.<\/span><\/p>\n<h1><span style=\"color: #000000;\">2026 LEADING ASSOCIATION LOBBYISTS<\/span><br \/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-3590\" src=\"http:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Mila-Becker-300x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Mila-Becker-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Mila-Becker-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Mila-Becker.png 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/h1>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Mila Becker, Esq.<\/span><br \/><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Chief Policy Officer<\/span><br \/><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Endocrine Society<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Mila Becker oversees the Government &amp; Public Affairs Department, which manages the Endocrine Society\u2019s public policy agenda and advocacy efforts. Her work includes developing strategies to improve biomedical research funding, women\u2019s health, diabetes and obesity prevention, and global advocacy related to better regulation of endocrine-disrupting chemicals. She is the past president of the Coalition for Health Funding and is a member of the Executive Leadership Council for Susan G. Komen DMV Tri-state.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">For over 20 years, Mila has worked in government relations for non-profit health-related organizations. Prior to joining the Society in July 2013, she spent ten years at the American Society of Hematology as the Senior Director for Government Relations, Practice, &amp; Scientific Affairs. Before that, she worked as a senior lobbyist for AARP, where she was responsible for prescription drug and other high-priority health advocacy issues, and she was Director of Public Policy for Partnership for Prevention, a coalition dedicated to disease prevention and health promotion. She holds a BA in political science from Northwestern University and a JD from Georgetown University Law School. She and her husband, Scott Becker, who is also an association executive, live in the DC area, where they raised two amazing daughters.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-3592\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"http:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Kelly-Carey-300x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Kelly-Carey-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Kelly-Carey-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Kelly-Carey.png 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/h2>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Kelly Carey<\/span><br \/><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Chief Policy Officer<\/span><br \/><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Ohio Association of Community Health Centers\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Kelly Carey has served as Director of Policy &amp; Public Affairs for the Ohio Association of Community Health Centers (OACHC) since Spring 2019. In this role, she leads the association\u2019s government affairs, public policy initiatives, and external relations, advancing the mission of Ohio\u2019s community health centers at the state and federal levels.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Carey currently serves as Chair of the Ohio School-Based Health Alliance Board of Directors and is a member of the Steering Committee for Advocates for Ohio\u2019s Future, where she works collaboratively with statewide partners to strengthen access to health care and essential services for Ohioans.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Her career includes extensive legislative and administrative experience. Before joining OACHC, Carey represented clients\u2014including OACHC\u2014in complex policy matters involving health care, property and casualty insurance, and workers\u2019 compensation. She also served as Chief of Legislation and Communications for the Ohio Bureau of Workers\u2019 Compensation and previously worked in the Ohio General Assembly as a legislative aide to two state senators and a state representative.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">A graduate of The Ohio State University, Carey resides in Gahanna, Ohio, with her son, Aloysius.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-3593\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"http:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Marco-Giamberardino-300x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Marco-Giamberardino-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Marco-Giamberardino-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Marco-Giamberardino.png 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Marco Giamberardino<\/span><br \/><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Senior Vice President, Government and Public Affairs<\/span><br \/><span style=\"color: #000000;\">National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA)<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Marco Giamberardino is Senior Vice President, Government and Public Affairs for the\u00a0 National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). He supervises numerous program areas, including advocacy, political fundraising, codes and standards, communications, marketing, and ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR magazine.