Awards & Recognition
Training & Certification Leader: LEARN MORE
ASDP recognizes individuals whose leadership, service, mentorship, and professional contributions have strengthened small business and socioeconomic programs and positively impacted the communities they serve.
Through its awards and recognition programs, ASDP celebrates professionals who demonstrate excellence, advance the profession, support the development of others, and leave a lasting legacy.
Murray Schooner Lifetime Achievement Award
ASDP’s Highest Individual Honor
The Murray Schooner Lifetime Achievement Award was established to honor the profound legacy of Murray Schooner and recognize professionals whose leadership, mentorship, and service have made a lasting impact on the profession.
During his distinguished 30-year career at Unisys, Mr. Schooner was a pioneer in expanding opportunities for small businesses and integrating socioeconomic businesses into high-technology and defense supply chains. He was widely respected not only for his professional accomplishments, but also for his dedication to education, mentorship, and helping others succeed.
Upon his retirement, Mr. Schooner’s commitment to the small business community deepened as he became a trusted advisor and advocate for Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs). He helped entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of federal contracting and identify opportunities for growth and success.
Mr. Schooner is remembered for his unwavering integrity, commitment to service, and passion for helping others. By nominating a colleague, mentor, or industry leader, you help ASDP recognize the values and professional excellence that he exemplified throughout his career.
Learn More About Murray Schooner.
Small Business Liaison Officer (SBLO) of the Year Award
Recognizing Excellence in Program Leadership
The SBLO of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding Small Business Liaison Officer who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, professionalism, and commitment to advancing small business and socioeconomic programs.
This award honors professionals who have made significant contributions through program management, outreach and engagement, compliance excellence, mentorship, advocacy, and support of organizational objectives.
Recipients exemplify the high standards of performance, integrity, and leadership that strengthen the profession and create meaningful opportunities for small businesses and socioeconomic enterprises.
Learn More About the SBLO of the Year Award (coming soon).
Award Presentation
ASDP awards are presented during educational programs, industry conferences, special recognition events, or other venues designated by the ASDP Board of Directors.
Nomination Process
To nominate a candidate, please complete the applicable nomination form.
Nominees should meet the eligibility requirements and selection criteria established for each award. Nominations should include a detailed explanation describing the candidate’s qualifications, accomplishments, and contributions.
All nominations are reviewed in accordance with the award guidelines and evaluation process established by ASDP.
Murray Schooner Lifetime Achievement Award Criteria
Nominees are evaluated based on their impact, leadership, and commitment to the profession.
| # | Criteria |
| 1 | Industry Impact: A long-term commitment to advancing small business and socioeconomic programs through leadership, innovation, education, outreach, or program development. |
| 2 | Professional Leadership: A demonstrated record of promoting opportunities for small businesses and socioeconomic enterprises. |
| 3 | Community Leadership: Recognition within the professional community as a respected leader and advocate. |
| 4 | Mentorship: A demonstrated commitment to mentoring, teaching, coaching, or supporting the professional development of others. |
| 5 | Ethical Excellence: A consistent demonstration of honesty, integrity, professionalism, and ethical conduct. |
| 6 | Experience: A minimum of ten years of professional experience supporting small business, socioeconomic, procurement, contracting, or related program activities. |
| 7 | Thought Leadership: Contributions as a speaker, instructor, panelist, author, researcher, or recognized subject matter expert within the profession. |
2025 Murray Schooner Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient
Scott Denniston
Scott Denniston’s pioneering work with the U.S. Small Business Administration helped lay the foundation for the 8(a) Business Development Program. His leadership at the Department of Veterans Affairs contributed to significant growth in opportunities for small businesses and veteran-owned businesses, including more than $3 billion in awards to small businesses.
Following his government service, Mr. Denniston founded and served as Executive Director of the National Veteran Small Business Coalition (NVSBC), helping build it into one of the nation’s leading veteran small business organizations. He continues to support veterans and the small business community through his ongoing leadership and service.
Explore Our Events.
Several organizations host annual Supplier Diversity events to support education, best practices discussions, and networking within the field.
“A powerhouse training for Small Business Liaison Officers. Put on your thinking cap and join the group for energetic sessions and conversation.”
“This training is excellent for attendees of all levels. The instructors are excellent and committed to the small business cause, as are each of the attendees.”
“This class will give you the background and tools needed to build your Supplier Diversity Program within your organization. It is a must-have for new and experienced Small Business Liaison Officers to not only gain the information needed to succeed as a professional but to meet others and network along the way.”
“This was one of the best professional training programs I have taken. Thorough, engaging and relevant!”
“I am the VP of Supply Chain for a company that builds automation and tooling for aerospace. We recently went from being a small business to being classified as large overnight. In order to satisfy the flow down requirements of our customers, we needed to get training on how to properly establish this protocol within our organization. This class was very helpful in getting us on the way.”
“I am so thankful my organization values our Small Business Diversity program and encouraged us to take this course! I could not have asked for a better learning experience! I have been a designated Small Business Liaison Officer for seven years now and there was a great mix of refresher material and new material that I don't deal with all of the time; plus, they highlighted new and upcoming changes! Best 2 1/2 days of training!!!”
“This is the most extensive, beneficial training I have attended to date as it pertains to my role as Small Business Liaison Officer. So glad I found ASDP!!”
“If you are a newly assigned Small Business Liaison Officer, or have been mandated to fulfill the Small Business Liaison Officer role, then this course is for you. The Alliance of Supplier Diversity Professionals offers the tools to increase your confidence in your new role. They also offer networking opportunities so that you can communicate with other people in your industry and never feel alone. Spread the word. ASDP’s guide to program excellence is a must for all Small Business Liaison Officers.”
“The overall training was excellent, including the energy level and knowledge of the instructors. I learned a lot from the training.”
“The ASDP training was intense and provided an in-depth explanation of rules and regulations that must be abided by. It gave us opportunities to network with other professionals, providing a strong connection to others in similar careers. I thoroughly enjoyed the class!”
“My 4th time re-certifying. I always learn something new. The trainers are great and the subjects pertinent and well presented. Great networking options, as well.”
“The classroom instruction fostered focus on the material and dialog with other students. In-depth discussions and problem solving while in a group setting was very stimulating. The instructors were seasoned practitioners with a wealth of knowledge and experience. The bonus was developing a larger peer group of small business advocates that understand the challenges and rewards of supplier diversity.”
Tina Nicole Ho, ASDP President and Mr. Scott Denniston
Mr. Scott Denniston with ASDP Board. From the front left: Tina N. Ho (President), Yadira Beltre (Secretary), Tina Wang (Treasurer), Shaun Smith (Vice President), Pat McHugh (Education Officer), and Claudia Jara (Events Director)
Past Murray Schooner Lifetime Achievement Award Winners.
2014 Ken Hilderbrand – Lockheed Martin
2015 Phyllis Grant – Lockheed Martin
2016 Debbie Melvin – The Boeing Company
2017 Gloria Pualani – Northrop Grumman
2018 Marion Nimon – University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
2019 Janice Buffler – Office of the Secretary of Defense
2020 Diane Dempsey – BAE Systems
2021 Ludmilla Parnell – GDIT
2022 Pat McHugh – Lockheed Martin
2023 Gwen Tillman – Northrop Grumman
2024 Suzanne Raheb – Lockheed Martin
2025 Scott Denniston – SDVMG
Tina Nicole Ho, ASDP President and Mr. Scott Denniston