AENC Awards Program

“To recognize and reward AENC members who exemplify excellence and enduring service to AENC.”

AENC invites all members to consider submitting nominations for deserving members who meet the awards criteria.

Awards offered by AENC

James J. Lowry Award (Outstanding CEO)

James (Jim) Joseph Lowry, Jr., for whom this award is named, was an extremely active member of AENC for over 20 years. He served as both a Trade Show Co-Chair and chaired the Legislative Committee. He also served on the AENC Board of Directors. Lowry won the Outstanding CEO Award in 2006-2007. The award was named in his honor shortly after his passing in November 2010. This award represents AENC’s highest honor for an association’s chief executive officer (CEO). The award reflects outstanding leadership and achievement in association management. “Outstanding” executives serve AENC, their industry, and participate in various civic and community affairs. This individual exemplifies the best in association management by continually bringing credit to the profession and the association community.

The nominee must have been a member of AENC for at least the past two consecutive years.

 
Patsy B. Smith Award (Outstanding Affiliate Member)

Patsy B. Smith, for whom this award is named, was the first Affiliate member to serve on the AENC Board of Directors. She was a member for several years, during which time she maintained an active interest in the organization and its members. In memory of her outstanding contributions, AENC presents this award as the highest honor bestowed upon an individual in the Allied or Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) membership category. While recognizing outstanding professionalism and exemplary service to the association community, the award also recognizes a member’s contribution to his or her employing organization and to other professional organizations.

 At the time of nomination, the candidate must have been an Affiliate member for at least the past two consecutive years.

 
Jovita S. Mask Award (Outstanding Association Member who is not the CEO)

This award represents the highest honor AENC can bestow upon a key association staff member, excluding the CEO. This award reflects extraordinary achievements and the promise of future accomplishments within the association management profession. AENC awards this honor in recognition of a member’s exceptional contributions to his or her employing association. It also honors distinguished service to AENC and other professional organizations, as well as continuing professional development and participation in community and civic affairs. This award was named for Jovita Mask, whose entire career was in association management. Starting as a receptionist at an association, she later became the Executive Director. Later she merged that association with another state organization and served as Vice President of Administration before coming to AENC in 2009, retiring in 2018.

 The candidate must also have been a member of AENC for at least the past two consecutive years.

 
Bob Slocum Award (Outstanding Government Affairs and Advocacy)

Bob Slocum, for whom this award is named, was a dedicated association professional who in his 24 years at the helm of the NC Forestry Association truly embodied professionalism in his conduct and dedication to his members’ interest in regard to government affairs and advocacy at both the state and federal level. To be effective, association professionals endeavoring to advance the political agenda of their members must not only be keen practitioners in the area of legislative and governmental process, but must work to establish and maintain a personal and professional reputation with both association members and elected officials for being honest, reliable and consistent. In presenting this award AENC seeks to recognize an individual who has a sustained tenure of consistently outstanding professional conduct in this important functional area of association operations, as well as provide younger association government affairs and advocacy professionals a role model to emulate.

 The candidate for this award must have at least ten (10) years employment in a position for which the individual has primary or singular responsibility for government affairs and/or advocacy efforts on behalf of an association. The nominee must have been a member of AENC for at least the past two consecutive years.

 
AENC Young Professionals – FUEL Award (Outstanding AENC Young Professionals – FUEL participant)

Honors an AENC member under the age of 40 that participates in FUEL events/meetings. The goal of this Award is to recognize an AENC member for outstanding AENC/Association involvement or personal community involvement that also participates in FUEL events/meetings.

 The candidate must also have been a member of AENC for at least the past two consecutive years.

 
*NEW* President’s Award

This award is given by the current AENC President at the annual meeting, President’s choice completely. The winner will not be notified so it will be a surprise. (Staff will navigate on telling coworkers of recipient so they know to attend but still keep it a secret.)

