November Chapter Experience Luncheon
November 19, 2026
Film in Fort Worth: Where Film Production Meets Event Production
Don't Miss This Unique Program. Register Today!

MPI DFW Holiday Party: Timeless Traditions, Bright Beginnings
December 8, 2026
Our Next Chapter Starts With a Celebration!
Count Me In!

 

 

Colleen Rickenbacher Leadership Award

A Leader is one who KNOWS the way, GOES the way and SHOWS the way.
        John C. Maxwell

ANNOUNCING THE CALL FOR NOMINATIONS FOR THE
“2027 COLLEEN RICKENBACHER LEADERSHIP AWARD”

Earning a professional certification promotes industry standards, practices and ethics, and establishes commitment as an industry leader. The MPI D/FW chapter has long honored its members who hold industry certifications with a special event – the CMP & CMM Breakfast. It is at this event that we present one of our highest leadership awards to an outstanding meeting professional.

Nominations are now being accepted for this year’s “2027 Colleen Rickenbacker Leadership Award", a legacy award recognizing an MPI D/FW member for a career of outstanding leadership contributions, commitment to education, and advocacy in the cause of professional certifications. Help us recognize the outstanding leaders of our chapter by completing the nomination form below for this esteemed award. Nominations are due no later than FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2026.

AWARD CRITERIA
To qualify for this prestigious award, the Nominee is a Leader who:
  • Is an MPI D/FW chapter member in good standing,
  • Holds a current CMP or CMM designation or both,
  • Has a history of service to the Chapter,
  • Champions education as a pathway to success as indicted by their professional development activity, and by their encouragement of others as indicated by their role(s) as a leader, mentor or educator,
  • Sets high ethical standards for themselves and others when in a leadership role,
  • Serves as a role model and inspiration for others in the industry.

Click  HERE to review eligible members

Past Award Recipients

2026     Paola Bowman, CMP Fellow, CMM, ESPC 
2025     Cori Dossett, CMP Fellow, CEM, CITP2009      Hattie Hill, CMM
2024     Charlene Edwards, CMP2008      Jim Monroe, CMP, CSeP
2023     Gail Grogan, CMP, CMM2007      Steven G. Foster, CMP
2021     Amanda Wells, CMP2006      Betty Garrett, CMP
2020     Sherry DeLaGarza, CMP, CMM2005      Dana Rhoden, CMP, CMM
2019      Tony Cummins, CMP, CMM2004      Sally Goldesberry, CMP, CMM
2018      M.T. Hickman, CMP CPECP2003      Bill Boyd, CMP, CMM, CITE
2017      Tamra Gaines, CMM      2002      Mary Lynn Novelli, CMP
2016      Dara Hall, CMP, CMM2001      Phillis Firebaugh, CMP
2015      Peg Wolschon, CMP, CTA2000      Pat McCain, CMP
2014      Wendy Foster, CMP1999      Colleen Rickenbacher, CMP, SCEP, CPC, CTA, CPECP

 

All finalists will be recognized, and the award will be presented, at the 2027 CMM & CMP Breakfast mid March. Help us recognize the outstanding leaders of our chapter by completing the nomination form below to nominate an industry colleague for this esteemed award.

Nominations due: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2026.
Qualifying nominees invited to formally apply for the CRLA Award: Week of December 14, 2026
Applications due:  TUESDAY, JANUARY 5, 2027.

Please direct any questions regarding nominations to the 2026 Colleen Rickenbacher Leadership Award recipient and 2027 Colleen Rickenbacher Leadership Award Chair - Paola Bowman, CMP Fellow, CMM, ESPC at paola@arlington.org.

Nominations are due no later than 5:00pm Central time, on FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2026.

2027 Colleen Rickenbacher Leadership Award

2027 Colleen Rickenbacher Leadership Award 

Nominations are now being accepted for this year’s Colleen Rickenbacher Leadership Award, a legacy award recognizing an MPI D/FW member for a career of outstanding leadership contributions, commitment to education and advocacy in the cause of professional certifications. Nominations are due no later than 5:00pm on Wednesday, December 23, 2026. Three finalists will be selected by the Past Recipients Panel, and the 2026 award recipient will be announced at the Annual CMP & CMM Recognition Breakfast Event scheduled for March 2027. Watch your email for more event details.


AWARD CRITERIA

  • To qualify for this prestigious award, the Nominee is a Leader who:
  • Is an MPI D/FW chapter member in good standing,
  • Holds a current CMP or CMM designation or both,
  • Has a history of service to the Chapter,
  • Champions education as a pathway to success as indicted by their professional development activity, and by their encouragement of others as indicated by their role(s) as a leader, mentor or educator,
  • Sets high ethical standards for themselves and others when in a leadership role,
  • Serves as a role model and inspiration for others in the industry.
  • Previous CRLA recipients and members of the MPI DFW Office of the President Board members are ineligible.


Connect with Us

Job Postings


MORE JOBS