OSAE Awards

George Nigh Association Executive of the Year

The George Nigh Association Executive of the Year Award is the highest award presented by the Oklahoma Society of Association Executives. Only Association chief staff officers are eligible. This award recognizes excellence in association management as well as significant contributions to OSAE and the association community.

2023 - Tawni Phelan, CAE, CMP Oklahoma Society of Association Executives
2022 - David Finley, CAE, Oklahoma Chapter of NECA
2021 - Kathleen Musson, CAE, Oklahoma Chapter of the American College of Physicians
2020 - Jim Hopper, Oklahoma Restaurant Association
2019 - Janice Bunting, National Weather Association
2018 - J. Scott Hopkins, CAE, Oklahoma Chapter of NECA
2017 - Danna Fowble, IOM, Oklahoma Burglar and Fire Alarm Association
2016 - Lisa Noon, CAE, RCE, Oklahoma Association of REALTORS
2015 - Saundra Naifeh, Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians
2014 - Mark Thomas, Oklahoma Press Association
2013 - Scott Dewald, REIOK
2012 - Mark Bledsoe, CAE, USSA
2011 - Sam Blackstock, CAE—Oklahoma Academy of Family Physicians
2010 - Debra Bailey, CAE, Oklahoma Restaurant Association/Oklahoma Travel Industry Association
2009 - Dean Myers, Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractor’s National Association of Oklahoma
2008 - Lyle Kelsey, CAE, CMBE, Oklahoma State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision
2007 - Jane Nelson, CAE, Oklahoma Nurses Association
2006 - Paul Matthews, Highway Users Federation
2005 - Oliver Delaney, CAE, Oklahoma Malt Beverage Association
2004 - Daryl Hill, CAE, Oklahoma Society of CPAs
2003 - Charlotte Edwards, CAE, Oklahoma Assn of Career and Technology Education
2002 - Ed Kelsay, CAE, ASAE Fellow, Ed Kelsay & Associates
2001 - Bob Rollins, Oklahoma Consumer Finance Assn
2000 - Jim Sullins, CAE, Consulting Engineers Council of Oklahoma 
1999 - Bob E. Jones, CAE, Oklahoma Osteopathic Association
1998 - Bill Moyer, CAE, Oklahoma Municipal League
1996 - Richard L. Hess, CAE, Richard Hess & Assoc.
1995 - Leigh Nichols, CAE, American Auto Manufacturers Assn
1994 - Bob Berry, CAE, Oklahoma Dental Assn 1993 - Stan Orr, CAE, ASAE Fellow, National Assn of Legal Secretaries
1992 - Pat Hall, CAE, ASAE Fellow, Oklahoma Public Employees Association

Association Professional of the Year

Both chief staff officers and other association staff members are eligible to receive the Association Executive of the Year Award. This award is presented to recognize outstanding accomplishments in association management as well as significant contributions to the association community.

2023 - Josh Reasnor - Independent Insurance Agents of Oklahoma
2022 - Lynn Means - Oklahoma Dental Association
2021 - Kari Webber, CAE - Oklahoma Academy of Family Physicians
2020 - Patti Colley, CMP, IOM - Oklahoma Restaurant and Hotel Associations
2019 - Doug Tapp, AGC of Oklahoma
2018 - Dan Yates, Ground Water Protection Council
2017 - Mita Bates, CCE, Ardmore Chamber of Commerce
2016 - Heatherlyn Burton, CAE, Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians
2015 - Janice Bunting, National Weather Association
2014 - Cheryl Harder, Oklahoma Association of Career and Technology Education
2013 - Melissa Hunt, American Institute of Architects, Oklahoma Chapter
2012 - Jan Gilmore Loftis, Gilmore Communications
2011 - Greta Stewart, MPH, CAE—Oklahoma Primary Care Association
2010 - Scott DeWald, Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association
2009 - J. Scott Hopkins, Oklahoma Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association
2008 - Craig Buford, CAE, Community Bankers Association of Oklahoma
2007 - Danna Fowble, The State Chamber
2006 - Ronn Cupp, The State Chamber
2005 - Matt Robison, CAE, The State Chamber
2004 - Tina Gilliland, CAE, Bartlesville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
2003 - Brian Foy, Oklahoma State Medical Association
2002 - Janis Hutson Reeser, Oklahoma Bankers Association
2001 - Charlotte E. Edwards, CAE, Oklahoma Vocational Assn
2000 - Lynette McLain, Oklahoma Osteopathic Association 
1999 - Ken Moore, CCE, The State Chamber
1998 - Jane Nelson, Oklahoma Vocational Association 
1996 - Lyle Kelsey, CAE , Oklahoma State Medical Association
1995 - Debra Bailey, CAE, EVP, Oklahoma Restaurant Assn