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Marco joined NECA in 2012 as Executive Director, Government Affairs, where he shaped the association\u2019s legislative, regulatory, and political strategy, advocating for the industry\u2019s key priority issues in Washington, D.C.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Marco has been an active trade association professional and advocacy expert for over 30 years. Prior to joining NECA, he served as Senior Director, Government Affairs, for the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). Before that, he was the Director of Advocacy for the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA). He is widely regarded as a policy expert in infrastructure investment, tax policy, and federal procurement.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Marco earned his Bachelor\u2019s degree in History and Political Science from The State University of New York at Stony Brook and his Master&#8217;s of Public Administration from The George Washington University.\u00a0 Since 2018, he has been recognized every year by The Hill newspaper for being one of Washington&#8217;s \u201ctop lobbyists\u201d for associations, named top lobbyist by the National Institute for Lobbying and Ethics every year since 2021, and was recognized as one of Washingtonian, DC\u2019s 500 most influential in 2025. He lives with his family in Virginia.<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-3594\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"http:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Mike-Goscinski-300x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Mike-Goscinski-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Mike-Goscinski-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Mike-Goscinski.png 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Mike Goscinski<\/span><br \/><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Chief of Staff<\/span><br \/><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Health &amp; Fitness Association<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Mike Goscinski is the Chief of Staff at the Health &amp; Fitness Association (HFA), where he oversees the association\u2019s Advocacy, Research, and Communications departments. In this role, Mike drives HFA\u2019s work to protect, promote, and grow the fitness industry through strategic policy engagement, evidence-based research, and impactful storytelling.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Mike is the health and fitness industry\u2019s first registered federal lobbyist and has helped establish a first-of-its-kind advocacy program for the industry\u2014focused on direct lobbying, strong grassroots activation, and meaningful political engagement at both the federal and state levels.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In addition to his work at HFA, Mike serves on the Board of Directors of the Physical Activity Alliance (PAA), a national coalition dedicated to advancing policies that make physical activity a cornerstone of preventive health and well-being. He also chairs PAA\u2019s Policy Committee, leading efforts to integrate physical activity into healthcare delivery and preventive health policy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Prior to joining HFA in December 2022, Mike worked in Government Affairs for the National Automatic Merchandising Association, representing the convenience services industry. He has been advocating in Washington, D.C., for more than a decade on issues impacting the food, beverage, and fitness sectors.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">A native of Bayville, NJ, Mike resides in Washington, D.C. He has a strong passion for physical activity and fitness and enjoys spending his personal time staying active with his Golden Retriever, Duncan.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-3591\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"http:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Amanda-Jezek-300x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Amanda-Jezek-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Amanda-Jezek-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Amanda-Jezek.png 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Amanda Jezek<\/span><br \/><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Senior Vice President for Public Policy and Government Relations<\/span><br \/><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Infectious Diseases Society of America<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Amanda Jezek is the Senior Vice President for Public Policy and Government Relations at the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), which represents over 13,000 ID physicians and scientists.\u00a0 Amanda oversees IDSA\u2019s public policy and government relations department, with responsibility for policy development and advocacy on IDSA priority issues, including antimicrobial resistance, the infectious diseases workforce, outbreak and pandemic preparedness and response, immunizations, health equity, federal funding, and other issues relating to public health, health care delivery, and biomedical research.