Association for Communication Excellence

Following an inspiring 2026 ACE Annual Conference, the 2026–2027 ACE Leadership Institute Cohort came together for their first session, two and a half days of in-person leadership development and cohort building.

In partnership with Voyagers Consulting, this outstanding group of communications professionals began a year-long leadership journey focused on strengthening leadership skills, expanding professional influence, and creating meaningful change within their organizations and across the communications profession.

Please join us in congratulating the 2026–2027 ACE Leadership Institute Cohort:

Inka Bajandas
Matt Browning
Amy Calabretta
Kirsten Conard
Tate Cronin
Jackie Hanson
Cyril Ibe, Ph.D.
Olivia McClure
Claire Montoya
Amy Muise
Sonya Moore-Davis
Stephanie Perla
Heleen Sheets
Kim Scotto
Allison Vitt
Lesa Vold
Vickey D. Williams, Ph.D.

We look forward to following their leadership journey over the coming year and celebrating their accomplishments along the way. Congratulations to each of these outstanding leaders!

Congratulations to Cara Lawson and Ann Y. Robinson, recipients of the ACE Learning Community Award of Excellence!

This award honors individuals who have demonstrated excellence in the discipline or area of communications represented by a Learning Community as well as leadership and involvement in ACE. A recipient may be a current or a past member of the Learning Community.

👏 Please join us in celebrating Cara and Ann for this well-deserved recognition! 👏

Congratulations to David King, recipient of the ACE Retiree Award! 🎊

The Retiree Award of Excellence recognizes David's excellence in leadership, service, and involvement with ACE retirees and life members or within the larger organization.

Please help us celebrate David for all his incredible work during his time with the organization!

Our full interview with Voices of Montana at the 2026 ACE Conference is available now to listen to online!

Broadcaster Tom Schultz interviewed ACE 2026 President Stacey Stearns and Conference Chair John Hawley about all things ACE, sharing the organization's mission, goals, and impact with listeners across Montana in the feature "Professional Communicators Converge on Billings to Sharpen Their Craft."

Hear the full recording at https://voicesofmontana.com/podcast/professional-communicators-converge-on-billings-to-sharpen-their-craft/