April 8, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AIIM Announces 2026 Award Winners Recognizing Excellence in Information Management
SILVER SPRING, MD — The Association for Intelligent Information Management (AIIM) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 awards, recognizing leaders who have made exceptional contributions to the information management profession and to AIIM's mission.
The awards will be presented at the AI+IM Global Summit in Baltimore, Maryland, April 28-30, where information management professionals from around the world gathered to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and intelligent information management.
Award of Merit: Paul Carman
Paul Carman, President & CEO of Xamcor Inc., received AIIM's highest honor, the Award of Merit. Established in 1954, this award recognizes lifetime achievement to the association and to the industry. Carman has been a member of the AIIM Company of Fellows since 2008 (Fellow #136) and was nominated by Craig Laue (Fellow #205).
"Paul's contributions to information management have spanned decades and touched every corner of our industry," said Dan Lucarini, who supported Carman's nomination. "His leadership in developing new applications and advancing the field has been instrumental in shaping how organizations approach intelligent information management."
Harvey Spencer, another supporter of Carman's nomination, added, "Paul represents the best of what our profession can be. His commitment to education and his willingness to share his expertise have benefited countless professionals throughout his career."
Company of Fellows: Robert Bogue, CIP, and Karen Hobert
Two new members were inducted into the AIIM Company of Fellows, an honor established in 1963 that recognizes individuals who merit distinction for their outstanding contributions to the information management industry.
Robert Bogue, CIP, President of Thor Projects LLC, was inducted as Fellow #248. Bogue was recognized for his extensive contributions to information management and change management. A Microsoft MVP for 23 years and Certified Change Management Professional (CCMP), Bogue has authored multiple AIIM courses, co-authored significant whitepapers including "Organizational Readiness for Generative Artificial Intelligence" and "Demystifying Document Management, Content Management, Information Management, and Content Services," and presented at AIIM conferences for seven consecutive years. His work spans information architecture, Microsoft 365 implementation, and helping organizations prepare for AI adoption.
"Robert's work advancing information management practices has helped organizations across industries better understand and implement effective solutions," said John Mancini, AIIM Fellow #178. "He exemplifies the thought leadership our profession needs."
Karen Hobert, President of Top Dog and a past chair of the AIIM Board of Directors, was inducted as Fellow #249. Hobert was honored for her leadership during a transformational period for AIIM. Hobert brings over three decades of experience as an information technology strategist and researcher, having served as Research Director at Gartner covering content services and digital workplace strategies. Her expertise in making complex technology accessible and her systems thinking approach have been instrumental in guiding organizations through digital transformation.
“Karen's years of Board leadership was instrumental in changing AIIM's trajectory at a critical moment," said Jason Cassidy, current AIIM Board Chair. "Essential wins include the search committee that brought our current President & CEO, and even today Karen continues to shape our future with the CIP Task Force. Karen's strategic vision and the courage to make difficult decisions have positioned AIIM for long-term success.”
Volunteer of the Year: Erin Dempsey and Sarah Sheffield
AIIM recognized two members with the Volunteer of the Year Award for their exceptional service to the association and the information management community.
Erin Dempsey, Managing Director of the TWAIN Working Group, was honored for her work organizing and advocating for the Women in Information Management (WIIM) community and supporting the AIIM Florida Chapter.
Sarah Sheffield, CIP, Lead Document and Records Management Specialist with Strategic Storage Partners, was recognized for her service with the Women in Information Management (WIIM) community, work as an AIIM Ambassador, speaking at AIIM events, and service on the Membership Committee.
About the Awards
The AIIM Award of Merit, established in 1954, is the highest honor the association can bestow and recognizes lifetime achievement. The Company of Fellows, established in 1963, honors individuals who merit recognition for outstanding contributions to the information management industry. The Volunteer of the Year Award, originally established in 1973 as the Distinguished Service Award, celebrates members who give their time and expertise through chapters, committees, content creation, and other volunteer initiatives.
The 2026 award recipients were selected by the AIIM Awards Committee and approved by the AIIM Board of Directors. Members of the 2026 Awards Committee include Rikkert Engels (Committee Chair, Immediate Past Chair, AIIM Board of Directors), Ron Cameron (Fellow #247), Barry Primes (Fellow #246), Priscilla Emery (Fellow #170), and Pieter Lokker (Director At-Large, AIIM Board of Directors).
Those interested in attending the awards ceremony can register for the AI+IM Global Summit at www.aiim.org/aiim-global-summit-2026. In recognition of Records Management Month, AIIM is offering a $300 discount off registration with code RMFLASHSALE.
For more information about AIIM's awards program, visit www.aiim.org/awards.
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About the Association for Intelligent Information Management
Founded in 1944, the Association for Intelligent Information Management (AIIM) is a nonprofit organization serving information leaders in over 67 countries worldwide. AIIM's vision is to create a world where every organization benefits from intelligent information and data management to achieve better business outcomes. AIIM helps information leaders manage and prepare unstructured data for AI and automation by providing advice, certification, training, and peer-to-peer support. Through practical and approachable resources, AIIM enables organizations to leverage their information assets effectively, ultimately leading to improved business performance and success. Learn more about AIIM at https://www.aiim.org/.
Contact
Shelly Strickland
AIIM International
hello@aiim.org