John Pratt Lifetime Achievement Award
In 2012, the AIRI Community lost John Pratt, a long-time supporter of AIRI. That year, the AIRI Board of Directors unanimously voted to establish the John Pratt Lifetime Achievement Award for outstanding service to be presented from time-to-time. John was instrumental in the organization’s success for many years. This award is given in recognition of the dedication and service to AIRI by someone who has displayed unique qualities and longstanding commitment that have significantly contributed to the strength, influence and stature of AIRI. Photos above: (left) John speaking at AIRI 2006; (center) John with Janeth Mattox, Program Chairs for AIRI 2001; (right) Receiving award from President Ron Erickson.
2012
At AIRI 2012, the first award was in honor of John’s memory and presented to his wife, Suzanne, who accepted the award and presented by long-time friend and treasurer of AIRI at the time, Tom McQuaid (formerly of The Forsyth Institute).
2014
The AIRI 2014 John Pratt Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Jane Sheehan, Esq., the second recipient of the award. Jane supported the AIRI community in many ways, including service as AIRI President, Program Chair, and Vendor Support Chair. She has also served on many committees including government affairs, program planning, vendor support, membership, nominations, member benefits, and strategic planning. Formerly Jane was the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation for Blood Research. The award was presented by Ronald Erickson, AIRI Past President, Vice President for Administration, Neuropsychiatric Research Institute.
2015
The AIRI 2015 John Pratt Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Randy Main. Randy served AIRI at many levels over the years on the AIRI Board as President, Past President, and Treasurer. Randy has also played a crucial role with the government affairs committee, the budget and investments committee, and the program planning committees, including local hosting of the annual meeting. Presented by Gregory M.L. Patterson, PhD, AIRI President, Vice President for Research Operations, Texas Biomedical Research Institute.
2016
The AIRI 2016 John Pratt Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Michael “Chip” Morgan. Chip served AIRI at many levels over the years on the AIRI Board as President, Past President, Assistant Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Acting Secretary, Director, and Chair of the Government Affairs Committee. Chip also played a very active role with the government affairs committee, the program planning committees, breakout and focus group sessions, membership, and nominating. Chip’s institute has hosted AIRI Annual Meetings, as well as an IT Meeting. Presented by Cary E. Thomas, AIRI President, Scripps Research Institute.
2018
The AIRI 2018 John Pratt Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Mr. Cary E. Thomas. Cary served AIRI at many levels, including Board President, Secretary, Program Chair, and Nominating Committee Chair. He was also instrumental in creating, organizing, and growing the AIRI IT Summit program, which has become one of AIRI’s most popular member events. Cary was successful in promoting AIRI to our sponsors, including some of the biggest names in the IT Industry. In addition, Cary represented Scripps Research for the 11 years and had given generously of his time and service to many AIRI Committees, including government affairs, annual meeting program planning, breakout and focus group sessions, membership, nominating, and vendor support committees. Presented by Lari Russo, AIRI President, Chief Financial Officer, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.