The Sal Martino Foresight Award, formerly known as the Sal Martino Grant for Conscious Inclusion Research, honors a visionary organization and its leaders who push boundaries, challenge conventional thinking, and pioneer the use of foresight to build resilience and prepare for the future. Named for Sal Martino, FASAE, CAE, retired CEO of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists and past chair of ASAE and the ASAE Research Foundation, the award celebrates organizations that embed foresight into strategy and operations while fostering a culture of future-focused thinking.

The 2026 recipient of the Sal Martino Foresight Award is:

Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR)
Proposal Lead: Lindsay Currie, CAE, Executive Officer

In addition to recognition for its leadership in implementing foresight practices, CUR will receive a cash award of up to $7,000 to further advance its foresight initiatives. The Sal Martino Foresight Award is made possible through the generous support of Webster Chamberlain & Bean LLP.

The ASAE Research Foundation also announced the first-ever recipient of the NextGen: Rising Star Award, a new honor in 2026 that recognizes an emerging leader under the age of 35 who demonstrates exceptional promise, dedication, and impact within the association profession.

The 2026 recipient of the NextGen: Rising Star Award is:

Leslie J. Frazier, MPA, CAE, RCE
Senior Vice President of Community and Industry Relations
Virginia REALTORS®

The NextGen: Rising Star Award is made possible through the support of DelCor and Experience Columbus.

“Congratulations to this year’s ASAE Research Foundation award recipients, who reflect the strength, creativity, and forward momentum of the association community,” said ASAE President and CEO Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE, AAiP. “These honorees are helping shape a more innovative, resilient, and future-focused association community through their leadership and vision.”

For more information about the ASAE Research Foundation and its awards and programs, visit Association Community Scholarships & Awards | ASAE Research Foundation.

MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Vest, CAE, 202-626-2798, cvest@asaecenter.org

About ASAE

ASAE is a membership organization of more than 50,000 association executives and industry partners. Since it was established 100 years ago, its members have and continue to lead, manage, and work in or partner with organizations in more than a dozen association management disciplines, from executive management to finance to technology. With the support of the ASAE Research Foundation, a separate nonprofit entity, ASAE is the premier source of learning, knowledge, and future-oriented research for the association and nonprofit profession and provides resources, education, ideas, and advocacy to enhance the power and performance of the association and nonprofit community. Visit ASAE at Welcome to ASAE — American Society of Association Executives (asaecenter.org)