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MASWM Awards Recognize Services “Above and Beyond”
Kit Brewer and Heather Pugh were among the recipients of the MASWM 2025 Awards presented during the Spring Conference. The two shared the President's Award for their efforts as legislative and advocacy leaders – and much more.
Reinstated last year, the MASWM Awards recognize six individuals and workshops for their support of workshop services and the people they serve. The categories are New Manager of the Year, Manager of the Year, Legislator of the Year, Advocate of the Year, Workshop of the Year, and the Legacy Award to someone who has dedicated a lifetime of services to supporting people with disabilities, especially in sheltered workshops.
This year’s ceremony was especially moving, with each recipient representing major efforts to serve Missourians with disabilities. The phrase “above and beyond” may be overused in some locations, but it accurately fit each of these honorees.
This year’s MASWM Awards (for the 2024 year) were as follows:
New Manager of the Year: Tammy Taylor of Unified Services in Bethany. This award celebrates a newer manager embarking on their exciting journey within their workshops and their community. MASWM truly appreciates their time, dedication, and leadership, as they passionately advocate for the causes that uplift individuals with disabilities.
Manager of the Year: Lauren Hall of SE Enterprises in Kansas City. The award recognizes a manager who shines with exceptional leadership in their workshop and community, passionately supports causes that uplift individuals with disabilities, and receives heartfelt acknowledgment for their incredible efforts.
Legislator of the Year: Missouri Senator Lincoln Hough. Sen. Hough (R-30), of Springfield, was recognized for his support of Missouri’s sheltered workshops and individuals with disabilities seeking to have a choice.
Advocate of the Year: Natalie Couch of Lake Area Industries, Camdenton. This award honors the dedicated parents, guardians, volunteers, board members, benefactors, and MASWM members who have gone above and beyond to support sheltered workshops and individuals with disabilities. Their significant efforts truly make a difference!
Workshop of the Year: Big Springs Sheltered Workshop. This award celebrates a workshop that shines a light on advocacy for choice and showcases innovative efforts within its facility. These initiatives aim to enhance work efficiencies and accommodations for individuals with disabilities, making a positive impact for everyone involved!
Legacy Award: Rob Libera of Lafayette Industries. This award is presented to an exceptional individual who has devoted a lifetime to supporting people with disabilities, especially in Sheltered Workshops.
President’s Award: Kit Brewer, MASWM Legislative Chair, and Heather Pugh, Advocacy Chair. This year’s award went to two incredible individuals who have made significant contributions advocating for our initiatives in the workshops and the people we serve. Their heartfelt dedication and tireless efforts to keep us informed about the challenges we faced this past year at the federal and state levels empowered us to rally our membership to support our work.