Each year, IAM recognizes several individuals who truly stand out for their vital contributions to their organization, to the Association, and to the industry. The five winners of this year’s awards were honored at the Closing Celebration for the Annual Meeting. Please join us in celebrating their achievements!

IAM Excellence in Leadership Award

This year, the 2025 IAM Excellence in Leadership Award went to Wes Stewart, CEO of Stewart Moving & Storage. What makes this honor especially meaningful is how it’s chosen. Through the IAM Learning Alliance Council’s unique selection process, all identifying details are removed, no names, no titles, no companies. The focus is purely on the words and actions that define each leader.

Presented during the Closing Celebration: Advancing Leadership in the Moving Industry, Wes was honored among his peers in a moment that captured the spirit of the event. In a heartfelt introduction, Leadership Alliance Co-Chair Kay Kutt shared her remarks:

“For more than four decades, Wes has held every role in the company, including driver, mentor, mover, and leader. His story is one of perseverance, purpose, and a profound belief in people. Colleagues say he leads not from above, but alongside, constantly reminding others that “we are nothing without our drivers.” Under his guidance, drivers became owners, employees became leaders, and a company became a family.”

The IAM Excellence in Leadership Award celebrates members who lead with integrity, inspire growth, and elevate those around them. Wes embodies all of that and so much more. Congratulations, Wes, and thank you for reminding us that real leadership isn’t about standing out, it’s about lifting others up along the way.

IAM-YP Rising Star Award

Christina McCarte, Director, International, AMJ Campbell, was honored with the 2025 IAM-YP Rising Star Award.

Christina is the definition of what this award stands for: leadership, action, and lifting others as she climbs. At her core, Christina is all about people. Whether it’s mentoring future leaders, creating space for new voices at the table, or rolling up her sleeves to support a team, she leads with empathy and purpose.

We’re proud to recognize Christina as a true Rising Star in the IAM-YP community.

The individual receiving this honor may be selected for a wide range of achievements, but overall, will have distinguished themselves through a commitment to professional development, networking with the young professional community, or engaging in philanthropic activities impacting the global moving and mobility industry.

Hall of Honor

IAM is proud to announce the 2025 Hall of Honor recipients—individuals whose leadership, dedication, and impact have shaped the moving, forwarding, and mobility industry. These three individuals represent the highest standards of professionalism and service, each leaving a lasting legacy through decades of contributions to their companies, communities, and the industry at large. Their stories reflect the spirit of innovation, integrity, and commitment that defines the Hall of Honor.

Each honoree received a crystal award, a Hall of Honor lapel pin, and a certificate of induction. Their full Hall of Honor biographies can be found in the September/October 2025 issue of the Portal magazine. The Hall of Honor was established in 2008 to pay tribute to industry leaders whose careers reflect exceptional and distinguished service to their companies or the Association, or who have worked to elevate the industry as a whole.

Please note that nominations will open on January 1 for the 2026 Hall of Honor class, and on March 2 for the Rising Star and Excellence in Leadership awards. Consider who you would nominate for these awards and watch for future communications.