Kaleta-Carruthers Innovation Award
Established in 2024, the Kaleta-Carruthers Innovation Award honors the legacy of DMEC co-founders Sharon Kaleta and Marcia Carruthers. It recognizes members who have built standout Integrated Disability and Absence Management (IDAM) programs and can back their results with real data.
Key dates
The award is given every two years, in even-numbered years.
March 23
Nominations open
May 22
Nominations close
June 12
The winner is notified
August 3-6
The award is presented at the DMEC Annual Conference
Who can apply
This award is open to DMEC members who have:
- Pioneered IDAM programs with a measurable return on investment.
- Implemented creative, cost-effective approaches that reflect genuine innovation.
Professionals serving on DMEC’s Employer Advisory Council, Executive Advisory Board, or National Board of Directors are not eligible.
How nominations work
- Anyone can nominate: yourself, a colleague, or an industry partner.
- Applications should highlight the effectiveness of IDAM programs with a documented ROI in cost and savings.
- Submissions must include documentation of program costs and savings.
- All nominations will be reviewed, and a winner will be selected by a DMEC committee.
What winners receive
- Full complimentary registration for the 2026 DMEC Annual Conference.
- Complimentary hotel stay during the conference.
- A $300 travel voucher.
- One year of complimentary DMEC membership.
- Complimentary registration for a DMEC microcredential course.
- An exclusive luncheon with the DMEC Executive Advisory Board, Employer Advisory Council, and Board of Directors.
- A feature in @Work magazine.
- The opportunity to lead a webinar or conference session.
- Recognition on DMEC’s website, newsletter, and social media.
Past recipients
2024: Krystle Barnes-Iwediebo
