Recognition · Honoring Excellence

Award Winners

Each year the Illinois Chapter honors the members whose service, advocacy, and generosity move elder law forward. These are the attorneys our community has chosen to celebrate.

Ron Runkle Award

"Ron Runkle was a long time member of IL NAELA known for sharing his expertise with others on our Listserv. Ron passed away in 2015. This award is presented at the Fall UnProgram to a member selected by their peers for exceptional contributions to IL NAELA - someone who has shared their insight with the membership in a meaningful way on the Listserv, just as Ron did for many of us."

2025Gina Salamone

2024Elizabeth Fink

2023Linda Strohschein

2022Avram L. Sacks

2019Wendy Cappelletto

2017Wesley J. Coulson

2015Leonard Berg

President’s Award

Selected by the current President of IL NAELA to recognize an outstanding individual or organization that has made significant contributions in service, advocacy, or support related to elder law, special needs law, or the broader mission of NAELA.

2024Paige Fox

2023Mallorey Moreno

2022Melissa Johnson

2021Dawn Weekly

2020Elizabeth Fink

2018James C. Siebert

2016Catherine Lenert

2012Wendy Cappelletto

Outstanding Member Award / Member of the Year

A special honor: Paige Fox is the only member to receive both this recognition and the President’s Award in consecutive years — the President’s Award in 2024 and Outstanding Member of the Year in 2025 — reflecting an extraordinary and continued commitment to IL NAELA and the elder law community in Illinois.

2025Paige Fox

2012Tiffany Sievers

More Honors

Recognizing dedication

Outstanding Emeritus Member

2022Leonard Berg

Legislative Award

2025Senator Linda Holmes and Representative Lindsey LaPointe

2024Representative Suzanne M. Ness

2023Senator Karina Villa and Representative Terra Costa Howard

2022Senator Ann Gillespie and Representative Natalie Manley

Know a member who deserves recognition?

Our awards are driven by the community. If a colleague’s service, advocacy, or generosity has made a difference, reach out — or become a member and take part in honoring the best of elder law in Illinois.