THEA PETER CHERNACK AWARD

The TEA Distinguished Service Award recognizes outstanding contributions made to the Themed Entertainment Association, by TEA members who have supported the Association above and beyond the call of duty.

​This award is named after the late Peter Chernack, an industry innovator, Past President, and lifelong volunteer to the TEA. Peter passed away April 3, 2016, but his 40-year history in the Themed Entertainment Industry as an entrepreneur, outspoken supporter of the TEA and cheerleader exemplifies what the TEA Service Award stands for.

NOMINATION TIP SHEET

2024 THEA AWARD RULES

​2024 NOMINATIONS NOW CLOSED​
Thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination for 2024! Nominations are now closed, but we hope you'll get your submissions ready for our next round. 
Submissions for 2025 will open in May 2024.

HOW RECIPIENTS ARE SELECTED:
The TEA Distinguished Service Award will be presented annually by a representative(s) from the TEA Past Presidents Advisory Committee, at the THEA Awards ceremonies, in recognition of a TEA member’s outstanding contributions “above & beyond the call of duty” to the Themed Entertainment Association. Similar to the THEA Awards, nominations are open to the TEA membership, based upon published criteria. The final selection of one annual recipient will be made by members of the TEA Past President’s Advisory Committee and approved by the TEA International Board of Directors. Recipients of the TEA Distinguished Service Award will be presented with an award plaque acknowledging their service to the TEA during the THEA Awards.

CRITERIA:
With the exception of those who are currently serving on TEA International, Division Boards, and members of the Past Presidents Advisory Committee during the calendar year prior to THEA Awards Gala, all TEA members in good standing are eligible for consideration. For 2024, the nominating form will be distributed to TEA International Board and Division Boards in May and all nominations must be submitted to the Past President’s Committee Liaison and the TEA Executive Director by Friday, 14 July to be voted on at the August meeting of the International Board. 

Nominations will be accepted from any current member of the TEA. The Past Presidents Advisory Committee will collect and review all nominations and by vote of the majority, will make its recommendation to the International Board approximately 1 week prior to the August Board Meeting (August 22, 2023). The International Board will review the selected nomination and act on the nomination accordingly.

If for any reason, the International Board rejects the candidate, the Past Presidents’ Committee will submit an alternate candidate within one week of the International Board decision. If that candidate is not approved, there will be no Service Award recipient for this year. Once the International Board approves the nomination, the International Board President or their designated agent, will formally notify the candidate in a timely manner. Acceptance is predicated on the candidate’s ability to attend the Thea Awards ceremony.

GUIDELINES FOR AWARD SELECTION:
The nominee shall -

1. Be a TEA member in good standing.
2. Not currently serve on the International or Division Boards, or Past Presidents Advisory Committee
3. Have been active in the industry for a minimum of five years.
4. Have made demonstrable and outstanding contributions to the mission of the Association that is “above and beyond the call of duty.”
5. Be available to accept the Award at the Thea Awards Gala.

NOMINATING INFORMATION TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE TEA PAST PRESIDENTS COMMITTEE:

• Name and contact information for your Nominee
• A short statement of your reasons for making the nomination
• Your contact information and date

For additional information contact us by emailing TheaAwards@TEAConnect.org or by calling TEA headquarters at +1 818 843-8497

2023 PETER CHERNACK AWARD RECIPIENTS

PREVIOUS PETER CHERNACK AWARD RECIPIENTS

2022
Lynn Allmandinger

2021
Dale Sprague

2020
Wendy Heinmann-Nunes

2019
Michel Linet-Frion

2018
Annika Oetken & Joe Fox

2017
Peter Chernack (awarded posthumously)

2016
John Robinett

2015
Pat MacKay

2014
Karen McGee

​2013
​Judith Rubin

2012
Gene Jeffers