The Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ® National Convention is all about growth, offering knowledge that will improve the experience for drivers, volunteers, and spectators alike. But none of that is to say that Region leaders in Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ’s 115 Regions aren’t already excelling – and for that, we need to celebrate.

At each year’s Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ National Convention, two sets of awards are offered for exactly that reason. The Tom Burke Awards and Region of the Year Awards are presented to Small, Medium, Large, and Jumbo Regions that shined during the prior year, with this year’s presentation taking place on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, at 4 p.m. CT. There, Chris Robbins, Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ’s Director of Region Development, recognized the Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Regions that went above and beyond in 2023.

Tom Burke Awards

The Tom Burke Awards are presented to Regions for exemplary efforts to activate and grow the Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ. Formerly named the Chairman’s Award prior to 1987, one award is given to the RE of a Region in each of the Region size categories from the preceding year.

The awards are given in honor of Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ member Tom Burke. His love of Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ and passion for what we do not only ignited in others a desire to become Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ members, but also served as a call to engage in Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ activities. Mr. Burke’s ambassadorial approach to prospective and current members served as a model for the spirit of the Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ.

Winners
Jumbo: Ohio Valley Region – Zee Hardesty, Regional Executive
Large: Lone Star Region – Nadja Pollard, Regional Executive
Medium: Blue Ridge Region – Rob Leslie Jr., Regional Executive
Small: Old Dominion Region – Mark Sanetrik, Regional Executive

Region of the Year Awards

The Region of the Year Award gauges the Region’s management team performance relating to Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ’s Goals and Business Strategies (Member Experience, Operational Excellence, and Program Development). Winning Region leadership teams are fully engaged with their members and also participate regularly in the quarterly Region RE calls with the Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ National Office to stay abreast of news and changes, communicating that insight with their members. They also run as many programs as possible, often more than other Regions of their size.

Winners
Jumbo: Houston Region – Zachary Fox, Regional Executive
Large: St. Louis Region – Matt Pirrello, Regional Executive
Medium: Phoenix AZ Solo Region – Kevin Venisnik, Regional Executive
Small: Eastern Idaho Region – Seth Feuerborn, Regional Executive

Watch It Again!

The entire awards presentation can be viewed below, or by .

Illustration by Waldryano