A Network of the National Association of State Treasurers
A Network of the National Association of State Treasurers

About the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators

Awards and Recognition

Recognizing excellence in unclaimed property administration

Each year, the NAUPA Executive Committee seeks nominees from State Treasurers, treasury and network staff, and Corporate Affiliates for the following awards to be given out during the NAUPA Annual Conference at the Treasury Management Training Symposium. The Executive Committee selects award winners from all the candidates nominated.

NAUPA Lifetime Achievement Award

The NAUPA Lifetime Achievement Award is the association’s highest honor, presented to individuals who have worked diligently in the unclaimed property arena for many years. Recipients have excelled in their careers inside and outside of their state or corporate boundaries.

Congratulations to our 2023 Winner – Kelly Kuracina, Assistant Bureau Director, Office of Unclaimed Funds,
New York Office of the State Comptroller

“Kelly’s achievements are too many to mention. Her tireless work for New York and NAUPA are well known, but it is her unfailing good nature, wit, and intellect that make her an instant resource to any state, holder, or person she comes in contact with.”

John DeMarco
Kelmar Associates, LLC
2022
G. Allen Mayer
Illinois
2021
Kathleen Lobell
Louisiana
2020
David Milby
Avenu Insight & Analytics
2019
Hon. Don Stenberg
Nebraska
2018
John Gabriel
Tennessee
2017
Ken Wagers
Kelmar Associates
2017
Walter Graham
Florida
2016
Carolyn C. Atkinson
West Virginia
2015
Allen Martin
North Carolina
2015
Rachel Lewis
Alaska
2013
Hon. John D. Perdue
West Virginia
2012
William F. Slade
Unclaimed Property Clearinghouse
2012
Hon. Michael D. Fitzgerald
Iowa
2011
Laywon Boatner
Texas
2009
Valerie M. Jundt
North Dakota
2008
Lynden Lyman
The Unclaimed Advisor
2008
Barbara Rice
South Carolina
2008
Benny Spann
Louisiana
2008
Vicki D. Bridgeman
Virginia
2007
Robert D. Krenkowitz
New Jersey
2007
Mel Kurman
New York
2007
Paula Y. Smith
Texas
2007
Patrick Tate
Oregon
2007
Elaine Walker
Texas
2007
Patty White
Colorado
2006
David J. Epstein
Unclaimed Property Clearinghouse
2000
R. Terry Allen
North Carolina
2000
Marcella Easly
Oregon
1999
Judy Franchi
Massachusetts
1999
Vivian E. Herbert
Virginia
1998
Mark Cavanagh
Massachusetts
1998
Lorin Nielsen
Unclaimed Property Clearinghouse
1997

NAUPA Presidential Distinguished Service Award

Recipients of this award have demonstrated superior service and dedication to the association’s mission and goals—based on time, effort, and willingness to contribute wherever needed.

Congratulations to our 2023 Winner – Danielle Anthony, Deputy Treasurer, Nevada State Treasurer’s Office

“Danielle’s leadership as the chair of the Audit community and her work during the NAUPA Strategic Planning is deserving enough of this award, but she also manages the multiple projects being done by the Audit sub-committees while balancing her new role as the deputy treasurer of Nevada’s unclaimed property program.”

Kathy Janes
Oklahoma
2022
Kathleen Lobell
Louisiana
2021
Mark William Bracken
Massachusetts
2020
Allen Martin
North Carolina
2019
Carolyn Atkinson
West Virginia
2017
Phillip Carlton
Florida
2016
John Gabriel
Tennessee
2015
Hon. Don Stenberg
Nebraska
2014
Stephen Larson
Iowa
2013
Scott McGregor
South Dakota
2012
Betty Martin
Alaska
2011
G. Allen Mayer
Illinois
2010
Hon. Beth Pearce
Vermont
2009
Barbara Rice
South Carolina
2008
Nancy Russell
Wyoming
2007
Ron Schubin
New York
2006
Hon. Jeb Spaulding
Vermont
2005
George Tamayo
Texas
2003
Patrick Tate
Oregon
2002

NAUPA UP and Comer Award

Recipients of this award will be new staff who jump in and get involved with the organization.

Congratulations to our 2023 Winner – Laura Hudson, Director of Internal Operations, Maine

“Laura’s work as the Communications Committee chair and her enthusiasm and passion for unclaimed property make her a very well deserving winner of this award.”

Jeff Chetkauskas
Maine
2022

NAUPA Corporate Affiliate Award

Recipients of this award will be corporate affiliates who have partnered with our association to demonstrate the superior services that come from public/private partnerships and foster cooperation towards the association’s mission and goals.

Congratulations to our 2023 Winner – Charles Hellman, Managing Director, Government Solutions, 
Kroll Government Solutions

“Charles has been a longtime supporter of NAUPA. The legal expertise he provides our legal and audit committees and willingness to assist states and NAUPA initiatives makes him a very well deserving winner of this award.”

Suzanne Darling
Kelmar Associates, LLC
2022

Committee Awards

2023 – TBD

Service to State

2023 – TBD

Innovator Award

2023 – TBD