IAOM Call for Nominations

IAOM invites members to recognize the individuals whose expertise, leadership, and dedication continue to strengthen the milling industry. Nominations are now open for IAOM’s annual awards honoring excellence in operations and leadership.

Deadline for all nominations: February 1
Award recipients will be recognized during the 130th Annual IAOM Banquet and Awards Ceremony on April 16, 2026, in Cincinnati, Ohio, held in conjunction with the IAOM Annual Conference & Expo.

NEW: Milling Industry Leader Award

New for 2026, the Milling Industry Leader Award recognizes exceptional IAOM Active Members whose leadership roles fall outside the traditional operative miller designation, yet whose contributions are critical to plant performance, company success, and industry advancement.

Purpose

This award honors professionals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and impact over the past year through innovation, operational excellence, and commitment to advancing the milling industry.

Eligible Roles

Eligible nominees include, but are not limited to:

  • Plant, maintenance, production, or elevator managers
  • Corporate or plant engineers
  • Other leadership roles significantly influencing operations or strategic direction

Evaluation Criteria

Nominees are evaluated on:

  • Operational and business impact (efficiency, safety, reliability, measurable improvements)
  • Innovation and problem solving
  • Leadership and team development
  • Commitment to industry advancement
  • Safety and sustainability practices

Nomination & Selection

Nominations may be submitted by peers, supervisors, or colleagues and must include a concise summary addressing the criteria above. The IAOM Nominating Committee will review all submissions. The award will be presented only if a worthy candidate is identified.

Milling Operative of the Year

For nearly four decades, IAOM has recognized outstanding achievement by practicing operative millers through the Milling Operative of the Year Award.

Established in 1986 by Milling & Baking News (a sister publication of World Grain), this award honors the operative miller who has made the most significant contribution to the progress of a plant, a company, and the milling industry from an operating perspective.

The 38th annual Milling Operative of the Year Award will be presented on April 16, 2026, at the IAOM Banquet and Awards Ceremony in Cincinnati, Ohio.

The recipient will receive an inscribed plaque, and a scholarship will be established in the winner’s name at Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA.

2025 Recipient
Paul Campbell, ADM Milling, Overland Park, Kansas, USA

Recent Recipients
Justin Barrett (2024) • Jack Keltz (2023) • Charles Richardson (2022) • Scott Freebern (2021) • Daisuke Ito (2020)

Nomination Process

Nominations must be submitted by February 1 and include a summary of no more than two pages outlining the nominee’s qualifications and accomplishments.

Submit nominations to:
IAOM Nominating Committee
c/o IAOM Headquarters Office
12351 W. 96th Terrace, Suite 100
Lenexa, KS 66215, USA
Email: info@iaom.org (re: Milling Operative of the Year Award)
Fax: +1 913-338-3553