Key Award

Both professional and affiliate members may receive the OSAE Key Award. This award is normally presented to recognize one significant event or contribution which benefits either the association community or the community in general.

2023 - Oklahoma State Medical Association
2022 - Better Business Bureau of Central Oklahoma
2021 - Heatherlyn Burton, CAE, Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians
2020 - Brian Ferrell, CMP, DMCP, factor 110
2019 - Joel Robison, Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians
2018 - Charlie Swinton, BancFirst
2017 - Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association
2016 - Terry Lanham, CHSP, CTA, Edmond Convention and Visitors Bureau
2015 - Debbie Hickman, Woodward CVB
2014 - Scott Dewald, Rural Enterprises Oklahoma
2013 - Mark Thomas, Oklahoma Press Association
2012 - Cheryl Harder, Oklahoma Association of Career & Technical Education
2011 - Lee Ann Potter—Event 1
2010 - Marke Burroughs, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
2009 - Jeanine Fuller, Renaissance Oklahoma City Hotel and Spa
2008 - Tracy Boyd, CHSP, Holiday Inn-Oklahoma City Airport
2007 - Tawni Phelan, CMP, Oklahoma Society of CPAs
2006 - Terry Phillips-Billen, Oklahoma Osteopathic Association
2005 - Jimi Layman, Oklahoma Municipal League
2004 - Sheri Boeckman, Oklahoma Association of REALTORS®
2003 - Lyle Kelsey, CAE, CMBE, Oklahoma State Bd of Medical Licensure & Supervision; Tina Gilliland, Bartlesville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
2002 - Ronn W. Cupp, The State Chamber
2001 - Kris Sanders, Oklahoma Press Association
2000 - Sam Wade, National Rural Water Association
1999 - Sam Blackstock, CAE, Oklahoma Academy of Family Physicians
1998 - Paul Matthews, Highway Users Federation of OK
1995 - Elden G .Roscher, Oklahoma Grocers Assn (posthumous) Michele L. Clark, CAE, Oklahoma Assn of Home Care
1994 - Leigh Nichols, CAE, American Auto Manufacturers Assn
1993 - Danna Fowble, Tulsa CVB Dianne Davis, Tulsa CVB
1992 - Bob Berry. CAE, Oklahoma Dental Assn

Strategic Partner of the Year

Only strategic partner (affiliate) members of OSAE are eligible to receive this award. The award recognizes contributions to OSAE, the association community, as well as outstanding service to the recipient’s, employer and industry.

