2026 Leadership Award Winners
FSAE presented its most prestigious Leadership Awards at its recent Annual Conference held at the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld. These awards recognize individuals and organizations for their leadership, dedication, and professionalism both within FSAE as well as their own organizations.
The 2026 Award Winners are:
Executive of the Year: Russ Webb, CAE
Executive Director
Bay Area Apartment Association; Tampa, FL
Russ Webb, CAE has worked in the association space for over 25 years, serving as the Executive Director for the Bay Area Apartment Association since 2020. A member of FSAE since moving to Florida in 2020, Russ was elected to the FSAE Board of Directors in 2023 and has served on numerous FSAE Committees. Russ has guided BAAA to doubled membership and revenue, record-breaking events, launched a training center and strengthened the organization’s finances in his short time with the organization.
The Executive of the Year Award honors an association executive who has displayed the highest commitment to professional growth and dedication to advancing the association management profession.
Associate of the Year: Mary Bales
Senior Account Executive - Association
Marriott International; Orlando, FL
Mary Bales has worked in the hospitality industry for over 30 years. She currently serves as a Senior Account Executive – Association for Marriott International. A member of FSAE since 2019, Mary recently served as the 2026 Annual Conference Co-Chair as well as participating in numerous FSAE Committees. Recognized for exceeding revenue goals, Mary fosters industry relationships, mentors colleagues, and demonstrates a strong commitment to the association industry and community.
The Associate of the Year Award honors an association supplier whose dedication and leadership also advances the industry.
Frank Rudd Rising Star: Quan Remmer
Vice President of Strategic Partnerships
Suncoast Tampa Association of Realtors, Tampa, FL
Quan Remmer has worked in the association space for three years as well as serving in local non-profit leadership roles. A member of FSAE since 2025, Quan has served on FSAE Committees as well as volunteering for other professional organizations. Quan has contributed to his organization’s sponsorship growth and member engagement, notably increasing non-dues revenue by 159%.
The Frank Rudd Rising Star Award honors an association professional and/or supplier member who contribute significant time and talent to ensure FSAE’s continued success.
Association of the Year: Florida Association of Free and Charitable Clinics
Palm Coast, FL
Since 2013, the Florida Association of Free and Charitable Clinics has strengthened access to healthcare for uninsured and underserved Floridians by administering millions of dollars in grant funding and providing advocacy, education, and data support to more than 110 member organizations serving communities across all 67 counties.
Association of the Year honors an organization that demonstrates outstanding efforts, excellence and innovation.
Supporting Associate Organization of the Year:
Expo Auctions
ExpoAuctions.com
Expo Auctions is a full-service auction management company dedicated to helping the association industry connect with their fundraising potential. Working with associations nationwide, Expo Auctions continues to help organizations maximize silent and live auction revenue and exceed fundraising goals.
Supporting Associate Organization of the Year honors an organization that demonstrates outstanding efforts, excellence and innovation.
"Congratulations to this extraordinary group of professionals," said FSAE Chair Erin Ballas, QAS, AE-MBA. "These honorees embody why FSAE feels less like an organization and more like a family – a group of people genuinely invested in each other's success. Their leadership shines a light on our profession and our communities, and we look forward to celebrating their achievements throughout the year."
Each year FSAE recognizes individuals for their leadership, dedication, and professionalism both within FSAE as well as their own organizations. Each recipient is nominated by their peers and selected by committee-review according to strict criteria of excellence and achievement. Award recipients’ professionalism and leadership are evident in both services to the association management profession and to the local community.
Congratulations to our Winners!
Photos by Copeland Productions