The Stephen Styron Award is presented in honor of one of GSAE’s past presidents. This award is given to the volunteer leaders the current chair feels have done the most outstanding job. The 2015 recipients are Spence Downs, Solutions Advisor, MemberClicks, and Amy Kane, CAE, Director, Awards and Grants, Rheumatology Research Foundation.

Renamed in 2010, the Skelton-Massey Award recognizes the member who sponsors the most new members, strengthening GSAE in size and effectiveness. We hope the award, named after two legendary recruiters and GSAE past presidents, inspires members to promote GSAE’s value and benefits loudly and often. The 2015 recipient is Natalie Nardone, CMP, CAE, President, Nardone Consulting Group.

The Chair’s Award is presented to the member that the chair feels has made a significant contribution to the Society, advancing the aims, ideals and standards of GSAE and association management. The 2015 recipient is Mary J. Wheatley, IOM, CAE, Executive Director, Rheumatology Research Foundation.

The Sharon Hunt Emerging Leader Award is presented to an association executive with ten years or less of experience in associations who demonstrates leadership through service to GSAE, their own association and to their community. The award was named in 2014 to honor past president Sharon Hunt, CAE, who mentored a generation of association leaders during her career. The 2015 recipient is Jacob Wilder, Director of Communications and Technology, Building Owners and Managers Association of Georgia.

The Peggy Seigler Corporate Member of the Year is presented to the corporate supplier member who has demonstrated outstanding and continuous service to the association community in Georgia. Named in 2015, the award honors the many contributions of Peggy Seigler, MPA, CDME, a beloved and valued member of the community. The 2015 recipient is Cheryl DB Talley, Sales Manager, Hyatt Regency Savannah.

The Alan R. Johnson Award, established in 1994 and named in memory of a past chair of the GSAE Foundation, is given to an association executive in Georgia who has demonstrated qualities of teamwork, vision and servant leadership. The 2015 recipient is Mike Pennington, CAE, Senior Account Executive, Kellen.

The Clifford M. Clarke Award is GSAE’s highest recognition, bestowed upon a Georgia association executive who has demonstrated exemplary personal leadership and service. The award honors outstanding accomplishments and service in association management. Established in 1969, the award is named for the late Clifford M. Clarke, President Emeritus of the Arthritis Foundation. Mr. Clarke was the first Georgian to serve as Chief Elected Officer of ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership and served two terms as president of GSAE. The 2015 recipient is Lori K. Spear, CAE, Executive Vice President, SAIS.