SILA Awards

2025 Award Nominations

At this year’s SILA National Education conference, we will recognize individuals and organizations who have demonstrated outstanding dedication, service, and commitment to the success of SILA. 

To submit a nomination please complete the form available at this link. All nominations must be submitted by Friday, September 5.

Thank you all for your nominations! Please return next year as nominations are now closed.

SILA members are encouraged to submit the names of nominees to the Nominating Committee for eligibility and if qualified, the Committee will forward to the SILA Board of Directors for review and voting.

When completing the Awards Nomination Form, you’ll have the opportunity to indicate the reasons why an individual or company should receive an award.

  • Nominees must be active members of SILA.
  • Nominees for each award will be posted on the SILA website prior to the National Education Conference. One nominee will be selected for each award, and nomination, in itself, is a great honor.
  • Awards are presented at the SILA National Education Conference. Attendance is preferred, but not required.

This year, the following awards will be presented:

Continuous Service Award

Regulator Leadership Award

Outstanding Contributor of the Year Award

Organization of the Year Award

Empowerment Through Education Award

Continuous Service Award in honor of Diana Capes

(formerly the President's Award)

SILA appreciates our members whose unwavering dedication and sustained volunteer efforts exemplify the spirit of service. The Continuous Service Award celebrates an individual whose long-term commitment and active involvement have contributed to SILA’s mission and community. This award recognizes those who set a high standard of excellence through their tireless contributions and enduring impact.

Award Criteria:

  • Nominees must demonstrate consistent and meaningful volunteer service to SILA over an extended period
  • Nominees must be current, active members of SILA
  • Nominees must have at least two (2) years of experience in insurance licensing, securities registration, or a related field
  • Individuals who have received this award within the past five (5) years are not eligible

Regulator Leadership Award

(formerly the Warren Spruill Regulator Recognition Award)

The Regulator Leadership Award honors a regulatory professional who exemplifies leadership, collaboration, and forward-thinking to strengthen the relationship between the insurance departments and the licensing and/or securities industries. This award recognizes individuals who foster cooperation, promote education, build bridges between regulators and the industry, and drive positive change within the regulatory landscape.

Award Criteria:

  • Nominations must clearly outline the nominee’s contributions, such as initiatives that enhance communication, education, or awareness between regulatory bodies and industry stakeholders
  • Nominees must be current, active members of SILA
  • Nominees must have at least two (2) years of experience in insurance licensing, securities registration, or a related field
  • Individuals who have received this award within the past five (5) years are not eligible

    Outstanding Contributor of the Year Award

    (formerly the Robert Kennedy Appreciation Award)

    The recipient of the Outstanding Contributor of the Year Award celebrates a SILA member whose volunteer efforts during the year have made a meaningful and measurable impact. This award recognizes individuals who actively advance SILA’s mission and principles and strengthen the SILA community through their time, talent, and commitment.

    Award Criteria:
    • Nominees must demonstrate significant volunteer contributions to SILA during the year being recognized
    • Nominees must be current, active members of SILA
    • Nominees must have at least two (2) years of experience in an insurance licensing, securities, or a related field
    • Individuals who have received this award within the past five (5) years are not eligible

    Organization of the Year Award

    The Organization of the Year Award recognizes an exceptional organization that demonstrates outstanding leadership, commitment, and sustained service to the insurance and/or securities industries. This award recognizes organizations that actively contribute to industry advancement through collaboration, innovation, and support of SILA’s mission and values.

    Award Criteria:

    • Nominees may be carriers, agencies, chapters, solution providers, or volunteer teams who demonstrate dedication and continuous support and service to SILA
    • Nominees must have at least one active member of SILA
    • Organizations that have received this award within the past five (5) years are not eligible

    Empowerment Through Education Award

    (formerly the Bruce Saenger Education Award)

    The Empowerment Through Education Award honors an individual who demonstrates a passion for advancing education within the insurance and/or securities industries. This award recognizes someone who actively promotes learning and professional growth, inspires others through knowledge-sharing and has a strong dedication to elevating industry standards through education.

    Award Criteria:

    • Nominees must show a clear commitment to education in insurance and/or securities-related topics, including pre-licensing/pre-registration, continuing education and professional development.
    • Nominees must have attended at least one SILA National Education Conference or participated in at least 3 Chapter meetings
    • Nominees must have completed the SILA certification (3-course) program or obtained a SILA Designation
    • Nominees must be current, active members of SILA
    • Nominees must have at least two (2) years of experience in insurance licensing, securities registrations, or a related field
    • Individuals who have received this award within the past five (5) years are not eligible

    2025 Awards

    Previous Award Winners

    Award Lists