The Irvin Katz Memorial Award
Irvin W. Katz, one of the founding members of IECA, lived his life in service to others as a mentor to countless consultants and as a steward for community volunteerism.
In 2006, his family established The Irvin Katz Memorial Award to honor those members of IECA who make extraordinary voluntary contributions of their time and talents to community organizations that benefit the educational needs, health and well-being of all our children. The Katz Award is presented annually at the IECA Conference, recognizing a member's significant charitable volunteer efforts on behalf of a nonprofit organization. The recipient of this prestigious award will receive $2,000 to be donated to the nonprofit they have supported. This award serves as an opportunity to celebrate individuals who embody the spirit of service that Irvin so passionately represented.
Nominate a deserving consultant today and help us honor the enduring legacy of Irvin W. Katz by highlighting the incredible impact our members have within their communities!
Nominations are due no later than Friday, April 11, 2025.
Recipient Qualifications
Professional Member or Associate Member with at least 5 years-membership to IECA—regardless of Professional or Associate designation.
Nominations are for individuals, not companies. Note: an exception could be made if a company and all of its consultant employees/partners have contributed significantly to the development or expansion of a project.
Demonstrated significant community service with a nonprofit organization that aligns with IECA Foundation’s mission- to help underserved youth and young adults map pathways to success.
A recipient of the Katz Award cannot be nominated again for a period of time of 5 years.
If nominated for the award, but not a recipient, a person can be nominated again the following year.
Personal volunteer work to a nominee’s child’s school, to their church or synagogue should not be considered unless it is a special project that benefits the community as a whole.
Questions? Contact IECA Foundation Program Director, Rachel Herman
2025 Recipient
Elizabeth Hall
Elizabeth Hall
The IECA Foundation is thrilled to announce that IECA Professional Member Elizabeth Hall has been selected as the 2025 Katz Award recipient in recognition of her dedicated service to underserved students through Friends in Action New Hampshire.
Receiving the Katz Award reflects the values that guide Elizabeth’s work every day: compassion, integrity, and the belief that all learners deserve to be understood and celebrated.
Friends in Action’s mission is to enhance the lives of people with developmental disabilities by creating inclusive social and recreational opportunities.
Learn more about Friends in Action New Hampshire here!
Past Recipients
2023 - Marcy Beatty, Guilford A Better Chance
2023 - Sarah Rickelman, Guilford A Better Chance
2022 - Marilyn O'Toole, AXS Foundation
2021 - Antoinette Battiste, Ivy & Pearls Foundation
2020 - Jo Leonard, The R.J. Leonard Foundation
2019 - Kathy Rose, CollegeCommunityCareer
2018 - Brenda Gerhardt, SchoolHouse Connection
2017 - The Possibility Project
2016 - Kristina Dooley, College Now Greater Cleveland
2016 - Renee Joseph, On Point for College