2023 - Jennifer Alexander, Embassy Suites Norman Hotel and Conference Center
2022 - DeeDee Devore, Sheraton Downtown Oklahoma City
2021 - Keith Talbert, Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau
2020 - Taylor Mauldin Wagner, Visit Norman
2019 - Ezra Poindexter, Sheraton Oklahoma City Downtown
2018 - Kristen Vencl, Tulsa Convention and Visitors Bureau
2017 - Michael Farr, CASE, CGMP,  Hyatt Regency Tulsa
2016 - Cindy Peebles, CAE, enSYNC Corporation
2015 - Jennifer Beale, Beale Professional Services
2014 - Tanya Bethel, Doubletree Hotel at Warren Place
2013 - Marcy Jarrett, Visit Enid
2012 - Terry Lanham, Edmond CVB
2011 - Marke Burroughs—Hard Rock Casino & Hotel Tulsa
2010 - Shannon Brown, Embassy Suites Norman Hotel & Conference Center
2009 - Sheila Smith, Embassy Suites Norman
2009 - Brian Ferrell, CMP, factor 110
2008 - Robin Mickel, CMP, PDC Productions
2007 - Sarah Spinks
2006 - Jennifer Elcyzyn, Renaissance Oklahoma City Convention Center Hotel and Courtyard by Marriott Downtown
2005 - Patrick Boylan, PDC Productions
2004 - Kristie Suttee, Doubletree Downtown Tulsa
2003 - Charles Swinton, BancFirst
2002 - Tracy Blair, Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites
2001 - Rick Secrest, Adam's Mark Hotel Tulsa
2000 - Tom Schwinden, The Westin, Oklahoma City
1999 - Lee Ann Potter, Tulsa Marriott Southern Hills
1998 - Reed Downey, Jr., Reed Downey Insurance Co. 
1996 - Stan Barnett, Midwest Decorating
1995 - Stephanie Knowles, Doubletree Hotel Downtown
1994 - Terry Phillips-Billen, Hilton Inn NW
1993 - Teri Williams, Stillwater National Bank
1992 - Sonny Jordan, Shangri-La

Excellence in Community Development & Service

2023 - Roberta Helsley - Oklahoma Restaurant Association
2022 - Joel Robinson, Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians
2021 - Visit Edmond
2020 - Oklahoma Society of CPA's Financial Literacy Committee
2016 - Terry Lanham, CHSP, CTA, Edmond Convention and Visitors Bureau
2015 - Lynn Means, Oklahoma Dental Association
2014 - Charlie Swinton, BancFirst
2012 - Tawni Phelan, CAE, CMP, Oklahoma Society of CPAs Donna Broughton, CMP, Oklahoma Society of CPAs and Amy Welch, CAE, APR, Oklahoma Society of CPAs
2011 - Steve McKinley - Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association

Excellence in Innovation

2023 - Mashell Sourjohn - AARP Oklahoma
2022 - Dr. Nicole Van Every, National Weather Association
2021 - Ashley Armstrong, factor 110
2020 - Oklahoma Museum Association
2017 - Melanie Henry, AARP
2015 - Oklahoma City CVB, Norman CVB, and Edmond CVB
2013 - Keith Burgin, Oklahoma Press Association
2012 - Amy Welch, Oklahoma Society of CPAs
2011 - Julie Myers—Oklahoma Nurses Association

Excellence in Member Recruitment & Retention Campaign

2023 - Melissa Wilkerson - Oklahoma Ready Mixed Concrete Association
2018 - Debra Bailey, CAE, Oklahoma Restaurant Association
2016 - Jennifer Beale, Beale Professional Services
2014 - Danna Fowble, IOM, Solutions 501 Association Management and Consulting
2013 - Dallas Henderson, Oklahoma Cattleman's Association
2012 - Patrick McGregor, Oklahoma Association of Career & Technical Education
2011 - Dallas Waters—Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association

Excellence in Communication & Publication

2022 - Karlie Hart, Oklahoma Restaurant Association
2020 - Healthier Oklahoma Coalition
2018 - Hulda Johannsdottir, National Weather Association
2016 - Jerry Hymer, Hymer Photography
2015 - Chislom Kinder, Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association
2013 - Roy Lee Lindsey, Oklahoma Pork Council
2012 - Jennifer Gilliland, Oklahoma Press Association Excellence in Member Education and Outreach
2011 - Paul Jackson, American Farmers and Ranchers

Excellence in Member Education/Outreach Program

2021 - Joy McGill, AARP Oklahoma

Rookie of the Year

1994 - HR Holman, National Guard Assn
1993 - Dawn Shelton, Richard Hess & Associates
1992 - Dan Fitzpatrick, Richard Hess & Associates