\u00a0 Amanda has been with IDSA since 2011, previously serving as IDSA\u2019s Government Relations Director.\u00a0 Prior to joining IDSA, Amanda was the Deputy Director for Federal Affairs at the March of Dimes Foundation.\u00a0 In this capacity, Amanda led the March of Dimes\u2019 policy development and lobbying efforts on access to healthcare for women of childbearing age, infants, and children, including the Foundation\u2019s work on the Affordable Care Act.\u00a0 Amanda also lobbied for Mental Health America and worked as a legislative assistant and press secretary for U.S. Representative Grace Napolitano (D-CA).\u00a0 Amanda holds a B.A. in Political Science from Dartmouth College.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">2026 ASSOCIATION TRAILBLAZERS<\/span><\/h1>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u00a0\u00a0<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-3578\" src=\"http:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Natasha-Goodwin-300x300.png\" alt=\"Natasha Goodwin\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Natasha-Goodwin-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Natasha-Goodwin-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Natasha-Goodwin.png 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/> \u00a0<br \/>Natasha Bethea Goodwin, MS, CAE<br \/>Vice President, Membership<br \/>Information Technology Industry Council (ITI)\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Natasha Bethea Goodwin, MS, CAE currently serves as Vice President of Membership at the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI). In this role, she drives membership recruitment, retention, and engagement strategies while shaping programs that strengthen ITI\u2019s position as the premier voice for the tech sector. Prior to joining ITI, she served in membership roles at the Association for Psychological Science and the American Nurses Association, where she honed her expertise in business development, global membership expansion, and cultivating meaningful member experiences. Natasha\u2019s leadership and impact have been recognized through multiple honors, including her selection to the Association Forum\u2019s 2018 40 Under 40 class and her recognition as an ASAE Diversity Executive Leadership Program (DELP) scholar in 2019.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Beyond her professional role, Natasha is deeply committed to mentorship and community impact through her work with the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Metropolitan Washington DC Chapter. She graduated from Howard University and earned a master\u2019s degree in Nonprofit and Association Management from the University of Maryland Global Campus. Natasha resides in Maryland with her husband and two daughters. Together, she and her husband also founded Technik Kids, a tech education company dedicated to preparing the next generation of innovators to thrive in a digital-first world.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-3580\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"http:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Thad-Lurie-300x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Thad-Lurie-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Thad-Lurie-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Thad-Lurie.png 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Thad Lurie, CAE, AAiP, CIP<\/span><br \/><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Senior Vice President, Digital &amp; Technology<\/span><br \/><span style=\"color: #000000;\">American Geophysical Union<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Thad Lurie is Senior Vice President of Digital &amp; Technology and came to AGU with more than 20 years\u2019 experience in the association industry. Prior to his time with AGU, Lurie served as an executive for two global events companies and was Chief Operating Officer for EDUCAUSE, leading the association&#8217;s functions relating to membership, marketing, conferences and events, content, web, and information technology.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">He holds the CAE, AAiP, and CIP credentials, and has served as CIO for several different associations, including ISPOR, the American Clean Power Association, and the American Health Law Association. He is an active speaker and author for ASAE, the American Cancer Society, MPI, IAEE, PCMA, DigitalNow, and other organizations, participates on the board of the CEIR Research Council, and served as the Chair of the ASAE Technology Council.