View past award recipients HERE
The deadline for all nominations is FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2026.
CEFMA High Impact Award
The CEFMA High Impact Award was established to recognize an athletics administrator that has demonstrated exceptional performance over the past year in terms of facilities, event, or operational management in intercollegiate athletics.
Nominees will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Is a dues-paying member of CEFMA. Nominees MUST be a current dues-paying member of CEFMA in order to be considered.
- Nominees may include individuals that have a specific area of oversight in facilities, events, or operations or have a role on campus with oversight of more than one of these.
- Depending on the role of the individual this may include:
- Coordination and execution of responsibilities for one or multiple sports seasons.
- Consistency in executing intercollegiate athletics events or events utilizing athletic facility space (e.g. concerts, festivals, etc.).
- Development/execution of projects ranging from enhancement to renovation to major construction/capital projects.
- Demonstration of coordination of programs designed to enhance strategic and operational management.
- Development and implementation of policies and procedures aimed at enhancing the safety, security, and/or enjoyment of student-athletes, staff, and guests.
Nominees will be evaluated based on the body of work between January 2025 and February 2026. One (1) award winner will be selected and the nominee MUST have direct responsibilities in collegiate athletics facilities, events, or operational management.
As part of the award, the selected recipient will receive the following:
- 2026-27 CEFMA Membership
- Complimentary registration for the 2026 CEFMA Convention, June 7-10 in Las Vegas, NV
- Four (4) nights hotel accommodations at the NACDA Convention Hotel
- Travel stipend up to $800 (reimbursable following Convention)
- Public recognition during the 2026 CEFMA Convention
CLICK HERE to access the
CEFMA High Impact Award nomination form.
CEFMA Emerging Leader Award
The CEFMA Emerging Leader Award recognizes individuals with three (5) years of experience or less who have demonstrated exceptional performance and leadership potential within athletics facilities, events, or operations.
Nominees will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Nominees MUST be a current dues-paying member of CEFMA in order to be considered.
- Nominees may be an employee or graduate assistant with 3 years or less experience in events, facilities, or operations.
- The nominee may demonstrate:
- Leadership qualities that may lead to future success in the athletic facility, events, and operations industry.
- Impact and contributions to the department for one or multiple sport seasons or events utilizing athletic facility space (e.g. concerts, festivals, etc.).
- Contribution to special projects, facilities, or events.
Nominees will be evaluated based on the body of work between January 2025 and February 2026. One (1) award winner will be selected and the nominee MUST have direct responsibilities in collegiate athletics facilities, events, or operational management.
As part of the award, the selected recipient will receive the following:
- 2026-27 CEFMA Membership
- Complimentary registration for the 2026 CEFMA Convention, June 7-10 in Las Vegas, NV
- Four (4) nights hotel accommodations at the NACDA Convention Hotel.
- Travel stipend up to $800 (reimbursable following Convention)
- Public recognition during the 2026 CEFMA Convention
CLICK HERE to access the
CEFMA Emerging Leader Award nomination form.
For questions regarding the CEFMA awards or membership please contact,
Cam Trudell (
ctrudell@nacda.com) in the NACDA Office.
