top of page
Image by Peter Pryharski

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  

Duane Roberson.jpg

CACTA CTE Champion

​

​

2026 Winner: Heather Keeton,

State Manager of Education Partnerships

EF Tours

HK.jpg

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

​

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 

DN.jpeg
KS.jpeg

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.

bottom of page