Previous Award Winners

FSAE 2023 Leadership Award Winners

FSAE presented its most prestigious Leadership Awards at its recent Annual Conference held at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point in Bonita Springs. These awards recognize individuals for their leadership, dedication, and professionalism both within FSAE as well as their own organizations.

The award winners for 2023 are:

Larry DarnellExecutive of the Year: Larry Darnell, MBA, CAE; Director of Information Systems, Florida Dental Association, Tallahassee
Larry Darnell, MBA, CAE has worked in associations for over 28 years, with the last 14 as the Director of Information Systems for the Florida Dental Association. A member of FSAE since 2015, Larry serves as Secretary of the FSAE Board of Directors as well as serving on numerous FSAE Committees.
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. 

Mary GuptaAssociate of the Year: Mary M. Gupta, CMP; Director of National Accounts, Visit Tampa Bay, Tampa
Mary Gupta, CMP has worked in the hospitality industry for over 15 years. She currently serves as the Director of National Accounts for Visit Tampa Bay. A member of FSAE since 2011, Mary has served on several FSAE Committees and was recently elected to serve on the FSAE Board of Directors.
The Associate of the Year Award honors an association supplier whose dedication and leadership also advances the industry.  

FL Senior Living AssociationAssociation of the Year: FL Senior Living Association, Tallahassee
The Florida Senior Living Association has been proudly representing professionally-managed senior assisted living, memory care and independent living communities throughout Florida. The Association serves 475 community members and 38,500 of Florida’s seniors.
Association of the Year honors an organization that demonstrates outstanding efforts, excellence and innovation. 

OPAL Collection PropertiesSupporting Associate Organization of the Year: OPAL Collection Properties
The Opal Collection by Ocean Properties represents twenty (20) Florida resorts and has been supporting FSAE and the association community consistently for over 25 years through membership and multiple sponsorships. Opal also gives back to its numerous resort beach communities through partnerships for coral reef restoration and sea turtle education.
Supporting Associate Organization of the Year honors an organization that demonstrates outstanding efforts, excellence and innovation.

Adrienne Bryant
FSAE Award of Excellence: Adrienne Bryant, CAE; Program Director, CCXP; Customer Experience Professionals Association
Adrienne Bryant, CAE was recognized as a long-time, dedicated member, volunteer and leader of FSAE through the FSAE Award of Excellence.

 

"There is no greater honor than to be recognized by your peers for your commitment and dedication to your profession,” said FSAE Chair Keyna Cory. “These individuals and companies represent professional excellence and exemplary leadership at the highest level of the association management industry. They are the best in our profession, and deserving of these honors. Congratulations!"

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