Recognition Award

Every year WCCAA asks our membership to nominate individuals who have made a significant contribution to the field of early care and education in the state of Wisconsin. The contribution can take a variety of forms and could be an administrator of a child care program, a resource person, a government or civic official, a person in the media or communication field, or a philanthropist. Our board then considers these nominations and selects one individual to receive a recognition award at our annual conference. Nominate an Individual

In addition, we also seek nominations each year for corporations who have made note-worthy contributions in some way to better children and families in our state. WCCAA firmly believes that corporations can play a tremendous role in supporting quality child care. This also can happen in a variety of ways – implementing family-friendly policies for employees, providing child care assistance for families, giving financial or other support to existing quality child care programs, generating public awareness of issues that affect children and families, etc. Nominate a Business/Corporation 

Recipients are notified and awards are presented at Conference.

A look back at some of our honored previous recipients:

Individual Awards

  • 2024 Governor Tony Evers
  • 2023 Joan Beck, Brenda Fritz
  • 2022 DCF Secretary Emilie Amundson
  • 2019 Ron Strege
  • 2018 Anne Carmody
  • 2017 Representative Mark Born
  • 2016 Senator Julie Lassa
  • 2015 Maida Sawyer, Rosemary Krause, Janey Brandt, Stephanie Kober
  • 2014 Laura Saterfield, Sue Lorenz, Isabella Bauer
  • 2013 Beverly Anderson, Deborah Komp, Dotty Lillo
  • 2012 Bonnie Paisar, Michael Conway
  • 2011 Mary Motquin, Helen Godfrey, Dan Riedel
  • 2010 Beryl Anders
  • 2009 Marilyn Krinker
  • 2008 Verna Drake, Jim Ryan, Becky Wurzer
  • 2007 George Hagenauer, Fran Kielas
  • 2006 Jo Johnson, Jim Leonhart, Barb Meulemans
  • 2005 Mary Madsen
  • 2004 Ena Faye Benedict, Chip Donohue
  • 2003 Bessie Gray
  • 2002 Laura Jo Pearson
  • 2001 Karen Driscoll, Chandra Morris
  • 2000 Walter Schwede, Pam Boulton
  • 1999 Jere Wallden
  • 1998 Rosemary Troia Baker
  • 1997 Vicky Lenzlinger, David Linsmeier

Corporate Awards

  • 2023 Gerry Slater, Owner of Design4Kids
  • 2022 The Greater Watertown Community Health Foundation
  • 2019 Mark Taylor, Founder and President of OEM Fabrications, Inc.
  • 2014 Jentle Yoga and Life (Jennifer Culver)
  • 2013 Farmers and Merchants Bank
  • 2012 Right Way Shuttle of Eau Claire
  • 2011 Good Karma Broadcasting
  • 2009 SC Johnson/Bright Horizons Family Solutions
  • 2008 Kohl’s Kids Care Kollege
  • 2007 Hans Lenzlinger/New Glarus Hotel
  • 2004 Promega
  • 2002 St. Mary’s, Green Bay
  • 2001 Next Generation Now & Commercial Communications
  • 2000 LaCausa & Ft. Atkinson Memorial Hospital
  • 1999 Monroe Clinic, JanSport