
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
2026 Winner: Duane Roberson
Executive Director, Student Pathways
District 11

CACTA CTE Champion
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2026 Winner: Heather Keeton,
State Manager of Education Partnerships
EF Tours

Past Winners
2025: Marv Lewis, FutureForward Washington Square
2024: Dr. Tiena McConnell, Pickens Tech
2023: Buck Webber, St. Vrain School District
2022: Mary Krisko, Peyton School District
2021: Kristi Weaver, Adams 12 Five Star Schools
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Past Winners
(Previously Friend of CACTA)
2025: Anthony Durst
2024: Austin White, Iron Buffalo Diesel
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
2026 Winner: Debbie Newton
Partner of Legislative Compliance
Cherry Creek School District
CACTA Inclusion, Access, Equity & Diversity Champion
2026 Winner: Kerith Stuebinger
Assistant Director of Post Secondary Readiness
Douglas County School District


Past Winners
2025 Kelsey Burger
2024: Rebecca Albert Vollrath
2023: Ron Hruby, Director of CTE Adams
2022: Tessa Gargano, Assistant Principal FutureForward Washington Square
2021: Jessica McAllister, Lewis Palmer
Past Winners
2025: Dr. Lilana Renteria Mendoza
2023: Sarah Heath, State CTE Director & Associate Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs
2022: Chris Duran, Assistant Principal, FutureForward Bollman Adams 12
This is a new award created in the 2022 school year.