Outstanding Service Award

The Outstanding Service Award is presented only when the board of directors identifies an individual whose contribution to Catholic publishing warrants recognition.

Read more about the ACP Hall of Fame and Leading with Integrity Award.

To nominate someone to be inducted into the Outstanding Service Award, complete the downloadable application or online form and submit it by October 31.

2026 Winner

Mary Henion

Mary Henion celebrates an extraordinary 50-year career with Ave Maria Press, embodying unparalleled dedication, faithfulness, and service to Catholic publishing. She began in 1976, as a co-op student from her local high school and has since become the company’s longest-tenured employee and a cornerstone of its operations. Henion has served through the leadership of five publishers and has been a stabilizing force through decades of technological and industry change—from typewriters and manual order entry to digital publishing and the rise of Amazon and e-commerce. As Senior Sales Coordinator, she continues to support multiple departments, including processing Amazon orders and returns, handling customer inquiries, and maintaining deep knowledge of the company’s catalog, authors, and customers. Staff praised Henion’s exceptional speed, accuracy, and work ethic, which set a standard across the organization. Beyond her work, Henion has demonstrated a life of service to her parish, her children’s schools, and her community, including longtime volunteer work and caring for animals at a local shelter.

To nominate someone to receive the Outstanding Service Award, complete the application and submit it by October 31.