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-3579\" src=\"http:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Stacie-Manger-300x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Stacie-Manger-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Stacie-Manger-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Stacie-Manger.png 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Stacie Manger<\/span><br \/><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Director, Digital &amp; UX Strategy<\/span><br \/><span style=\"color: #000000;\">American Forest &amp; Paper Association<\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Stacie Manger is the Director of Digital and UX Strategy at the American Forest &amp; Paper Association, with over a decade of experience leading digital content strategies in the manufacturing association space. She specializes in website development, SEO, content strategy, and digital transformation, blending data-driven insights with creative storytelling. A self-proclaimed data nerd, her work has been instrumental in the development of award-winning websites, content, and digital campaigns. Stacie is a recognized voice in the field and a regular conference speaker &#8211; sharing her knowledge and passion for digital strategy and UX design while continuously working to expand her expertise in information architecture and accessibility.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-3576\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"http:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Barry-Schieferstein-300x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Barry-Schieferstein-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Barry-Schieferstein-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Barry-Schieferstein.png 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Barry Schieferstein, CAE, CMP, DES<\/span><br \/><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Chief Operating Officer<\/span><br \/><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The American Society for Nondestructive Testing<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Barry Schieferstein\u2019s career reflects a steady progression from sales management to strategic association leadership. He began in retail sales, where he honed skills in customer service, business operations, and team leadership. In 2013, Barry transitioned into conference and meeting planning, applying his operational expertise to large-scale events with the Ohio Department of Higher Education and The Ohio State University. His work quickly earned recognition for improving event experiences, growing sponsorship and exhibit sales, and implementing new technologies that modernized program delivery.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In 2018, Barry joined the American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT), where he advanced through a series of leadership roles. As Director of Events, and later Learning and Events, he oversaw ASNT\u2019s conferences, training programs, and hybrid offerings, guiding the organization through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and driving record attendance and revenue growth. In 2024, Barry was promoted to Chief Operating Officer, where he now manages ASNT\u2019s revenue portfolio, oversees operations across multiple departments, and reports directly to the CEO.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Along the way, Barry has earned the Certified Association Executive (CAE), Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), and Digital Event Strategist (DES) credentials. His leadership is marked by a commitment to building collaborative teams, driving innovation, and aligning operations to long-term strategic goals. From retail to events to executive leadership, Barry\u2019s career exemplifies growth, adaptability, and a passion for advancing mission-driven organizations.<\/span><br \/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-3577\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"http:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Korie-Traver-300x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Korie-Traver-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Korie-Traver-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Korie-Traver.png 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Korie Traver, CPA<\/span><br \/><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Chief Operating Officer<\/span><br \/><span style=\"color: #000000;\">American Cleaning Institute<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Korie A. Traver is the Chief Operating Officer at American Cleaning Institute (ACI). In her role at ACI, she directs financial operations and manages the Information Technology, Human Resources, Meetings, and Operations departments.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Korie previously served as Chief Financial Officer at ACI. Prior to joining ACI, she was Director of Finance at The Education Trust, Inc. in Washington, D.C., a non-profit organization that advocates for equity in education for low-income students and students of color. She was responsible for budgeting, financial reporting and financial management for the organization. She also served for 15 years at North Penn Legal Services, Inc. in Pittston, PA, where she was Chief Financial and Information Officer. Her other experiences include serving as Controller for the Children\u2019s Home of Wyoming Conference (Binghamton, NY) and as a Senior Accountant at Parente, Randolph, Orlando, Carey and Associates (Wilkes-Barre, PA).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Korie has a B.S. in Accounting from Misericordia University (Dallas, PA) and is a Certified Public Accountant.