Past Winners
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IFEA Volunteer of the Year Winners

The IFEA is proud to recognize these outstanding event volunteers whose unselfish and dedicated service to their festival or event has made a significant difference in their community. To learn more about each winner, a detailed biography and their video (if available) has been provided. Please take a moment to learn more about their contributions.
2026

2026

Terry Madigan
Pasadena Tournament of Roses
Pasadena, CA, USA
<A HREF="https://files.ifea.com/Awards/2026IFEAVolunteeroftheYear-Terry%20Madigan-TOR--TEXT-FOR-WEBSITE.pdf" TARGET="_blank">Read Bio</a>
<A HREF="https://youtu.be/s-GUV6LHj5I" TARGET="_blank">View Video</a>
2025

2025

Robert H. Grenfell, Jr.
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
Philadelphia, PA, USA
<A HREF="https://files.ifea.com/Awards/IFEA-SecurEventSolutionsVolunteeroftheYear-2025RobertGrenfell.pdf" TARGET="_blank">Read Bio</a>
<A HREF="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXPq938e5Wk" TARGET="_blank">View Video</a>
2024

2024

Stevan Ryan
Kansas City Irish Fest
Kansas City, MO, USA
<A HREF="https://files.ifea.com/Awards/IFEA-VolunteeroftheYear-SponsoredbySecurEventSolutions-2024-StevanRyan.pdf" TARGET="_blank">Read Bio</a>
<A HREF="https://youtu.be/UCTDwE__iwM" TARGET="_blank">View Video</a>
John White

2023

John White
The Parade Company
Detroit, MI
<A HREF="https://files.ifea.com/Awards/IFEA-VolunteeroftheYear-2023-JohnWhite.pdf" TARGET="_blank">Read Bio</a>
<A HREF="https://youtu.be/H-PVCoBUkVM" TARGET="_blank">View Video</a>
2022

2022

David Williams
Lago Fest
City of Lago Vista
Lago Vista, TX
<A HREF="https://files.ifea.com/Awards/IFEAVolunteeroftheYear-2022-DavidWilliams.pdf" TARGET="_blank">Read Bio</a>
<A HREF="https://youtu.be/TnRiH01TVkI" TARGET="_blank">View Video</a>
2019

2019

LuAnn Chapman Gatts<br>Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau<br><A HREF="http://files.ifea.com/Awards/IFEA-Zambelli-VolunteeroftheYear-2019LuAnnChapmanGatts.pdf" TARGET="_blank">Read Bio</a><br><A HREF="https://youtu.be/9uw983LXgcQ" TARGET="_blank">View Video</a>
2018

2018

Jean Lawler<br>North Carolina Azalea Festival<br><A HREF="http://files.ifea.com/Awards/2018-JeanLawler-VolunteeroftheYear-MoreDetails.pdf" TARGET="_blank">Read Bio</a><br><A HREF=" https://youtu.be/0RpRSed8PKI" TARGET="_blank">View Video</a>
2017

2017

Becky Browder<br>Riverbend Festival<br><A HREF="http://files.ifea.com/Awards/IFEA-Zambelli-VolunteeroftheYear-2017BeckyBrowder.pdf" TARGET="_blank">Read Bio</a><br><A HREF=" https://youtu.be/74TOpCviTz0" TARGET="_blank">View Video</a>
2016

2016

Barbara Ehrlich<br>National Cherry Blossom Festival<br><A HREF="http://files.ifea.com/Awards/IFEA-Zambelli-VolunteeroftheYear-2016-BarbaraEhrlich.pdf" TARGET="_blank">Read Bio</a><br><A HREF=" https://youtu.be/XQ0l91aL7e8?list=PLu39ksqZrtqQUYN-R87seNM92Xbv2rCkj" TARGET="_blank">View Video</a>
2015

2015

Marinus Rouw (D)<br>Skagit Valley Tulip Festival<br><A HREF=" IFEA-Zambelli-VolunteeroftheYear-2015-MarinusRouw.pdf" TARGET="_blank">Read Bio</a><br><A HREF=" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ljtetstvec" TARGET="_blank">View Video</a>
2014

2014

Mary Bernaski (D)<br>BorderFest/Festival of Lights<br><A HREF="http://files.ifea.com/Awards/IFEA-Zambelli-VolunteeroftheYear-2014-MaryBernaski.pdf" TARGET="_blank">Read Bio</a><br><A HREF="http://bit.ly/1pD17PC" TARGET="_blank">View Video</a>
2013

