Legacy Award

SGMP is excited to announce the debut of the new Legacy Award. This award recognizes SGMP members, who over the course of their membership years with SGMP have made significant contributions to SGMP by volunteering with SGMP, assisting with the growth of SGMP, and proven their leadership skills with a dedication to the betterment and sustainability of SGMP.

Qualifications

• Nominee must be an active SGMP member and nominated by an SGMP member in good standing.
• Nominee must have a minimum of 10 years of SGMP membership as of the date of nomination.
• Nominee must have demonstrable contributions to SGMP.

SGMP encourages our members and leaders to nominate individuals for this new award. Nominations are due by December 20.

Nominate a member for the Legacy Award

2025 Recipients

Share an accomplishment that you are very proud of OR share your most unique experience as a meeting professional.
As mentioned above, I joined to learn how to plan a government event.  I took the Governor's Conference on Economic Development and increased it from 75 members in attendance to 1300 the largest year.  It now averages 500-700 and I planned this conference for 19 years, grew it, expanded it, and improved it over the years.  With all the new technology, contract changes, etc., it's imperative to stay current on planning any event much less a government event.

Who or what influenced you to become involved in the government meeting industry?
I was assigned the government market to "explore" as a junior sales manager for the Regal Bostonian Hotel and it flourished quickly.  Soon I was making trips to our Nation's Capital and quickly realized it was a market I loved and wanted to be closer to. Wound up moving to DC more than twenty years ago.

How would you prepare for future success in the government meeting industry?
Preparing for success in the government meeting industry all starts with SGMP. I encourage new members to be outgoing and get involved, as these are professionals who will continue to move our Society forward in positive directions.

How would you prepare for future success in the government meeting industry?
I plan to stay connected with SGMP and building stronger relationships with peers, clients, and industry leaders while staying attuned to trends will also ensure I remain adaptable and innovative for the future.

Share an accomplishment that you are very proud of OR share your most unique experience as a meeting professional.
In SGMP I am very proud to have served on the chartering committee for the Rocket City Alabama Chapter.   I am also very proud to have served on the National Board for over five years.   I was honored to have been chosen as a String of Pearls Leader for the Tennessee Valley.  

Who or what influenced you to become involved in the government meeting industry?

Initially at the beginning of my career when I was a hotelier, I attended more than a half dozen industry organization meetings before committing to joining any. Once I attended my first SGMP NATCAP meeting, I immediately knew that SGMP was where I wanted to be!

Share an accomplishment that you are very proud of OR share your most unique experience as a meeting professional.
Over 10 years of successful meetings in the government/military market as a supplier, Receiving the Sam Gilmer Supplier of the Year, and having the opportunity to move into a government/military meeting planner position.

Who or what influenced you to become involved in the government meeting industry?
Well, meeting planning was an "other duties as assigned" function in my job description, so I learned how to do it as I went along.  I was very fortunate that a hotelier that I worked with early on turned me on to SGP, and that was the best thing that every happened to me as far as my "career" in meeting planning is concerned.

Why have you continued your membership with SGMP?
The bonds you form with other SGMP members is like no other! I have friends all over the United States! The education is great too! The NEC is the best conference I have ever attended.

Who or what influenced you to become involved in the government meeting industry?
I joined SGMP in 1987, shortly after I was assigned to plan a conference by my boss, for a new organization for managers at state agencies in Colorado. During the planning process, a sales manager from one of the hotels mentioned SGMP and recommended I check it out. Shortly after that, I received a flyer for a FAM trip to Grand Junction, CO, sponsored by the chapter. It was my first exposure to a professional association and what they could offer. I joined and began attending monthly meetings regularly.

How would you prepare for future success in the government meeting industry?
To have anyone who works in the government sector in the civilian side and military side to have everyone acquire the CGMP certifications that can only be obtained as a member of the Society of Government Meeting Professionals

2024 Recipients

Tecumseh Yvette Deloney CMP, CGMP

ZERO TO THREE
National Capital Chapter

Why have you continued your membership in SGMP?

