A Message from the 2026 Foundation of NACE President
As we step into 2026, I want to extend my sincere thanks to the NACE community for your continued support of the Foundation of NACE. It is truly an honor to serve as your 2026 Foundation President, and I am excited to build upon the strong momentum created by those who came before me.
I would like to begin by thanking Kevin Dennis, CPCE, CWIP for his leadership and dedication during his year as 2025 Foundation President. Kevin’s steady guidance and continued support of the Foundation’s mission helped maintain our progress and prepare us for the year ahead. I would also like to extend heartfelt thanks to Timothy Lam, CHT, CGSP, CPGE, CWIP, for his many years of service and support on the Foundation Board of Trustees including serving as President of the Foundation of NACE in 2020. His time, insight, and advocacy have played a meaningful role in advancing our work, and we are deeply grateful for his contributions as he concludes his 10 years of service on the board.
It’s also my pleasure to welcome our two newest trustees to the Foundation Board: Amber Allen, CPCE, Director of Food & Beverage at Hotel Valley Ho, and Leigh Tidwell, CSEP, Vice President of Sales – Events for AFR Furniture Rental. Their energy, expertise, and enthusiasm will bring fresh perspective and momentum to the Foundation’s mission.
Reflecting on 2025, we are inspired by the generosity of this community and all our donors who made a remarkable year of impact possible. In celebration of the Foundation’s 40th anniversary, our 40 for 40 campaign was a tremendous success! Together, we surpassed our goal and raised more than $30,000 to support scholarships and educational initiatives. We also doubled the number of Speaker Series grants, awarding 21 grants totaling $10,500, and provided four scholarships to students and professionals valued at over $21,000. Since 2008, the Foundation has awarded nearly $340,000 in scholarships, helping open doors to education and leadership development for individuals across the industry.
As we look ahead, 2026 will be a year focused on thoughtful stewardship, continued growth, and empowering our community to Lead in ways that create lasting impact. By strengthening pathways for sustained support and long-term investment, the Foundation is focused on ensuring that today’s generosity becomes tomorrow’s opportunity.
I am proud to serve alongside an engaged Board of Trustees and in partnership with NACE leadership as we continue strengthening the Foundation’s role in supporting the next generation of industry leaders.
Thank you for supporting the Foundation of NACE and for being such an important part of this community, one that genuinely cares for and invests in those in our amazing industry.
With Excitement and Appreciation,
Karen Tucker, CPCE
President, Foundation of NACE