2013

Christopher Protho, M.Ed.<br>Music for All<br><A HREF="http://files.ifea.com/Awards/IFEA-Zambelli-VolunteeroftheYear-2013-ChristopherProtho.pdf" TARGET="_blank">Read Bio</a><br><A HREF="http://youtu.be/YuNshWdwe_k" TARGET="_blank">View Video</a>
2012

2012

Charlie Clint<br>Portland Rose Festival Foundation<br><A HREF="http://files.ifea.com/Awards/IFEA-Zambelli-VolunteeroftheYear-2012-CharlieClint.pdf" TARGET="_blank">Read Bio</a><br><A HREF="http://youtu.be/-shOSG1LHX4" TARGET="_blank">View Video</a>
2011

2011

Alex Freeman (D)<br>Kentucky Derby Festival<br><A HREF="http://files.ifea.com/Awards/IFEA-Zambelli-VolunteeroftheYear-2011-AlexFreeman.pdf" TARGET="_blank">Read Bio</a><br><A HREF="http://youtu.be/QWviLyqy2QM" TARGET="_blank">View Video</a>
2010

2010

Mary Jo Sartain<br>Tulsa International Mayfest<br><A HREF="http://files.ifea.com/Awards/IFEA-Zambelli-VolunteeroftheYear-2010-MaryJoSartain.pdf" TARGET="_blank">Read Bio</a>
2009

2009

Gayl Doster<br>Music for All<br><A HREF="http://files.ifea.com/Awards/IFEA-Zambelli-VolunteeroftheYear-2009GaylDoster.pdf" TARGET="_blank">Read Bio</a>
2008

2008

Randy Hawthorne<br>Updowntowners Inc.<br><A HREF="http://files.ifea.com/Awards/IFEA-Zambelli-VolunteeroftheYear-2008RandyHawthorne.pdf" TARGET="_blank">Read Bio</a>
2007

2007

Dave Carter<br>Wichita Festivals Inc.<br><A HREF="http://files.ifea.com/Awards/IFEA-Zambelli-VolunteeroftheYear-2007DaveCarter.pdf" TARGET="_blank">Read Bio</a>
2006

2006

Doreen Ravenscroft<br>Waco Cultural Arts Festival<br><A HREF="http://files.ifea.com/Awards/IFEA-Zambelli-VolunteeroftheYear-2006DoreenRavenscroft.pdf" TARGET="_blank">Read Bio</a>
2005

2005

Lisa Collins<br>Memphis in May International Festival<br><A HREF="http://files.ifea.com/Awards/IFEA-Zambelli-VolunteeroftheYear-2005LisaCollins.pdf" TARGET="_blank">Read Bio</a>
2004

2004

Ray Griffin (D)<br>Cityfolk<br><A HREF="http://files.ifea.com/Awards/IFEA-Zambelli-VolunteeroftheYear-2004RayGriffin.pdf" TARGET="_blank">Read Bio</a>
2003

2003

Tad Fraizer<br>Updowntowners<br><A HREF="http://files.ifea.com/Awards/IFEA-Zambelli-VolunteeroftheYear-2003TadFraizer.pdf" TARGET="_blank">Read Bio</a>
2002

2002

John Altadonna<br>Autumn Leaf Festival<br><A HREF="http://files.ifea.com/Awards/IFEA-Zambelli-VolunteeroftheYear-2002JohnAltadonna.pdf" TARGET="_blank">Read Bio</a>
2001

2001

John Johnson<br>SunFest<br><A HREF="http://files.ifea.com/Awards/IFEA-Zambelli-VolunteeroftheYear-2001JohnJohnson.pdf" TARGET="_blank">Read Bio</a>

Questions?

Contact: Nia Hovde, CFEE, Vice President/Director of Marketing & Communications, at Email: awards@ifea.com.


Sponsored by SecurEvent Solutions

The IFEA Volunteer of the Year Award is sponsored by SecurEvent Solutions. The cross-over between security services and event volunteers is integral to ensuring the smooth and safe operation of any event. While security services provide professional expertise in safeguarding attendees and assets, volunteers play a crucial role in supporting various logistical and operational aspects of the event. Together, they form a cohesive team dedicated to creating a secure and enjoyable environment for all attendees. The collaboration between security services and volunteers highlights the importance of community engagement and cooperation in fostering a positive event experience. Sponsoring the IFEA Volunteer of the Year Award demonstrates a commitment to recognizing the significance of volunteers and bolstering the mission of each event through active support.

For more information on SecurEvent Solutions, go to: www.secureventsolutions.com
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