• Serves as a role model for recognition practices in word and delivery.
• Exhibits passion in promoting the principles of recognition by addressing and/or overcoming obstacles.
• Has designed and implemented recognition systems within their organization.
• Display leadership in taking the initiative to spread the message throughout their organization.
• Has outcomes to demonstrate the successful implementation and maintenance of their organization's recognition initiative.
• Demonstrates an understanding of the importance of measurement/tracking in the on-going success of any recognition strategy.
• Communicates, demonstrates and delivers recognition throughout the organization.
• Overcomes management & employee indifference to the recognition strategy.

2020 - Lonnie Ross, CI Strategy Group, DTE
2018 - Gail Ann Rawlinson, CRP
2017 - Caitlin Hamm, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
2016 - Jason Thomson, CRP, Creative Mercenary
2015 - Carole Erken, CRP, Kaiser Permanente
2014 - Sean Schooling, CRP, TELUS
2013 - Amy J. Hurley LSW, CRP
2012 - Lynda Andrews, Harland Clarke Holdings Corp. • Pauline Phillip, TELUS
2011 - Ellen Hertel, DirecTV • Ryan D. Maddux, Wells Fargo • Jeanie Paratore, University Hospitals
2010 - Janice Archer, South Florida Water Management District • Jeff Hughes, United Airlines • Ginger Wilkinson, Trover Solutions
2009 - Gera Gapinski, Abbott Labs • Steve Richardson, RBC Performance • Sherri Schafer, Southern California Edison • Amy Williams, Tesoro
2008 - Stephanie Merchiore, Delta Airlines
2007 - Zoel Fages, GAP Inc. •  Joan Kelly, Global DHL Express • Betsy Worley, University of Florida
2006 - Sandie Hodel-Runtz, United Airlines • Lisa Massiello, Wachovia Corp. • Jody Patel, Superior Court of California • Sarah Wuertz, Arizona Department of Transportation
2005 - Theresa Howell (Harkins), Delta Airlines • Sharon Gardner, Yuma Regional Medical Center • Deborah Gondek, Rich Products Corporation
2004 - Lisa Hall, California State University - Sacramento • Debbie Vorndran, Westfield Group • Denise White, University of Michigan Health System
2003 - Darcie Brazel, MS, RN, Advocate Christ Medical Center • Kay Clark-Cox, La Porte Regional Health System • Sharon Gilbert, T. Rowe Price • Holly Searcy, California State Auto Association
2002 - Meg DeYoung, Advocate Christ Medical Center • Lauren M. Orsini, AVIS • Terri Sarni, The Prudential Insurance Company
2001 - Debbie Riggs, KFC/Tricon and Martin Cozyn, Nortel Networks
2000 - Sherriff Anthony Metcalf, Pottowatomie County, KS • Heidi Evans, CALPers • Debbie Bennett, CALPers
1999 - Bradley Collins, Chevron