Celebrating Excellence at the 2025 AP Summit Awards
The awards ceremony at AP Summit has long been a cornerstone of Acceleration Partners’ culture – a moment to come together, reflect, and celebrate the people who make this company what it is. This year’s event was particularly special. After recent virtual ceremonies, being back in person with 300 colleagues from around the world brought a renewed sense of connection, energy, and pride.
Since the very first AP Summit over a decade ago, the tradition of recognizing excellence through our awards has continued to grow. Anchored in our core values – Own It, Excel & Improve, and Embrace Relationships – these awards honour the individuals whose leadership, dedication, and values-driven impact elevate our business and culture. Nominated by peers and selected from an exceptional shortlist, each winner has made a lasting contribution to AP.
The Firmbuilding Award
Winner: Florian Jetzlsperger
Florian is the linchpin of our business in Germany. Whether navigating client needs, lending insight to HR or legal, supporting marketing, or closing a deal – he consistently steps up, often before being asked. His leadership is quiet yet bold, driving growth and unity across the German team with humility, clarity, and trust.
Nominees: Heather Creamer, Cali Geyer
The AP 360 Award
Winner: Emily Moore
Emily exemplifies what it means to lead with heart. From welcoming new team members and fostering community, to overseeing the global hiring process with flexibility and care, she’s a cornerstone of our culture. Outside of work, her commitment to personal growth – like becoming fluent in Spanish – demonstrates the same drive and positivity she brings to AP.
Nominees: Shakiria Wheat, Christina Scarpa, Ben Heller
The Own It Award
Winner: Danny Robinson
Danny has become a trusted leader on some of our most critical accounts, transforming operations, improving client relationships, and mentoring his peers. His work on these accounts showcases his reliability, initiative, and consistent excellence. Danny’s calm confidence and proactivity make him a go-to teammate.
Nominees: Nicole Ekblad, Tricia Cheng, Natalie Zatezalo
The Excel and Improve Award
Winner: Taylor McLouth
Taylor embodies continuous improvement. Her impact on client accounts has been transformative, and her work regularly becomes a template for others across the company. Her drive to ask the right questions, learn, and push boundaries elevates everyone around her.
Nominees: Megan Rolfe, Megan Ness, Christina Simonetti
The Embrace Relationships Award
Winner: Sam Chiarelli
Sam stepped up as interim Program Director at a critical time and delivered with empathy, leadership, and unwavering dedication. Even through challenges, Sam remained a reliable, values-driven partner to both clients and internal teams. He is a trusted colleague whose influence is deeply felt across AP.
Nominees: Kyle Wilton, Eden Harris, Tim Siegfried
The Embrace Relationships and Community Impact Award
In Honor of Gurbaksh Sually
Winner: Michelle Morgan
Michelle is a force for connection and leadership. She builds relationships rooted in trust and respect, mentors with intention, and ensures inclusivity across her team. From supporting professional growth to championing a healthy team culture, her impact spans continents and career stages.
The Core Value All-Around Award
Winner: Sam Cormier
Sam exemplifies every AP Core Value – Own It, Excel & Improve, and Embrace Relationships. A steady and collaborative leader, she has elevated cross-functional partnerships and inspired excellence through thoughtful strategy and people-first leadership. Her integrity and innovation are models for us all.
Nominees: Erin Herkimer, Sammie Walker, Rob Horwood
The Leadership Recognition Award
Winner: Courtney Brennan
Courtney’s extraordinary leadership behind the growth of our largest influencer programs has made a significant business impact. She has built systems, empowered a high-performing team, and mentored others with generosity and foresight. Her strategic vision and people-first leadership define what AP strives for.
Nominees: Badr Asad, Cam Huber, Jillian Marble
These awards remind us that excellence comes in many forms – quiet leadership, bold initiative, meaningful relationships, and relentless curiosity. To every nominee and winner: thank you for making AP stronger, more connected, and more impactful.
Here’s to another year of Creating What’s Next.