NCA Volunteer of the Year Award

Nominations for the 2026 award cycle will open on September 15, 2025.

Sign up to receive updates on NCA Individual Recognition Awards

The National Coffee Association’s Volunteer of the Year Award has long celebrated individuals whose time and dedication strengthened our organization and its mission. Now, this honor has evolved to reflect a broader impact.

The NCA Volunteer of the Year Award now recognizes a remarkable individual whose coffee-related volunteerism goes above and beyond expectations, leaving a lasting mark on both the coffee industry and the wider community. This prestigious award celebrates those whose contributions inspire others to serve with purpose—through leadership, compassion, and a commitment to making a difference.

Nominations may come from NCA members or non-members, and nominees must have worked for an NCA member company during the year in which they are nominated.

Questions: Contact Terri Bartlett, Director of Member Relations at trbartlett@ncausa.org or at 646-924-4039

2025 Volunteer of the Year Award: Kyle Bawot

The NCA is proud to name Kyle Bawot of ofi as the recipient of the 2025 NCA Volunteer of the Year Award, sponsored by Eight O'Clock Coffee Company, in recognition of his outstanding leadership and contributions to building the NCA Next Generation community.

In addition to his role as senior director at ofi, Bawot has served on the NCA Next Gen Council since 2019 and, for the last two years, has been serving as the Council’s Chair. During his time as chair, Bawot worked to formalize and strengthen Next Gen’s core activities while also leading new initiatives, including the launch of the NCA Mentorship Program.