Awards & Recognitions
The CACTA Awards program seeks to promote excellence in career and technical education by recognizing individuals in the following categories:
CACTA Administrator of the Year: CACTA member who has made significant contributions to the field of career and technical education, whose programs exemplify the highest standards, and/or whose institutions have conducted activities to help promote and expand career and technical programs.
CACTA Emerging Leader: Newer CACTA member who has shown growth and initiative in their CTE role.
CACTA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Champion: CACTA member who is doing great work to ensure equitable access and support.
CACTA CTE Champion: Industry leader, legislator or vendor who has contributed to the advancement of CTE.
CACTA Administrator of Year
2024 Winner: Dr. Teina McConnell
Picken Technical College, APS
CACTA CTE Champion
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2024 Winner: Austin White
Iron Buffalo Diesel
Past Winners
2023: Buck Webber, St. Vrain School District
2022: Mary Krisko, Peyton School District
2021: Kristi Weaver, Adams 12 Five Star Schools
2020: Nikki Carter, Widefield School District
Past Winners
(Previously Friend of CACTA)
2023: Bill Cherington, Director of IT Services, Red Rocks Community College
2022: Nikki Lester, zSpace
2021: Lisa Seaman, Workforce Manager for Construction Education Foundation
CACTA Emerging Leader
2024 Winner: Rebecca Albert Vollrath
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CACTA Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Champion
2023 Winner: Sarah Heath
State CTE Director & Associate Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs
Past Winners
2023: Ron Hruby, Director of CTE Adams
2022: Tessa Gargano, FutureForward Washington Square Adams 12
2021: Jessica McAllister, Lewis Palmer
2020: Jessica Bright, Cherry Creek Schools
Past Winners
2022: Chris Duran, FutureForward Bollman Adams 12
This is a new award created in the 2022 school year.