Rising Star Award

Eryn Behera

The Rising Star Award recognizes an emerging proposal professional with no more than five years in the profession and who shows significant promise and has made valuable contributions. This years’ honoree leads proposal efforts for her firm with strategic

leadership and disciplined proposal management, directly contributing to winning millions of dollars in new business revenue. One colleague said, “Her curiosity and positive can-do attitude are refreshing. She’s grown so much over the past few years, and I believe she’ll go far in our profession.”

Another noted “From a qualitative perspective, Eryn consistently demonstrates optimism and enthusiasm as she grows into an expert in proposal management.” With a proven record of delivering successful pursuits, investing in colleagues, and advancing proposal excellence, Eryn is the ideal candidate to receive the GMC Rising Star Award.

Mentor of the Year Award

Karin Olson Held

The Mentor of the Year Award is given to a mentor who has significantly mentored and guided other professionals in the field. Karin’s guidance and support have made a meaningful impact on the professional growth of her mentee.

She naturally provides practical and actionable support. Her mentee can openly discuss workplace challenges with her mentor as she navigates her proposal career. Her mentee said, “Her mentorship has helped me approach my role with greater confidence and perspective. I am grateful for the positive impact she has had on me this year.”

Karin is also a past GMC Board Member, so we can personally speak to the positive impact she has had advancing the proposal profession.

Proposal Champion Award

Dena Stukenberg

The Proposal Champion Award recognizes the individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to a winning proposal effort.

Through Dena’s leadership, her company’s proposal organization evolved from a traditional response-driven function into a strategic readiness partner. She recognized RFP challenges early, and in turn challenged her organization to think differently, delivering stronger outcomes for proposal teams, business leaders, and customers.

The impact of Dena’s leadership is both cultural and measurable. Last year, the proposal team delivered significant proposal content while simultaneously implementing readiness initiatives, expanded professional development programs, modernized technology, and strengthened governance and organizational capabilities. Her colleagues say Dena exemplifies the spirit of the Proposal Champion Award because her influence extends beyond individual proposals.

Lifetime Achievement Award

Heather Finch

Our Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes an individual with a long and distinguished career in the proposal profession. When I asked for a testimonial about Heather, I knew I would get something exceptional, because that’s just who she winner is.

Heather’s impact can be seen in so many ways: through the work she has led, the people she has supported, the teams she has strengthened, and the standards of excellence she continues to model. But I believe her greatest contribution is the lasting difference she has made in the lives and careers of people fortunate enough to know and work with her.

She is an exceptional mentor, a trusted friend, and an invaluable sounding board. Heather has a remarkable ability to make people feel welcome, valued, and capable. Whether someone is facing a difficult proposal, navigating a complicated decision, or simply trying to determine the right way forward, she is always willing to listen and help.

And she does more than offer advice. Heather provides perspective. She helps you step back, see the situation clearly, and understand what needs to happen to get the job done. Her guidance is thoughtful, practical, and grounded in experience — but it is also deeply encouraging. She has a way of validating people while helping them recognize their own strengths and move confidently forward. Most of us, if you know her, have experienced this personally.

No matter what we take on with APMP, Heather is always there to remind us that we do belong serving this organization. She validates ‘contributions, encourages us to trust our perspectives, and helps us feel that we are exactly where we are supposed to be. Her support makes a meaningful difference—not only in how we approach responsibilities, but also in how we see ourselves as a leader.

Heather is always available for a conversation, whether ‘guidance is needed on an important issue or simply needed someone to talk to. That’s just who she is. Heather gives generously of her time, her knowledge, her energy, and her compassion. She is always willing to help—often without being asked and without seeking recognition. That generosity has strengthened countless individuals, teams, and organizations across our profession.

As chair of the APMP Board of Directors, Heather brings the same qualities that define her work throughout the industry: wisdom, inclusiveness, sound judgment, and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed. She leads with both competence and compassion. She understands that strong organizations are built not only through strategy and results, but also through trust, connection, and a willingness to invest in people.

Not only does this award recognize a lifetime of achievement, but it also recognizes something deeply personal: the way Heather shows up for people. She has helped so many of us become better professionals, better leaders, and more confident versions of ourselves. She’s reminded us that our voices matter, that our contributions are valuable, and that we do not have to navigate challenges alone.

To Heather — Thank you for your leadership, your generosity, your friendship, your wisdom, and the countless hours you have given to support others. Thank you for the conversations, the encouragement, the perspective—and, of course, the cat stories. Our industry is stronger because of you.
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