Dedicated Volunteers Honoured with IMA Spirit Awards

The Incentive Marketing Association’s Chapters and Strategic Industry Groups (SIGs) each recognised a member volunteer for their time and contributions toward furthering the organisation’s global mission.

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22 July 2026 – One of the ways the Incentive Marketing Association (IMA) advances its mission of promoting incentives and recognition to improve business performance worldwide is through the commitment of dedicated member volunteers. The IMA’s Chapters and Strategic Industry Groups (SIGs) recognised outstanding volunteers with Spirit Awards at the annual IMA Summit earlier this week, held at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront.

Spirit Award recipients are selected by the Chapter and SIG presidents in recognition of individuals who have made significant contributions to the IMA and Chapter or SIG through volunteer service.

IMA Europe

Jimena Pierdant, Cashwave, Nominated by Vera Barovska, Ovation Incentives

“Jimena Pierdant, president of IMA Latin America, is doing an amazing job flying the IMA flag in the region. She worked tirelessly to build credibility and enthusiasm from the beginning, laying a strong foundation for the chapter and assembling an outstanding board to help lead its continued success.”

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IMA MIDDLE EAST, AFRICA & ASIA PACIFIC (IMA MEAPAC)

Noha Gamaleldeen, IMA MEAPAC, Nominated by Debbie Ghillino, The Incentive Company

“Noha goes above and beyond the call of duty. No task is ever too small, and she is passionate about all aspects of growing the chapter, including social media, membership, website, summit, and reporting. She is the lifeblood of the chapter, and it wouldn’t be nearly as effective without her.”

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IMA LATIN AMERICA (IMA LATAM)

Cristiano Miano, CPIM, CRP, Digi, Nominated by Jimena Pierdant, Cashwave

“Cristiano has been a pioneering force in establishing and growing the community in LATAM. Through his visionary leadership, innovation, and decades of expertise in marketing, technology, and engagement, he’s advanced the profession, inspired industry growth, and created lasting impact by championing collaboration, education, and excellence.”

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INCENTIVE & ENGAGEMENT SOLUTION PROVIDERS (IESP)

Pam Pelino, CRP, One10, Nominated by Vince Chiofolo, Fluz

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INCENTIVE GIFT CARD COALITION (IGCC)

Tiffany Perry, Nominated by Anne Jetter, SB Collectiv

“Tiffany has been an active and dedicated member of the IMA and IGCC since 2022. In August of 2025, she was elected to the IGCC Board of Directors, and her contributions have been significant. She also serves on four IGCC Committees, demonstrating her continued commitment to the organization. She is co-chair of the Sponsorship and Membership Committees and contributes significantly to the Education and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB) Committees.”

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INCENTIVE TRAVEL COUNCIL (ITC)

Lori Cassidy, CIS, Gift A Trip, Nominated by Todd Tomlin, IP, Memorii

“Lori has played a pivotal role in the re-launch of ITC and has made significant contributions over the years. She was instrumental in driving membership growth in 2025 and exceeding our sponsorship goals in 2026. Additionally, she has provided a consistent and influential voice for the industry while supporting individual incentive travel. Through her educational efforts for ITC members and her advocacy for the importance of incorporating individual incentive travel into programs, Lori has made a lasting impact.”

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INCENTIVE MERCHANDISE TO REWARD & APPRECIATE (IMRA)

Melissa Fleming, DPI, Inc. (Digital Products International, Inc.), Nominated by Ivory Alexendar, MAS, Inc.

“Melissa is present mentally and physically in every meeting she attends. Talking with Melissa makes you want to work harder to help deliver what she’s trying to achieve. From working to help drive membership to being proactive about getting more bodies on the Conference Planning Committee, I have not seen her fumble too many opportunities. There's nothing more powerful than someone who can lock in, deliver a message, lead with passion, and accomplish goals.”

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RECOGNITION PROFESSIONALS INTERNATIONAL (RPI)

Cori Champagne, CRP, SHRM-CP, MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), Nominated by Kimberly Huffman, CRP, VCA Animal Hospitals

“Cori volunteered to lead RPI’s first intentional outreach initiative at SHRM, taking the project from concept to completion. Her leadership resulted in more than 125 new connections, creating meaningful momentum for our organisation. She also played a pivotal role on our business development team, leading our pilot for strategic communications and outreach to current and prospective members. Through innovative targeting, thoughtful messaging, and data-driven metrics, she helped us test new approaches that are already shaping how we engage with our community. Cori's passion, organisation, and commitment to excellence inspire everyone around her. She consistently steps forward to take on new challenges, and her leadership has made a lasting impact on our association.”

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View all IMA Summit Award winners on the IMA website.

Awards Event Title Sponsor

About IMA

The Incentive Marketing Association (IMA) connects members from leading companies across the global incentive marketplace to create a unified voice and growth for the industry. Members have the expertise, leading brands, and services to help companies improve their business strategies with reward, recognition, loyalty, and engagement programs.

IMA is the umbrella organisation for the Incentive & Engagement Solution Providers (IESP), Incentive Gift Card Coalition (IGCC), Incentive Merchandise To Reward & Appreciate (IMRA), Incentive Travel Council (ITC), Recognition Professionals International (RPI), IMA Europe, IMA Latin America (IMA LATAM), and IMA Middle East, Africa & Asia Pacific (IMA MEAPAC).

Contact: Haley Smith • [email protected] • +1 (952) 928-4685