In 2018, then-CFMA Chairman Joe McLaughlin wanted to recognize members who do exceptional work for CFMA, but whose efforts might not be acknowledged at the Executive level. He was reminded of the military tradition of the challenge coin – a small medallion or token that signifies a person is a member of an elite group. Since then, CFMA Executive Committee members have followed the tradition of giving out a limited number of CFMA Chair's Challenge Coins to CFMA members who exhibit service and excellence to CFMA.

Sarah Keith, Underwriter, Liberty Mutual Surety, Cincinnati, OH
On August 22, 2024, Joe Harper presented Sarah Keith of Liberty Mutual Surety with a CFMA Challenge Coin.

Sarah received this Challenge Coin for her work on the Buckeye Conference. The Buckeye Conference occurs every other year and is rotated between Toledo, Columbus, and Cincinnati Ohio.

The last time the Buckeye was hosted in Cincinnati, Sarah tirelessly worked the event, even though she gave birth days later.

Cincinnati is again hosting the Buckeye Conference in 2025, and Sarah stepped up the be the Planning Chair. Her level of energy and her ability to get all the volunteers on the same page and focus on the goal is truly a gift.
Brad Anderson, Vice President, IMA Financial Group, Inc., Dallas, TX
On April 17, 2024, Kris Romero virtually presented Brad Anderson of IMA Financial Group with a CFMA Challenge Coin. The official in-person exchange took place at CFMA’s Annual Conference and Exhibition in Grapevine, TX in May 2024.

Brad has been a tireless advocate for mental health and suicide prevention for over 30 years. Recently, he and a team of advocates created the Constructing Minds Alliance, a collaborative effort within the Dallas/Ft. Worth construction industry aimed at addressing suicide, mental health challenges, homelessness, and the labor shortage. Brad also volunteers at the Dallas 24-Hour Club, where he mentors homeless men, helping them create a pathway toward sobriety, wellness, and self-sufficiency. He was a founding committee member for the Stuart Bright Life Skills Training Program, which provides essential life skills training to the men and women of The 24.

Brad proudly represents CFMA’s Dallas/Ft. Worth Chapter, serving on its board and currently acting as the Mental Wellness Suicide Prevention Chair. He serves CFMA nationally by participating in the Specialty Trade Committee and the Associate Member Value Task Force. Additionally, Brad is on the Planning Committee for the 2025 Constructing Minds Summit, the premier annual event of the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention. Recently, TEXO asked Brad to complete Vital Cog: Suicide Prevention in the Workplace, a “train-the-trainer” curriculum designed to help employers identify early warning signs of mental health issues and how to address them. In his spare time, he regularly visits the Austin Chapter as a supporting member.

At CFMA’s 2024 Conference, Brad presented a panel discussion, "Constructing Minds Alliance – Mental Wellness Ecosystem."

Brad is an outstanding example for those passionate about mental wellness and suicide prevention, and his dedication to the success of CFMA and the construction industry is impressive.

Brad Anderson
Jennifer Evans, CCIFP, CFO, Key Construction, Inc., Wichita, KS
At the annual dinner for board members rolling off for the Greater Wichita Chapter on April 3, 2024, Aron Dunn presented Jennifer Evans of Key Construction, Inc. with a CFMA Challenge Coin.

Jennifer stepped in as the chapter president as we were slowly emerging from COVID-19. The chapter was in need of engagement, excitement, and programming; Jennifer provided all of that. She brought in some new board members, and our chapter membership started growing and the number of CCIFPs in the chapter jumped. More engagement resulted from this as more members participated in meetings and events and the board is now extremely engaged in how the chapter is doing and providing value to members. It has been a pleasure to see Jennifer's leadership grow over the past couple of years with so much impact to the Greater Wichita Chapter.