The Colorado Mortgage Lenders Association recognizes individual excellence and service to the mortgage lending industry and the CMLA through its awards program. Awards are typically presented at the annual convention, but may be presented in other venues when appropriate or necessary.
With the exception of the Bacon Award and the Nielsen Award which are presented annually, and the Still Award which is presented annually these awards are presented periodically to individuals who meet the criteria set forth for the awards. It is not anticipated that these awards will be presented annually. Rather they will be presented only when deserving individuals clearly meet the specified criteria. In the event that there are years where no nominee meets the criteria for an award, such award(s) will not be presented.
C.A. “Bus” Bacon Award
Founded 1974
Presented annually to the outgoing President of the Association and is awarded in grateful recognition of the efforts and commitment it takes to serve as President of the Colorado Mortgage Lenders Association.
The 2024 award winner is Cole Sjoholm.
Robert G. Boucher Award
Founded 1981
Presented periodically to an individual who has made a substantial contribution to the furthering of joint efforts between the public and private sectors in support of the free enterprise system and the preservation and improvement of the Mortgage Lending Industry. Individuals from the public and private sectors as well as individuals from the mortgage lending industry are eligible to receive this award.
There is not a 2024 award winner.
CMLA Award for Board Service Excellence
Founded 2014
Presented periodically to outgoing members of the Board of Directors and is awarded in grateful recognition of the efforts and commitment it takes to serve on Board of Directors for the Colorado Mortgage Lenders Association.
The 2024 award winner is Kim Woodcock.
Deb Meogrossi Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence
Founded 1997
Presented periodically to an individual or individuals within a member firm for entrepreneurial excellence in creating, operating and growing a mortgage lending company with the highest regard for ethical operation and customer service.
There is not a 2024 award winner.
Terry Jones Award for Legislative or Regulatory Excellence
Founded 2003
Presented periodically to an individual from the legislative or regulatory branches of the State, Local or Federal Government, who has demonstrated an understanding of mortgage lending issues and has worked towards improving the economic or regulatory environment in which our industry operates.
The 2024 award winner is Dieter Raemdonck.
Emerging Young Leader Award
Founded 2017
Presented annually to an individual who has exemplified a significant commitment to CMLA through volunteerism, stewardship and positive interactions within our organization. They will preferably be under the age of 40, as we continue to focus on a new generation of mortgage professionals to carry our legacy forward.
The 2024 award winner is Saul Nieto.
Aksel Nielsen Award
Founded 1976
Presented annually to an individual within a member firm who has demonstrated outstanding performance and commitment to the Association through committee work or service on the Board of Directors.
The 2024 award winner is Mike Flynn.
E. Michael Rosser Lifetime Achievement Award
Founded 1998
Presented periodically to an individual within a CMLA member firm, whose career exemplifies a lifetime of dedicated service and contribution to the mortgage industry, and who in doing so, has personified the highest principals, ethics and professional values of Colorado Mortgage Lenders Association.
The 2024 award winner is Jeff May.
Everett C. Spelman Award for Extraordinary Contributions to the Mortgage Lending Industry
Founded 1975
Presented periodically to an individual within a member firm for extraordinary contributions to the mortgage lending industry over a one to two year period, whose reputation of ethical and professional conduct with both the public and fellow lenders is exemplary, and whose record of service to the community and the mortgage lending industry is outstanding.
The 2024 award winner is Rick Accomazzo.
Debra W. Still Award
Founded 2013
Presented annually to the outgoing Chair of the Board of Governors of the Association and is awarded in grateful recognition of the efforts and commitment it takes to serve as President of the Colorado Mortgage Lenders Association.
The 2024 award winner is Kim Federspiel.
Diversity in Leadership Award
Founded 2022
Presented annually to an individual or individuals who have exemplified a significant commitment to increasing diversity within the industry.
There is no winner for 2024.
Pat & Dave Harder Award for CMLA Service Excellence
Founded 2022
In grateful recognition of your outstanding performance and commitment to the association. Your efforts have greatly contributed to the long-term sustainability of the association.
There is not a 2024 winner.