 

Eligibility
  • All current AENC members, in good standing, are eligible with the exception of two groups:
    • Current AENC Board Members are ineligible for scholarships or awards.
    • Scholarship and Awards committee members are ineligible for scholarships and awards.
      • Current Scholarship and Awards Committee Members:
        • Anne DarConte
        • Malinda Harrell
        • Andora Hinton
        • Hayden Jones
        • Christy Santacana
        • Rachel Whitten
  • Applicants may receive a maximum of one award in the year under consideration.
 
Submission of Nominations

Please submit your nomination/s to AENC, using the following guidelines:
(Note: Electronic submission is preferred.)

  • Please type the award name in the subject line of your email or letter.
  • In the body of your email or letter, please indicate the name of the person you are nominating and the organization where the individual is employed.
  • Briefly state your reasons for nominating the individual for the award. (1-2 paragraphs)
  • Send your nominations to madi@aencnet.org or in writing to Attn: Madi McDougald, AENC, 514 Daniels St. PMB #352, Raleigh, NC 27605.

 
Award nominations are due in May.

Timeline

 
March - The awards nomination process begins. AENC invites all members to consider submitting nominations for deserving members who meet the awards criteria.

May – Deadline for nominations. Deadline for nominations. Nominees who meet the requirements are contacted by staff and asked to respond with the required supporting documentation.

June – The committee reviews to determine award recipients by grading each nomination and submitting to the AENC Board of Directors a list of recommended recipients. The Board of Directors reviews and approves the award recipients. AENC staff notifies and coordinates with the award recipients to obtain photos and bios, and to ensure recipients will be present at the AENC annual meeting in July.

July – The awards are presented at the AENC Annual Meeting.

 

