The DAMA International Achievement Awards recognize outstanding contributions and excellence in the field of data management. These prestigious awards celebrate individuals and organizations that have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and dedication to advancing the discipline of data management. By honoring these achievements, DAMA International seeks to inspire and acknowledge those who have significantly impacted the global data management community, furthering the mission of improving data practices and enhancing the profession worldwide.
The awards are a testament to the commitment and passion of those who strive to elevate data management standards. Recipients of the DAMA International Achievement Awards are distinguished not only by their technical expertise but also by their ability to influence positive change within the industry. Whether through pioneering new methodologies, advocating for best practices, or mentoring the next generation of data professionals, these individuals and organizations embody the values of DAMA International and serve as role models for the global data management community. Through this recognition, DAMA International aims to highlight the importance of continuous learning, innovation, and collaboration in the ever-evolving data management landscape.
Purpose and Scope
The DAMA International Awards Committee is established to oversee the administration and adjudication of awards programs within DAMA International, not including the Chapter Awards. The committee is responsible for recognizing and honoring individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of data management.
Composition
The Awards Committee consists of the following members:
Peter Vennel, VP Operations - Co-Chair
Loretta Mahon-Smith, Past President - Co-Chair
Cathy Nolan, VP Conference Services
Grace Capreol, Individual Central Standard Member
Alejandro Garza, Individual Central Standard Member
Taisei Yoshimura, Member DAMA Japan
Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain award criteria, categories, and eligibility requirements in alignment with DAMA International's mission and values.
- Solicit nominations for awards from DAMA International members and the broader data management community.
- Review and evaluate award nominations based on established criteria, ensuring fairness, impartiality, and transparency in the selection process.
- Select award recipients through a deliberative process that considers the significance and impact of their contributions to the field of data management.
- Coordinate the presentation of awards at DAMA International conferences, events, or other appropriate forums.
- Promote awareness of the awards program and encourage nominations from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
- Provide feedback and recommendations for improving the awards program based on lessons learned and feedback from stakeholders.
- Maintain records of past award recipients and ensure proper documentation of the awards process.
| DATE | EVENT |
| 16 SEP 2024 | Open nominations form on dama.org 00:01 UTC |
| 30 OCT 2024 | Close nominations form on dama.org 23:59 UTC |
| 04 NOV 2024 | Open the Nominee Detailed Criteria forms 00:01 UTC |
| Notify nominees of validations | |
| 19 DEC 2024 | Close the Nominee Detailed Criteria forms 23:59 UTC |
| 14 FEB 2025 | Communication with the finalists |
| JUN 2025 | Physical awards presented at EDW in Anaheim |
- Repeat wins in the same category are not allowed to help spread recognition among different participants and encourage new winners each year.
- Nominators are limited to one per category
- Winners must be present to accept the award
- Self-nominations are not accepted
Individual Achievement Award – Academia
The Individual Achievement Award in Academia for Data Management recognizes excellence across several domains: innovative research, marked by groundbreaking theories and high-impact publications; securing prestigious research grants; excellence in teaching and curriculum development, along with effective mentorship of students; professional contributions through leadership roles in organizations, conference participation, and editorial duties; practical impact via industry collaboration, technology transfer, and community engagement; and service through notable awards, institutional contributions, and peer recognition. Additionally, the award acknowledges cross-disciplinary research and collaborative projects that highlight the versatility of data management applications.
Individual Achievement Award – Industry
The Individual Achievement Award in Industry for Data Management recognizes excellence in innovation and implementation, demonstrated through the development and execution of groundbreaking data management solutions, effective strategies, and contributions to patents and intellectual property. It also emphasizes measurable business impacts such as increased revenue, cost savings, and strategic contributions to organizational goals. Leadership and collaboration are highlighted by formidable team management, cross-functional integration, and industry involvement. The award also values robust data governance, high ethical standards, and compliance with regulations. Additionally, it acknowledges continuous professional development, advocacy, mentorship, and contributions to the field through publications and speaking engagements. Peer recognition, influence on industry standards, and active community engagement are also key criteria.
Achievement Award – Organization
The Achievement Award for Organizations in Data Management recognizes excellence in several areas: innovation and technology, marked by the implementation of cutting-edge solutions, successful integration of data management across the organization, and significant R&D investments; business impact, demonstrated through business transformation, financial performance, and operational efficiency improvements; data governance and compliance, including robust frameworks, regulatory adherence, and effective risk management; organizational leadership and culture, with strong executive commitment, a data-driven culture, and employee engagement; collaboration and community engagement, through industry partnerships and contributions to the data management community; impact on the field, via thought leadership, setting industry standards, and receiving awards and recognitions; and sustainability and ethics, by implementing sustainable practices, ethical data use, and achieving positive social impacts.
John Zachman Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement Award in Data Management honors individuals who have made long-term contributions and pioneering work that has advanced the field. Awardees demonstrate professional achievements through innovative solutions, impactful research, leadership roles, and mentorship. They show business impact by collaborating with industry partners and transferring technology. Their service includes earning notable awards, active community participation, and maintaining high ethical standards in data governance. Additionally, they engage in community outreach, advocate for data management, and participate in interdisciplinary research and collaborative projects.
The detailed criteria and rubrics used for evaluation will be shared directly with the nominees as the
awards committee collects additional information used for evaluation.
| NAME | AWARD | DETAILS | LINK |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kathy Rondon | Leadership | As a recognized leader and advocate for data management, Ms. Kathy Rondon has consistently made positive impacts and contributions to the data industry in the public sector for the past 30 years. Having started her career working in data governance before it developed into a notable area of practice, Kathy has been instrumental in helping data governance in the public sector develop and mature. | View Full Bio |
| Ronald Damhof | Leadership | Ronald Damhof is influential in the Dutch data management community. His model, the Damhof Data Quadrant is used by the majority Dutch organisations and the interest is growing worldwide. Through his approach he created data awareness in many private and public organisations and the Dutch data management community in general. | View Full Bio |
| Douglas Erickson | Leadership | Mr. Erickson has 45 years of IT experience that includes extensive data analysis and modeling, Data and Database management experience in two large corporations (Motorola, Inc. and Pacific Power and Light Co.) He served as Chairman, Information Systems Merger Transition Team for the Pacific Power & Light and Utah Power & Light merger. | View Full Bio |
| CFIHOS | Leadership | CFIHOS (Capital Facilities Information Handover Specification, pronounced as “see-foos”) is an industry wide initiative led by Joint Industry Programme 36 (web site: https://www.jip36-cfihos.org/). The main goal of this initiative is to make information handover quicker, easier, and safer for operators, contractors, equipment manufacturers and suppliers by using standardized information specifications. The activities started in 2012 and recently published the latest standard in 2020, including data models, data specifications and scope and procedure of data management. | View Full Bio |