The Pioneer Award is presented annually to the young professional exemplifying the most outstanding leadership, technical expertise and dedication to community service. Young professionals are individuals with less than 10 years experience in the industry.
- 2006 – Sally Mills
- 2007 – Corie Peterson
- 2008 – Corianne Hart
- 2009 – Niki Iverson
- 2010 – Enoch Nicholson
- 2011 – Kristel Fesler
- 2012 – Stephanie Raddatz
- 2013 – Joe West
- 2014 – Anna Zaklikowski
- 2015 – Jennifer Garbely
- 2016 – Julie Smitherman
- 2017 – Lynn Williams-Stephens
- 2018 – Kevin Wyckoff
- 2019 – Chris Young
- 2020 – Joanie Stultz
- 2021 – Josh Kennedy
- 2023 – Mia Vijanderan
