Previous Award Winners

FSAE 2025 Leadership Award Winners

FSAE presented its most prestigious Leadership Awards at its recent Annual Conference held at the Hilton West Palm Beach. These awards recognize individuals and organizations for their leadership, dedication, and professionalism both within FSAE as well as their own organizations.

The 2025 award winners are:

Crissy Tallman

Executive of the Year: Crissy Tallman, CMP, CAE, CEM; Vice President: Conventions, CE and Component Strategy, Florida Dental Association; Tallahassee, FL
Crissy Tallman, CMP, CAE, CEM has worked in the association space for over 25 years, with the last 15 focusing on planning events/meetings for Florida Dental Association. A member of FSAE since 2013, Crissy served as FSAE 2024-25 Chair of the 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. 

Michelle Waddell

Associate of the Year: Michelle Waddell; Sales Manager, Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach; Daytona Beach, FL
Michelle Waddell has worked in the hospitality industry for over 20 years. She currently serves as a Sales Manager for the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach. A member of FSAE since 2014, Michelle recently served as Conference Co-Chair in 2024 as well as participating in numerous FSAE Committees. She is the recipient of the 2018 FSAE Associate Rising Star Award. 

The Associate of the Year Award honors an association supplier whose dedication and leadership also advances the industry.  
 

Amanda White

Frank Rudd Rising Star: Amanda White, CAE; Vice President, Florida Apartment Association; Maitland, FL
Amanda White, CAE has worked in the association space for over 10 years as well as serving in state government public policy roles. A member of FSAE since 2022, Amanda has served on several FSAE Committees including 2024-25 Co-Chair of Government Affairs Committee.

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.

 

Jeremy MercadoFrank Rudd Rising Star: Jeremy Mercado; Account Executive, Audio Visual Connection; Tampa, FL
Jeremy Mercado has worked in the event technology industry for over 14 years. A member of FSAE since 2021, Jeremy has served on several FSAE Committees including as Co-Chair for the 2025 Annual Conference.

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.

 

Marty Bear

FSAE Award of Excellence: Marty Bear; President, PMSI PROMOS; Monroe, CT
Marty Bear has been a member of FSAE since 2010 and an active member, supporter and sponsor for over 15 years. He has served on the Membership and Associate Advisory Committees for over 5 years.
The FSAE Award of Excellence recognizes a long-time, dedicated member, volunteer and supporter for their continued service to the association.

 

Apt Assn of Greater OrlandoAssociation of the Year: Apartment Association of Greater Orlando, Maitland, FL
The Apartment Association of Greater Orlando is dedicated to advancing and upholding the integrity of the multi-family housing industry through education, advocacy, collaboration, and leadership. Founded in 1972, AAGO represents apartment communities, owners, managers, developers, suppliers and professionals in Central Florida.

Association of the Year honors an organization that demonstrates outstanding efforts, excellence and innovation. 

The Palm Beaches

Supporting Associate Organization of the Year: The Palm Beaches, West Palm Beach, FL
The Palm Beaches is the official destination marketing organization charged with promoting Palm Beach County as a leisure travel and meetings destination. The organization is tasked with growing visitation and the local tourism economy for the collection of 39 cities and towns in the County.

Supporting Associate Organization of the Year honors an organization that demonstrates outstanding efforts, excellence and innovation.

“Congratulations to this extraordinary group of professionals. Their hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed and their award well deserved,” said FSAE Chair Stephanie Thomas, CAE, CMP. “They not only shine a light on their profession but their communities as well.  We are proud of their contributions to FSAE and 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