Past Award Winners

James J. Lowry Award (Outstanding CEO)
  • 2023 - Sharon Bryson, M. Ed, NC Association of Certified Public Accountants
  • 2022 - Linda Owens, CAE, IMI Association Executives
  • 2021 - James Smith Jr., PE, American Council of Engineering Companies of NC
  • 2020 - Jim Thompson Jr., CAE, IOM, Capitol Hill Management Services
  • 2019 - Dr. Michael Alec Parker, CAE, NC Dental Society
  • 2018 - David Simpson, CAE, Carolinas AGC, Inc.
  • 2017 - Durward "Butch" Gunnells, III, NC Beverage Association
  • 2016 - William (Bill) Arent (Posthumous), previously Carolinas Ready Mixed Concrete Association
  • 2015 - No award given
  • 2014 - No award given
  • 2013 - Gregory K. Griggs, MPA, CAE, NC Academy of Family Physicians
  • 2012 - Tina C. Gordon, CAE, NC Nurses Association
  • 2011 - Wendy W. Scott, CAE, Wendy Scott & Associates, Inc.
  • 2010 - F. Carlyle Teague, N.C. Specialty Foods Association
  • 2009 - Beth Bowen, N.C. Association of Medical Equipment Services
  • 2008 - Bob Glaser, CAE, NC Automobile Dealers Association
  • 2007 - James Joseph Lowry, Jr., CPO, N.C. Utility Contractors Association
  • 2006 - William D. Stricker, Carolinas AGC, Inc.
  • 2005 - Charles F. McDonald, Jr., CAE, Safety and Health Council of N.C.
  • 2004 - Teresa L. Saylor, CAE, N.C. Press Association
  • 2003 - Larry W. Adams, Southern Building Materials Association
  • 2002 - Chris A. Valauri, N.C. Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association
  • 2001 - James T. Ahler, CAE, N.C. Association of CPAs
  • 2000 - Sue L. Makey, CAE, N.C. Academy of Family Physicians
  • 1999 - Randall D. Lisk, Automotive Aftermarket Association of the Carolinas & Tennessee
  • 1998 - Ken Morgan, CAE, N.C. Association of Life Underwriters
  • 1997 - Timothy D. Kent, CAE, AIA North Carolina
  • 1996 - Hazel B. Moore, N.C. Nurses Association
  • 1993 - Craig Souza, N.C. Health Care Facilities Association
  • 1992 - Lewis Huff, Independent Garage Owners of N.C.
  • 1991 - Elbert Peters, N.C. Trucking Association
  • 1990 - Carl F. Sapp, N.C. Telephone Association
  • 1989 - Eleanor F. Upton, Upton Associates
  • 1988 - Don Ward, N.C. Petroleum Marketers Association
  • 1987 - Michael Olson, CAE, Olson Management Group, Inc.
Jovita S. Mask Award (Outstanding Association Member who is not the CEO)
  • 2023 - Sarah Easley, CMP, NC Center for Nonprofits
  • 2022 - Meredith Houston, PHR, IOM, CAE, American Council of Engineering Companies of NC
  • 2021 - Sarah Royster, CAE, NC Nurses Association
  • 2020 - Kathryn Atkinson, CMP, NC Academy of Family Physicians
  • 2019 - Rachael Lord, CAE, NC Chiropractic Association
  • 2018 - Nancy Lowe, CMP, NC Medical Society
  • 2017 - Heather Wrenn, CAE, NC Chiropractic Association
  • 2016 - Brent Hazelett, MPA, CAE, NC Academy of Family Physicians
  • 2015 - No award given
  • 2014 - Lisa Ward, NC Dental Society
  • 2013 - Kristen L. Feneley, MPA, CAE, NC Nurses Association
  • 2012 - Anne Shoemaker, IOM, NC Association of REALTORS®.
  • 2011 - Ginny Fountain, CMP, PHR, N.C. Association of Electric Cooperatives
  • 2009 - Diane Weems, AENC
  • 2008 - Joan Elliott, Southern Building Material Association
  • 2007 - Penny R. Cummings, N.C. Association of County Commissioners
  • 2006 - Mary K. Doherty, Carolinas Center for Hospice & End of Life Care
  • 2005 - David N. Simpson, CAE, Carolinas AGC, Inc.
  • 2004 - Sharon H. Bryson, M.Ed., N.C. Association of CPAs
  • 2003 - James A. Rouse, III, N.C. Association of Electric Cooperatives
  • 2001 - Irma R. Ceglia, N.C. Academy of Family Physicians
  • 2000 - Joseph P. Logan, CAE, American Home Furnishings Alliance
  • 1996 - Jo Ellen Mitchell, AIA North Carolina
  • 1994 - Sindy Barker, N.C. Nurses Association
  • 1993 - Barbara A. Tilton, CMP, N.C. Association of CPAs
  • 1992 - Stephen Morrisette, CAE, N.C. Hospital Association
  • 1991 - Fran E. Preston, N.C. Retail Merchants Association
  • 1990 - Willie Feather, N.C. Petroleum Marketers Association
  • 1989 - W. Alan Skipper, CMP, N.C. Medical Society