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<hr style=\"height: 5px; background: #7DC14B;\" \/>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">PAST EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR HONOREES<\/h3>\n<div style=\"clear: both;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\">2025 &#8211; Lori Anderson, FASAE, CAE (Trade Association Executive) and Debra BenAvram, FASAE, CAE (Professional Society Association Executive)<\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\">2024 &#8211; Heidi Brock<\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\">2023 &#8211; Melissa Hockstad<\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\">2022 &#8211; Joseph M. McGuire<\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\">2020 &#8211; Gary Shapiro<\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\">2019 &#8211;\u00a0Matthew Shay<\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\">2018 &#8211; Arlene Pietranton<\/li>\n<li>2017 &#8211; Dawn Sweeney<\/li>\n<li>2016 &#8211; Jay Timmons<\/li>\n<li>2015 &#8211; John Engler<\/li>\n<li>2014 &#8211; Susan K. Neely<\/li>\n<li>2013 &#8211; John H. Graham IV, CAE<\/li>\n<li>2012 &#8211; Gary LaBranche, CAE<\/li>\n<li>2011 &#8211;\u00a0 Barry C. Melancon, CPA<\/li>\n<li>2010 &#8211; VAdm Norbert R. Ryan, USN-Ret.<\/li>\n<li>2009 &#8211; Connie Tipton<\/li>\n<li>2008 &#8211; Roger Dow<\/li>\n<li>2007 &#8211; Thomas J. Donohue<\/li>\n<li>2006 &#8211; H. Cris Collie III, CAE<\/li>\n<li>2005 &#8211; Anne L. Bryant, EdD, CAE<\/li>\n<li>2004 &#8211; Steven C. Anderson, CAE<\/li>\n<li>2003 &#8211; Neil Offen, CAE<\/li>\n<li>2002 &#8211; Barbara Belmont, CAE<\/li>\n<li>2001 &#8211; John \u201cJack\u201d Cox, CAE<\/li>\n<li>2000 &#8211; Thomas R. Kuhn, CAE<\/li>\n<li>1999 &#8211; Quincalee Brown, CAE<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>1998 &#8211; Frank McCarthy<\/li>\n<li>1997 &#8211; Red Cavaney, CAE<\/li>\n<li>1996 &#8211; R. William Taylor, CAE<\/li>\n<li>1995 &#8211; Ray Roper, CAE<\/li>\n<li>1994 &#8211; Richard L. Lesher, CAE<\/li>\n<li>1993 &#8211; William D. Nelligan, CAE<\/li>\n<li>1993 &#8211; Robert A. Roland<\/li>\n<li>1992 &#8211; William E. Smith<\/li>\n<li>1991 &#8211; Clifford M. Clarke, CAE<\/li>\n<li>1990 &#8211; Rod L. Geer, CAE, CLU<\/li>\n<li>1989 &#8211; Meredith R. Smith, CAE<\/li>\n<li>1988 &#8211; John W. Johnson, CAE<\/li>\n<li>1987 &#8211; Hugh McCahey<\/li>\n<li>1986 &#8211; John N. Bailey, CAE<\/li>\n<li>1985 &#8211; Bernard J. Imming, CAE<\/li>\n<li>1984 &#8211; Kinsey Bass Green, CAE<\/li>\n<li>1983 &#8211; Bud Meredith, CAE<\/li>\n<li>1982 &#8211; Mortimer B. Doyle, CAE<\/li>\n<li>1981 &#8211; P.D. \u201cBud\u201d Hermann, CAE<\/li>\n<li>1980 &#8211; James P. Low, CAE<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr style=\"height: 5px; background: #7DC14B;\" \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>PREVIOUS ALA HONOREES<br \/><\/strong>CEO Update has recognized 27 executives as exceptional leaders in the nine years of the Association Leadership Awards. The honorees for each year are listed in order of trade association CEO, professional society CEO and association lobbyist.<\/p>\n<p><strong>2022<br \/><\/strong>Steve Caldeira\u2014Household &amp; Commercial Products Association<br \/>Patricia Blake\u2014Heart Rhythm Society<br \/>Jennifer Hatcher\u2014FMI\u2014The Food Industry Association<\/p>\n<p><strong>2021<\/strong><br \/>Leslie Sarasin, FMI\u2014The Food Industry Association<br \/>Johnny C. Taylor Jr., Society for Human Resource Management<br \/>Kristin Bass, Pharmaceutical Care Management Association<\/p>\n<p><strong>2020<\/strong><br \/>Matthew Shay, National Retail Federation<br \/>Michelle Mason, Association Forum<br \/>Kevin Keane, American Beverage Association<\/p>\n<p><strong>2019<\/strong><br \/>Jay Timmons, National Association of Manufacturers<br \/>Barbara Byrd Keenan, Endocrine Society<br \/>Mike Graham, American Dental Association<\/p>\n<p><strong>2018<\/strong><br \/>Dawn Sweeney, National Restaurant Association<br \/>Abe Eshkenazi, Association for Supply Chain Management<br \/>Jim Clarke, ASAE<\/p>\n<p><strong>2017<\/strong><br \/>Susan Neely, American Beverage Association<br \/>Steve Lieber, Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society<br \/>Jerry Giovaniello, National Association of Realtors<\/p>\n<p><strong>2016<\/strong><br \/>Steve Anderson, National Association of Chain Drug Stores<br \/>Chris McEntee, American Geophysical Union<br \/>Aric Newhouse, National Association of Manufacturers<\/p>\n<p><strong>2015<\/strong><br \/>Tom Kuhn, Edison Electric Institute<br \/>Arlene Pietranton, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association<br \/>Jade West, National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors<\/p>\n<p><strong>2014<\/strong><br \/>Tom Donohue, U.S. Chamber of Commerce<br \/>John Graham, ASAE<br \/>Bruce Josten, U.S. Chamber of Commerce<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3575"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3575"}],"version-history":[{"count":21,"href":"https:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3575\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3707,"href":"https:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3575\/revisions\/3707"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.associationtrends.com\/salute-to-association-excellence\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3575"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}