Distinguished Leadership Award

By establishing the National Coffee Association Distinguished Leadership Award, the NCA seeks to acknowledge individuals who have selflessly given their time and talents to enhance the National Coffee Association and the coffee industry.

Description of the Award
The National Coffee Association Distinguished Leadership Award is given to an individual who has demonstrated extraordinary leadership, service, advocacy, and engagement to advance both the National Coffee Association (NCA) and the coffee industry. The recipient of this special honor has demonstrated exemplary leadership, service, and commitment to the NCA and the coffee industry by promoting and advancing NCA's mission; contributing to the advancement of the coffee industry; and going above and beyond what one may usually undertake. The award is for continuous and sustained leadership, service, and contributions, rather than for a single act, no matter how monumental.

Nominee's Eligibility Requirements:

• The nominee must be a current or prior member of the NCA in good standing.
• No restrictions as to the classification of membership.
• The nominee must be widely regarded as possessing integrity, honesty, and the respect of his/her peers.
• This is an individual award. Companies are not eligible.
• The nominee may be living or deceased.
• The timeframe of the nominee's contribution(s) is open-ended.
• Current members of the NCA Board of Directors are not eligible for consideration during their term of office. Nomination of a prior board member cannot occur until the candidate has left the Board.
• Award recipient or a representative, on behalf of the Award recipient, must be available for the Awards Presentation during the NCA Annual Convention.

Nomination Process:

• For each Distinguished Leadership Award nominee, a minimum of four (4) nominations is required, but a maximum of five (5) nominations can be submitted, by NCA members in good standing.
• Required Nominations:
• One (1) Lead Nomination.
• Three (3) Supporting Nominations.
• Additional Nominations (Not Required):
• There may be one (1) additional Supporting Nomination submitted.
• Nominees may also be identified and submitted by NCA staff.
• Self-nominations are not accepted.
• Nominations may be made to present the award posthumously.
• Nominations must be in English.
• Nominations must contain sufficient information to inform the NCA Awards Committee without additional research.

See the Terms and Conditions for full details, including judging, selection, and notification processes, and NCA Distinguished Leadership Award recipient benefits.

Questions? Contact Terri Bartlett, Director of Member Relations, at (646) 924-4039 or trbartlett@ncausa.org.

Important Dates and Deadline
For nominees to be considered as award recipients at the next NCA Annual Convention, nominations must be submitted to the NCA by November 26, 2024.

Awards Presentation: Friday, March 7, 2025. The Awards Presentations will take place during the Friday Luncheon & Awards Presentation at the 2025 NCA Convention.

Application Process

Volunteer of the Year Award

Description of the Award
The National Coffee Association Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding volunteer who stands out for his/her overall leadership and contributions during the past year.

Nominee's Eligibility Requirements:

• The nominee must have worked for an NCA member company during the year in which they are nominated.
• The nominee must demonstrate exemplary volunteerism leadership and serve as a positive example to others while advancing the mission of the association.
• Recognition can be for a single contribution.
• Current members of the NCA Board of Directors are not eligible for consideration during their term of office. Nomination of a prior board member cannot occur until the candidate has left the Board.
• Award recipient or a representative, on behalf of the Award recipient, must be available for the Awards Presentation during the NCA Annual Convention.

Nomination Process:

• For each Volunteer of the Year Award nominee, a minimum of one (1) nomination by an NCA member in good standing is required, but a maximum of five (5) nominations by NCA members in good standing can be submitted.
• Required Nominations:
• One (1) Lead Nomination.
• Additional Nominations (Not Required):
• Up to Four (4) Supporting Nominations.
• Nominees may also be identified and submitted by NCA staff.
• Self-nominations are not accepted.
• Nominations must be in English.
• Nominations must contain sufficient information to inform the NCA Awards Committee without additional research.

See the Terms and Conditions for full details, including judging, selection, and notification processes, and 2025 NCA Volunteer of the Year Award recipient benefits.

Questions? Contact Terri Bartlett, Director of Member Relations, at (646) 924-4039 or trbartlett@ncausa.org.

Important Dates and Deadline
For nominees to be considered as award recipients at the next NCA Annual Convention, nominations must be submitted to the NCA by November 26, 2024.

Awards Presentation: Friday, March 7, 2025. The Awards Presentations will take place during the Friday Luncheon & Awards Presentation at the 2025 NCA Convention.

Application Process