  • 1988 - Randall D. Lisk, Automotive Aftermarket Association of the Carolinas & Tennessee
  • 1987 - Betty M.Tysinger, Tysinger's Management Services
Patsy B. Smith Award (Outstanding Affiliate Member)
  • 2023 - Rita Matthews, VisitNorfolk
  • 2022 - Molly Johnson, CMP-Fellow, QAS, Wilmington & Beaches CVB
  • 2021 - Rachel Whitten, CMP, Visit Greenville NC
  • 2020 - Connie Thames, TowneBank
  • 2019 - Melissa Bucci, Embassy Suites by Hilton Wilmington Riverfront
  • 2018 - Beverly Stewart, DCMP, CVB Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area
  • 2017 - Karen Wall, Visit Winston-Salem
  • 2016 - Teri Saylor, CAE, Open Water Communications
  • 2015 - No award given
  • 2014 - Sara Green, Pinehurst Resort
  • 2013 - Denise D. Ryan, MBA, CSP, FireStar
  • 2012 - John W, Sneed, II, CHSP, Wilmington and Beaches CVB
  • 2011 - Andrew D. Schmidt, CHME, Greenville CVB
  • 2010 - Michelle Streath, Hilton Wilmington Riverside & Riverview Suites
  • 2009 - Ed Currie, Piedmont Triad Productions
  • 2008 - Malinda Pettaway, CASE, Greater Raleigh CVB
  • 2007 - Candy Cline, Visit Winston-Salem
  • 2006 - Kathy B. Flowe, CMP, Alabama Theatre
  • 2005 - Donna F. Rabon, Hilton Wilmington Riverside & Riverview Suites
  • 2004 - Laurie Okun, Sheraton Imperial Hotel
  • 2003 - Kim T. Hufham, Cape Fear Coast CVB
  • 2002 - Nancy S. Barney, The Sheraton Raleigh Hotel
  • 2001 - Joseph E. Blake, Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau
  • 2000 - Jan S. Hogan, MC Benton Convention Center
  • 1999 - Ron Stephens, CHME, High Point CVB
  • 1998 - John J. Mead, CAE, APR, Mead Management Support
  • 1997 - Cheryl R. Hutto, Hilton North Raleigh
  • 1996 - Burchill T. Sweeney, Marriott Frenchman's Reef Beach Resort
  • 1996 - John Phillips, See North Carolina First
  • 1994 - Angela Beattie, The Grove Park Inn
  • 1993 - Sandra Hale, Kiawah Island Golf & Tennis Resorts
  • 1992 - Petra Alberici, Sheraton Imperial Hotel
  • 1991 - Janet Harrington, Grandover Resort and Conference Center
  • 1990 - Sarah Hamm Wade, CHA, CHME, Sunbelt Hospitality, Inc.
  • 1989 - Charlotte M. Young, High Point CVB
  • 1988 - Judy Green, CHME, The Siena Hotel
  • 1987 - Patsy B. Smith, Grove Park Inn & Country Club
Bob Slocum Award (Outstanding Government Affairs and Advocacy)
  • 2023 - Lynn Minges, NC Restaurant & Lodging Association
  • 2022 - Betsy Bailey, CAE, Carolinas AGC
  • 2021 - Jon Carr, Jordan Price Wall Gray Jones & Carlton
  • 2020 - Anne Darconte, HillStaffer
  • 2019 - Joseph Stewart, Independent Insurance Agents of NC
  • 2018 - Tim Kent, CAE, NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association
  • 2017 - Alan Skipper, CAE, CMP, NC Medical Society
  • 2016 - James (Jim) T. Ahler, CAE, NC Association of Certified Public Accountants
AENC Young Professionals – FUEL Award (Outstanding AENC Young Professionals – FUEL participant)
  • 2023 - Meg Palumbo, CAE, Novi AMS
  • 2022 - Amanda Davis, CMP, Blue Sky eLearn
  • 2021 - Forrest Howard, The Kimpton Cardinal Hotel
  • 2020 - Brandi Gerew, CAE, CMP, Capitol Hill Management Services
  • 2019 - Najauna White, Discover Durham
  • 2018 - Meredith Houston, PHR, IOM, CAE, American Council of Engineering Companies of NC
  • 2017 - 2 winners: Melissa Bucci, Embassy Suites by Hilton Wilmington Riverfront
    & Tiffani Sheppard, Pinehurst Resort
*NEW* President’s Award (Outstanding AENC member or nonmember)

This award is given by the current AENC President at the annual meeting to any person they chose, completely President’s choice. The winner will not be notified so it will be a surprise. (Staff will navigate on telling coworkers of recipient so they know to attend but still keep it a secret.)

  • 2023 - Rich Phaneuf, Association Executives of NC
  • 2022 - 2 winners: Madi McDougald & Julie Keith, Association Executives of NC
  • 2021 - Kathryn Atkinson, CMP, NC Academy of Family Physicians
  • 2020 - Erika and Josh Burfield, EZAV
  • 2019 - Meredith Houston, PHR, IOM, CAE, American Council of Engineering Companies of NC