Donohue

Graham

Josten

CEO Update has announced the recipients of the 2014 Association Leadership Awards, in the program's inaugural year. Honorees will receive the awards Oct. 14 at a luncheon to be held at the JW Marriott Grand Ballroom.

Honorees are:
• Trade Association CEO of the Year - Tom Donohue, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
• Professional Society CEO of the Year - John Graham, ASAE
• Association Lobbyist of the Year - Bruce Josten, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

An independent selection panel of association experts announced the winners May 14.

Nominations came to CEO Update from every corner of the association space in April in response to a widespread call for candidates in March. The online nomination form yielded highly detailed submissions, keyed to the clearly defined association leadership criteria below. A slate of finalists was forwarded to the panel, who made the final selection.

Association attorney Art Herold, panel chair, said, "There were many excellent individuals nominated for the awards. The panel reviewed the accomplishments of each nominee and selected the individual they thought was the most outstanding. The three winners have had long and distinguished careers and continue to be leaders in their fields."

The panel selected by CEO Update consisted of representatives from the major association search firms, former association CEOs and attorneys who represent associations. CEO update selected a knowledgeable and independent group of individuals with years of experience in the association community to choose the first group of winners of this award.

In addition to Herold, partner at Webster, Chamberlain & Bean, the panel included:
• Red Cavaney, former president and CEO, American Petroleum Institute
• Tom Dolan, former president and CEO, American College of Healthcare Executives
• Denise Grant, managing director, recruitment firm Russell Reynolds Associates
• Leslie Hortum, partner, recruitment firm Spencer Stuart
• Nels Olson, vice chairman and co-leader, board & CEO Services Practice, Korn Ferry
• Charles Tate, managing partner, public accounting firm Tate & Tryon
• Jeff Tenenbaum, partner and chair, Nonprofit Organizations Practice Group, Venable
• Jim Zaniello, president and founder, search firm Vetted Solutions

Two subject specialists joined the other members to select the winner in the association lobbyist division:
• David Rehr, former president and CEO, National Association of Broadcasters
• John Motley III, founder, lobbyist, Policy Solutions

Criteria for CEO candidates
• Success over the last 12 to 18 months, as well as the entirety of the executive's career
• Effectiveness in presenting the industry/profession story
• Reputation for accomplishing association mission
• Proven leadership ability in and outside the group
• Successful financial bottom-line results
• Social capital: Volunteer contribution to association-related, charitable or civic groups

Criteria for Lobbyist of the Year
• The last 12 to 18 months, the particular focus, but also consideration of career accomplishments.
• Demonstrates quantifiable progress on a legislative or regulatory issue advocated on behalf of the association.
• Demonstrates the ability to identify, understand and communicate effectively the best arguments for the association's public policy and legislative positions.
• Continually builds, maintains and grows strong relationships with elected and appointed officials on behalf of the association.
• Holds a leadership or significant position on behalf of the association in a coalition or campaign on behalf of the association's major issue or issues.
• Demonstrates ability to win and maintain the confidence of the association's membership.
• Respected for effectiveness, honesty and integrity on Capitol Hill and within the Administration and the association community.
• Significantly contributes to the communications ability and the public visibility of the association.

In the last five years, CEO Update has been spotlighting the best practices of top CEOS and lobbyists in print and online. The awards program, in its inaugural year, is a logical evolution of the publication's service to the association community.

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About CEO Update: The online and print publication that covers association news and executive careers, CEO Update is the acknowledged authority for information on associations and nonprofits.

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