As the years went by, realized my ROI had become greater than I could have ever imagined.  Becoming involved with the Chapter, signing up for the Leadership Development class, contracting business with SGMP Supplier Members, running for chapter board positions [never imagining I would one day serve as the Chapter President] and years later elected to serve four two-years terms on the National Board and currently serving as a Gilmer Institute of Learning Trustee.  I'm an avid believer, you must invest in the organization to reap the benefits.  SGMP offers a variety of opportunities for members through education, networking, and leadership.

Carolyn Barrett CGMP, CHSP

Visit Kenner
Louisiana Chapter

Why have you continued your membership in SGMP?

The friendships and relationships I have made within this group are priceless.  My husband and I have moved around the country and at each stop I was welcomed at the local SGMP chapter with open arms.

Mr. Timothy S. Perry

Minnesota Department of Transporation (retired)
Northern Lights Chapter

How would you prepare for future success in the government meeting industry?

You have to stay current and avail yourself of any and all educational opportunities.

Marie Cicogni

Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown Arena
Golden State Chapter

Why have you continued your membership in SGMP?

Primarily the professional relationships and lifelong friendships formed over the years. Additionally, the opportunity to be involved with a group of people determined to continue providing the best possible learning and networking environment for Chapter members. I want the opportunity to serve and give back to our chapter in whatever way I can.

Dr. James Louis Moran Jr.

FAMU College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Florida Capital Chapter

How would you prepare for future success in the government meeting industry?

I will apply all that I have learned through SGMP to my future endeavors, including state government, private entities, and community organizations with which I have memberships.  It continues to benefit me greatly by spreading the knowledge to those I come in contact with.

Melody Kebe CMP, CGMP

Retired Government Planner
National Capital Chapter

Why have you continued your membership in SGMP?

I am very passionate about SGMP and have learned so much from both fellow planner and supplier members over the course of 30 years as a member.  More importantly, are the relationships built and witnessing the hard work done by others that make an impact in the meetings industry.

Chele A Clark CGMP

Rocky Mountain Chapter

Why have you continued your membership in SGMP?

I believe in mission of SGMP.  We need to continue to educate both our planners and suppliers. The rules and regulations are ever changing and planners and suppliers need to be on top of that. The next generation of planners and suppliers need the foundation that SGMP has created to help them have successful, elegant and cost effective meetings.

Kristi Reed

The Grand Hotel in Salem
Greater Oregon Chapter

Why have you continued your membership in SGMP?

I have been a member for going on 30 years.  Besides making lifelong friendships, the GOSGMP chapter has built its foundation on supporting each other, learning from each other and empowering each other.  Education has played a huge part on how to work together in a successful way.  Things change all the time and keeping up on "what's happening now" benefits both sides of the relationship (suppler/planner).  It's been in-valuable.  We have an amazing chapter and I look forward to its continued success.

Stephanie Wohlfert CMP, CTA

Choose Lansing
Michigan Chapter

Why have you continued your membership in SGMP?

I maintain my membership in SGMP because it provides me with incredible networking opportunities and outstanding education sessions which enhance my professional development and leadership skills.

Michelle Chiaravalli MSW, LMSW, CGMP

Third Circuit Court - Family Assessment Services
Michigan Chapter

Why have you continued your membership in SGMP?

SGMP is a family.  I am very thankful for all the friendships and business relationships I have developed over the years in SGMP.

Laurie Anne Nickson CMP, GMS

Michigan SGMP
Michigan Chapter

How would you prepare for future success in the government meeting industry?

I have retired from the industry but remain an active member of MiSGMP/SGMP, encouraging and mentoring members, and potential members, to take advantage of the leadership, networking, and professional development opportunities to support their personal and professional success as well as the success of the industry.

Pat Walters Burch CGMP, GMS, CHDT

The Burch Group
Rocket City Alabama Chapter

How would you prepare for future success in the government meeting industry?

Certifications and participation. You must be present to win and advance.  Attend events even if you don't think there will be a direct benefit.  It's usually at those times that serendipity is at its highest influence.

Debbie A Kopkau MBA, CAE, CMP, GMS

Michigan School Business Officials (MSBO)
Michigan Chapter

How would you prepare for future success in the government meeting industry?

We need to continue to keep the information flowing between planners and suppliers in an organization like MiSGMP. I continue to teach others about industry standards while sharing the successes and challenges that I have faced in my 30-year career. This industry is not something that people seek out to do but it is very rewarding and humbling and needs to be boasted.