Previous Winners

The Michael Cappelletti Leadership Award was established in 2004 to recognize a significant one-time or sustained demonstration of outstanding leadership within the Society of Plastics Engineers. The award is open to both the Society’s staff and volunteers. It is awarded annually and named after long-time SPE staff member and retired Executive Director Mike Cappelletti. Sponsored by SPE Past President Norman Fowler, the award consists of a plaque and an honorarium of $100.

This year’s recipient of the Michael Cappelletti Leadership Award is Ken Braney. Ken is recognized for his commitment to SPE and the progress he has made in Europe, spreading the word about SPE, getting people to work on various committees, and starting numerous projects to provide education on plastics to the European community. Ken has ably served as Councilor, as a valued member of the International Committee, and as one of the founding fathers of SPE Europe. Now, as a member of the Executive Committee, with patience, thoroughness and good humor, he is teaching other EC members how a European thinks and how SPE needs to think if we are to continue to succeed in Europe.

In recognition of his outstanding style of leadership, the way he embraces a project or position, his work to help SPE grow in Europe, and his “Just Do It” approach to getting a job done, Ken Braney is presented with the 2007 Michael Cappelletti Leadership Award.

2006: Hector Dilán, HDI, Inc.
2005: William O'Connell, Broconn, Inc.
2004: Donna Davis, ExxonMobil & Susan Oderwald, Executive Director, SPE