Outstanding Service and Achievement
Formerly known as the Volunteer Guiding Light Award
This award celebrates extraordinary dedication to advancing both ASAP and the broader alliance management profession.
It honors individuals who consistently demonstrate exceptional service, leadership, and commitment—going above and beyond to strengthen the alliance community. Recipients actively contribute valuable knowledge, mentor professionals, and champion best practices that elevate standards of excellence across the discipline. Their efforts foster collaboration, innovation, and growth within the alliance ecosystem, ensuring lasting impact on the profession and its global community.
Past Recipients
2025
David Thompson, CSAP, CA-AM
David Thompson was selected for the ASAP Alliance Excellence Award for Outstanding Service and Achievement due to his exceptional leadership, innovation, and lasting impact on the alliance management profession. Internationally recognized, David’s expertise and commitment have shaped best practices and guided professionals worldwide through his published works and thought leadership.
He pioneered the principles of effective alliance management, helping establish it as a recognized discipline. His advocacy for cross-industry collaboration has enabled organizations to achieve results through meaningful partnerships. As a longstanding ASAP Board member and Board Chair, David has influenced the organization’s direction, championed integrity, and developed educational programs that empower professionals at all career stages.
David’s mentorship has nurtured talent and fostered collaboration, elevating the profession and strengthening the global ASAP community. His unwavering dedication, strategic vision, and exemplary service make him a truly deserving recipient of this prestigious award.
Ard-Pieter de Man, PhD, CSAP, CA-AM
Dr. Ard-Pieter de Man was honored with the ASAP Alliance Excellence Award for Outstanding Service and Achievement, recognizing over two decades of transformative contributions to the alliance management profession. As a long-serving member of ASAP’s Board of Directors and the Awards Committee, Ard-Pieter has shaped the organization’s governance and championed excellence across its European chapters.
He played a foundational role in developing ASAP’s core resources, co-leading the editorial team for the Handbook on Alliance Management and helping establish the CA-AM and CSAP credentialing programs. Ard-Pieter’s thought leadership is evident in his co-authorship of five landmark “State of Alliance Management” studies, which have provided critical insights and guided best practices for the industry.
Beyond formal roles, Ard-Pieter’s service includes participation in numerous steering committees and advisory groups, always stepping up wherever needed. He is renowned for sharing his expertise at conferences, online programs, and through publications, blending academic rigor with practical wisdom as both a professor and management consultant.
Ard-Pieter is celebrated not only for his impressive achievements but for his inclusive, collaborative leadership style and unwavering dedication to advancing the field and supporting the ASAP community.
Norma Watenpaugh, CSAP, CA-AM
Norma Watenpaugh is celebrated as an extraordinary leader and champion within the alliance and partnering community. Her unwavering dedication has shaped the foundation of ASAP and advanced the profession of alliance management globally. As a former Global Board Director and Advisory Council Member, Norma founded the California Chapter and chaired the Best Practices Committee, elevating professional standards across the field.
Norma’s pioneering spirit is evident in her development of the first CA-AM and CSAP certifications, her role as a co-author and editor of essential publications like the ASAP Handbook, and her leadership in the creation of the ISO 44001 Collaborative Business Relationship Management Standard. She has been instrumental in professional development, scholarly contributions, and the recognition of excellence through her service on the Alliance Excellence Awards Committee.
2016
Jan Twombly, CSAP, CA-AM
2010
Michael Leonetti, CSAP, CA-AM