MSAE Seeks Nominations for the 2022 Diamond Awards
MSAE is thrilled to announce and begin accepting nominations for the newly-renovated 2022 Diamond Awards for Individuals. Ara Topouzian, MSAE Chairman and executive director of the Michigan Venture Capital Association, shared optimism for the program, "The Board of Directors and I appreciate the diligent work of the task force and are excited to begin celebrating some of our industry's finest leaders."
Recognition Opportunities
The Michigan Association Hall of Fame
The Michigan Association Hall of Fame honors the most exceptional association executives whose careers reflect integrity, remarkable achievement, commitment to advancing the profession of association management, and service to MSAE.
Association Executive of the Year
The Executive of the Year Award honors an association Chief Staff Executive who has demonstrated remarkable association leadership, commitment to professional growth, and pride in association management.
Strategic Association Leader of the Year
This award recognizes an association professional who has demonstrated the ability and commitment to surpass the expected service and professional standards. (Chief Staff Executives are ineligible for this award.)
Rising Leader of the Year
Open to those within the first five years of their association career, the Rising Leader award symbolizes an exceptional commitment to growing professionally within the discipline of association management, engagement in the association community, and the promise of future accomplishments within the association management profession.
Association Industry Partner of the Year
This award acknowledges an industry partner who has shown exemplary service and support to their association clientele, MSAE, and the association sector.
A Rich History and a Bright Future
After nearly twenty years, MSAE's Board of Directors put the Diamond Awards program on hiatus in 2019 to be modernized and streamlined. A task force chaired by Michigan Veterinary Medical Association CEO and MSAE board member John Tramontana, CAE, performed an extensive review of association leadership-related materials and recognition programs throughout the country to formulate recommendations. The Board reviewed the recommendations and adopted the individual awards for implementation in 2022, with plans to implement program awards in 2023. Tramontana described the task force's efforts, "We set out to ensure that the Diamond Awards program acknowledges the remarkable individuals and accomplishments of Michigan's association sector and, also, that the program is accessible to the full breadth and diversity of our community. Now we look forward to recognizing colleagues and celebrating their accomplishments."
Celebrate Michigan's Association Community
Recipients will be celebrated at a Diamond Awards Luncheon in September. Details about the Diamond Awards, including eligibility, criteria, submission, and sponsorship information, are available here. Nominations must be received via the dedicated SurveyMonkey collector by 5:00 PM July 15, 2022. Luncheon details will be published soon.
We Couldn't Do It Without Our Volunteers
MSAE sincerely appreciates the efforts of the following task force members:
- Shelley Davis Boyd, MBA, CAE
- Diane Dufek, CAE
- Heidi Schmitt, GMS, CTA
- Bill Sheffer, CAE
- Bob Thomas, IOM, CAE, CMP
- John Tramontana, MS, CAE
- Stacy Yerby, CGMP