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Name Quote Picture
Jason Jones ICF-MN fills my bucket!! I look forward to the in person meetings to connect with my tribe of coaches and enjoy the way of being only coaches embody. It energizes me. https://s3.amazonaws.com/ClubExpressClubFiles/907122/graphics/Jason_Jones_1992631113.jpg
Bev Lutz ICF membership provides incredible professional networking opportunities, professional and personal growth, and opportunities to explore my strengths as I volunteer in service of my profession.  My chapter really helps me stay current with coaching, thought leadership, and learn-n-earn (CEU’s) from professional development events.  But it’s the supportive coach-friends and collaborators who have made membership for me priceless. //s3.amazonaws.com/ClubExpressClubFiles/907122/graphics/BevLutz1_669008720.jpg

Irene Kelly

Being a member of ICF offers me the opportunity for certification by the industry professional standard bearer; being a member of ICF Minnesota connects me to my professional peers for networking and collaboration.  Membership in both establishes me as “credible” and provides me opportunities to learn and grow.

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Mary Kay Delvo  

Being a member of ICF-Minnesota helps me continue to bring my 'best self' to my clients.

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Trish Perry ICF-MN gives me a place to authentically connect and share with other coaches. I have created long lasting friendships, collaborations and mentorships that have profoundly enriched my life and my business. //s3.amazonaws.com/ClubExpressClubFiles/907122/graphics/Trish_Perry_25161695.jpg
Ann Marie Forshay ICF MN has provided me with crucial connections to other entrepreneurs and colleagues who share similar goals and challenges in their businesses. It's a welcoming place full of great ideas that have moved me forward both professionally and personally. //s3.amazonaws.com/ClubExpressClubFiles/907122/graphics/Ann_Marie_Forshay_1469170036.jpg
Sara Krisher ICF Minnesota is the place to be if you're a coach or you're interested in the coaching profession. We come together to connect, grow and give because we are stronger together than we are apart. //s3.amazonaws.com/ClubExpressClubFiles/907122/graphics/Sara_Socwell_63997586.jpg
Lance Hazzard I chose to get involved with the ICF Minnesota Chapter to be part of a community of coaches who help our clients grow and achieve their goals. This organization brings great content to our coaching community and enables opportunities to learn and collaborate in multiple ways. //s3.amazonaws.com/ClubExpressClubFiles/907122/graphics/Lance_Hazzard_1065569928.jpg






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HomeGaston Award

Excellence in coaching

 

The Gaston Award

The Intention of the Gaston Award is to Honor an Individual for their selfless leadership in significant and sustained contributions to the Coaching Profession and the ICF Minnesota Chapter

 Nominate a Coach for the Gaston Award -  Nominations Now Being Taken!

Criteria for Gaston Award Recipient

Criteria for Gaston Award Recipient**

1. Holds a coaching credential that meets one of the following:

    • ICF-issued credential
    • Certification from an ICF-accredited coaching school
    • Certification from a professional coaching program within an ICF-accredited educational institution

2. Demonstrates clear and strong leadership for the advancement of the coaching profession.

3. Demonstrates integrity through professionalism and selfless service.

4. Has been an active member of ICF Minnesota for five or more years

    and continues to contribute uniquely to ICF Minnesota’s growth.  Examples are:

  • Provides coaching to board member
  • Volunteers on ICF initiatives
  • Facilitating board retreats
  • Demonstrates a willingness to speak on pertinent topics focused on coaching for the ICF MN chapter
  • Pro-bono coach for an Ignite project, etc.

**Current board members are not eligible for selection.

**Due to the highly selective nature of this award, winners may not be named annually.



Click on the link below to nominate someone for the Gaston award.

Gaston Award Nomination Form
 

The 2025 Gaston Award

Each year ICF Minnesota recognizes a member who has exhibited distinguished service to the coaching profession and to the chapter.

Karen Failes-Coad embodies the spirit of coaching—collaborative, curious, and deeply committed to helping others grow. From her early days at Target, she championed coaching at every level and has continued to shape and strengthen the Minnesota coaching community ever since.

Karen leads with quiet strength—inviting diverse voices, holding others capable, and ensuring everyone feels valued and included. Her colleagues describe her as a thoughtful leader whose presence makes others feel like the center of the universe. On the ICF Minnesota Board, she helped grow corporate membership, fostered balance between internal and independent coaches, and led with clarity and foresight. Even beyond her presidency, Karen continues to give—through mentoring, pro bono coaching, and support for community initiatives.

From childhood, Karen’s instinct has been to lift others up, celebrating their accomplishments as her own. She truly exemplifies the generosity, professionalism, and heart that define the Gaston Award.

 

Previous Gaston Award Winners

2025 - Karen Failes-Coad
2024 - Ann Houser
2023 - None selected
2022 - Deborah Johnson
2021 - Ellen Carlson
2020 - Joan Haan
2018 - Jennie Antolak
2017 - Dana Kadue
2016 - Anne Olson
2015 - Sydney Paredes
2014 - Dave Wondra
2013 - Irene Kelly
2012 - Diana Gabriel
2011 - Bonnie Henriksen
2010 - Paula Hemming
2009 - Deb Bollom
2008 - Jim Earley
2007 - Bev Lutz
2006 - Elaine Gaston





 

Nominate a coach

 
Each year ICF Minnesota recognizes a member who has exhibited distinguished service to the coaching profession and to the chapter. 

Gaston Award Nomination Form