IMA Honors Dedicated Volunteers with Spirit Awards

The IMA’s Strategic Industry Groups (SIGs) and Chapters each recognized one of their member volunteers for their time and contributions toward furthering the organization’s global mission.

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AUSTIN, TX – July 16, 2025 – One way the Incentive Marketing Association (IMA) is able to advocate for and promote the use of incentives and recognition to improve business performance around the world is through dedicated member volunteers who significantly help further and exemplify the mission. The IMA’s Strategic Industry Groups and Chapters recognized outstanding volunteers with Spirit Awards at the annual IMA Summit in Austin, TX earlier this week. 

Spirit Award recipients are selected by the SIG and Chapter presidents based on individuals having made an important contribution to the IMA and the SIG or Chapter through their volunteerism.

Incentive & Engagement Solution Providers (IESP) 

Carl MacDonald, VP, Customer Success, VIBE SMG, Inc.

Carl has been a driving force within IMA and IESP for years. He’s not just a participant — he’s a true leader, contributing fresh ideas, dynamic presentations, and real thought leadership around incentives and engagement. Over the past year, Carl has taken that even further, serving as a key member of the board and helping to shape the future of IESP. His deep expertise and genuine passion for this industry are impossible to miss. It’s a real pleasure — and an easy decision — to recognize Carl with this award.

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Incentive Gift Card Coalition (IGCC)

Steve Kane, SVP, Client Development, Stored Value Solutions (SVS)

Steve Kane consistently exhibits the fundamental behavior and qualities that drive our industry forward. Steve leverages his 20+ years of experience in gift cards and merchant services to provide guidance, perspective, and committed action in support of incentive marketing, specifically within the gift card arena. Steve is always quick to volunteer his time and mentorship to ensure the IGCC is continually focused on supporting our members while cultivating the next generation of industry leaders.

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Incentive Merchandise To Reward & Appreciate (IMRA)

Ivory Alexander, Director of Sales & Business Development, MAS, Inc.  

Ivory Alexander, Vice President of Incentive Merchandise To Reward & Appreciate (IMRA), has been instrumental in leading the corporate outreach program for IMRA and representing the interests of our members as part of the IMA Corporate Outreach Committee. As a key figure at MAS, Inc., Ivory has played a pivotal role in strengthening industry relationships and expanding IMRA’s engagement efforts. His leadership continues to drive meaningful connections within the incentive marketplace.

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Incentive Travel Council (ITC) 

Peter Cannon, President, Ticket Jones

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Recognition Professionals International (RPI)

David Klein, SVP, Global Talent & Organizational Development, Universal Destinations & Experiences 

David’s continued dedication to RPI through his help with re-imagining the Certified Recognition Professional® (CRP) content, facilitating multiple workshops, and continuing to provide active support in calls has left an imprint on RPI. From his years of involvement, we wouldn’t be who we are today without him.

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IMA Europe

Gunther Everaert, IP, CEO & Founder, Motisha

With 12 years of dedicated service on the IMA Europe Board, Gunther is one of the founding members of IMA in Europe. Known for his warm and welcoming nature, he has earned a reputation for being generous with his time, personable, and consistently supportive, forming lasting friendships with many members along the way.  During his tenure, he played a key role in organizing events, such as those in Rotterdam and Brussels. Thanks to his guidance and commitment, IMA Europe has grown into the dynamic and professional association it is today.

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IMA MEAPAC

Mark McCowan, Managing Director, Synchro Marketing Australia

Mark has been instrumental in the successful organization and execution of the very first IMA MEAPAC Summit held in Sydney this year. His leadership, vision, and tireless efforts were key in making this event a reality. Not only did he help bring together a diverse group of professionals from across the region, but he also ensured that the Summit provided immense value to all attendees. Mark’s ability to unite and inspire the IMA community through his strategic planning and coordination was truly remarkable. Mark’s dedication to the mission of IMA, his deep understanding of the incentive industry, and his commitment to volunteerism have made a lasting impact on the organization and its members.

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View all IMA Summit Award winners on the IMA website.

Awards Event Title Sponsor

About IMA

The Incentive Marketing Association (IMA) connects members around the world from leading companies across the marketplace to create a unified voice and growth for the incentive industry. IMA is the umbrella organization for the Incentive & Engagement Solution Providers (IESP), Incentive Gift Card Coalition (IGCC), Incentive Merchandise To Reward & Appreciate (IMRA), Incentive Travel Council (ITC), Recognition Professionals International (RPI), IMA Europe, IMA Latin America (LATAM), and IMA Middle East, Africa & Asia Pacific (MEAPAC). IMA members have the expertise, leading brands, and services to help companies improve their business with reward, recognition, loyalty, and engagement programs.

Contact: Haley Smith • [email protected] • 952-928-4649