Beverly Babb Award For Extraordinary Service
In 2012, the Beverly Babb Award for Extraordinary Service was created and awarded to Beverly Babb, CAE for her commitment to the advancement of the Global Speakers Federation. The Beverly Babb Award recognizes the service of individuals who have contributed strongly to the foundational growth of the GSF and/or the member associations.
This award recognizes individuals who typically serve “behind the scenes” without the expectation of recognition or reward. They may not be well known across borders or even in their home association but have contributed extraordinarily to the growth, strength, and substance of the organization.
The award is bestowed to a member or staff person of a GSF association.
The recipient will have actively contributed a high level of service for a minimum of three consecutive years.
Recipients must have maintained active membership or employment in their GSF association for more than four years cumulatively.
The recipient(s) may be selected by the sitting GSF President and should be individuals that receive the strong endorsement of the GSF Presidential Leadership team. The GSF President may solicit suggestions from the Presidents of member associations but is not required to do so.
The award can be presented for past service as deemed appropriate even if the recipient is no longer actively serving. The award may be bestowed posthumously.
2023
Sylvie di Giusto
The prestigious 2023 Beverly Babb Award for outstanding achievement and excellence is presented to Sylvie di Giusto. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Sylvie for this well-deserved honor!
2022
Catherine Palin-Brinkworth, CSP
The 2022 Beverly Babb Award was given to Catherine Palin-Brinkworth – Congratulations! Catherine is a huge contributor, both within her home association (Professional Speakers Australia – PSA) and the GSF. She just never says no! Since being GSF President in 2003 – 2004, Catherine has continued to serve in many ways. Over the last several years, she chaired the Global Speaking Fellow Committee and helped bring structure, refine the process, and ensured all applicants went through the appropriate detailed review process. She also represented PSA on the CSP Harmonization project and worked tirelessly to ensure all key elements were in alignment for all parties and ensuring a strong CSP for the future.
Congratulations, Catherine, and many thanks for your huge contribution to the GSF over the years.
2021
Jonathan Low, CSP
Jonathan has consistently served both his home Association, Malaysian Association for Professional Speakers (MAPS), the Global Speakers Federation, and now the Virtual Speakers Association International (VSAI) for many years. He is a great role model for leaders within the international community and has served diligently in numerous roles since 2008. Jonathan’s 13 years of service to the GSF include:
2008 – 2011 - Malaysian Association for Professional Speakers (MAPS) Served as EXCO in different roles. National President 2010-2011. Board rep at GSF.
2012 – 2017 Global Speakers Federation (GSF) – (Treasurer, Secretary, Vice President, President-Elect, IPP). Global President 2015-2016.
2018 - Current Past President Councils at MAPS & GSF
2019 – 2022 VSAI – President (2020-2021)
Jonathan continues to nurture and develop association leaders especially at MAPS and provides on-going support to GSF Board members.
2020
Liz Weber, CSP
Liz has served tirelessly on the GSF Board of Directors during her term which started in July 2018. She is a contributor at every level and an advocate for the GSF, NSA and the profession. As part of her nomination, it was noted that Liz has made an amazing difference with our Strategic Plan and in how the GSF has organized itself. She has also helped in getting all of the Board members involved. Thank you Liz and congratulations on an award well deserved – and we know you will continue to contribute to the GSF!
2019
Martin Laschkolnig
The 2019 Beverly Babb Award was given to Martin Laschkolnig, who has just completed 10 years of service with the Federation. A past President of GSA, Martin has been a strong contributor to the GSF, serving as a member of the Steering Committee as well as the Finance Committee.
Congratulations, Martin, and many thanks for your huge contribution to the GSF over the years.
2018
Lindsay Adams, CSP, HoF, Global Speaking Fellow
Having completed 11 years of service with the Global Speakers Federation, the 2018 Beverly Babb Award was presented to Lindsay Adams. His support over many years has contributed strongly to the foundational growth of the Federation. He has served as National President of Professional Speakers Australia and also as past GSF President. During the past year, Lindsay has started some good work as chair of a standing committee, and he will continue this work in this coming term too. Thank you, Lindsay, for all you do and have done to support the Federation and our associations.
2017
Bob Parker, CSP
GSF recognized the contribution made by Bob in helping to create the new Board structure for the Federation. Fondly known as “Bylaw Bob”, he was also instrumental in crafting the Federation’s new Bylaw as well as Policies and Procedures.
2016
Paul ter Wal, CSP, FPSA
GSF recognized the contribution made by Paul in helping PSA Belgium become established and eventually break away from PSA Holland. He also acted as a resource/mentor to IP Brazil during their set up stage and into its inception. Paul also travelled to numerous GSF member association conventions this year, to support and be an ambassador of GSF (PSASA, PSA Holland, MAPS).
2013
Claudia Haider
President Lesley Everett recognized the contribution made by Claudia in creating, managing and growing the German Speakers Association (GSA) to the highest standards and levels of respect. During her time with the GSA she contributed on the GSF Executive Council and was a regular attendee at NSA and other GSF member association conventions.
2012
Beverly Babb, CAE
The Beverly Babb Award was created and awarded to Beverly Babb for her service and commitment to the advancement of the Global Speakers Federation.