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National Association of Presidential Assistants in Higher Education

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NAPAHE Announces Recipients of the 2026 Distinguished Service Award

Honoring Dr. Melissa A. Maszczak and Steve Frieder for Extraordinary Contributions to the Profession
March 12, 2026 | San Antonio, Texas

The National Association of Presidential Assistants in Higher Education (NAPAHE) proudly announced the recipients of its 2026 Distinguished Service Award during the 39th Annual National Conference & Business Meeting in San Antonio, Texas. This year, the association honored two former board members—Dr. Melissa A. Maszczak and Steve Frieder—whose exceptional leadership, service, and commitment have strengthened both NAPAHE and the broader higher education community.

First established in 2003, NAPAHE’s Distinguished Service Award recognizes individuals whose personal and professional contributions have meaningfully enhanced the organization’s presence, growth, and impact within the field. Both recipients exemplify the award’s purpose through their sustained dedication, exemplary leadership, and unwavering support for higher education professionals across the country.

Honoring Dr. Melissa A. Maszczak

A member of NAPAHE since 2015, Dr. Melissa A. Maszczak has played a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s development over the past decade. During her two terms on the NAPAHE Board, concluding in 2024, she held several key leadership positions, including:

  • Board Secretary
  • Chair, Professional Development Committee, where she founded NAPAHE’s peer mentoring program
  • Chair, Membership Committee, helping drive membership revenues to 130% of the budgeted goal
  • Member of the Nominating Committee and the Executive Director Search Committee

Beyond her board service, Dr. Maszczak is widely recognized for her ethical, courageous, and creative leadership. Her distinguished career, spanning service as Assistant to the President, Executive Assistant to the President, and Secretary to the Board of Trustees at Thomas Edison State University, continues today in her role as Senior Fellow and Director of the Center for Leadership and Governance.

In accepting the award, Dr. Maszczak reflected on the often-invisible but deeply impactful work of presidential assistants and board professionals:

“To be recognized by a community that has shaped my professional life—and my heart—for so many years is both humbling and profoundly meaningful. Our work happens behind the scenes… holding institutions steady during moments of uncertainty and helping leaders succeed so our campuses can thrive.”
She emphasized the collective nature of service within NAPAHE:
“This award affirms that this work matters. That you matter. NAPAHE has been my classroom, my support system, my sounding board, and often my sanity. Whatever contributions I have made were only possible because of the extraordinary people in this room.”
Dr. Maszczak concluded by dedicating the honor to the profession itself:
“This award belongs to the professionals who translate vision into action, who protect process and people simultaneously, and who do the invisible labor that makes visible leadership possible.”

Honoring Steve Frieder

The second Distinguished Service Award was presented to Steve Frieder, a respected leader whose influence has long shaped NAPAHE’s mission and whose mentorship and strategic insight have supported countless colleagues in higher education. Steve currently serves as the Senior Advisor to the President of Marquette University.

Frieder’s long-standing service to NAPAHE includes his tenure on the Board of Directors, where his contributions to organizational strategy, leadership development, and community building left a lasting imprint. Widely admired for his professionalism and integrity, he is known across the profession as a steady, trusted voice, especially during moments of institutional change.

During the ceremony, Frieder was introduced by longtime colleague and fellow NAPAHE Board Member Heather Fehn, who described him as her “North Star”:

“Steve became the bridge—providing the stability the Board and the institution needed during a period of profound transition. Whether it's a crisis of magnitude or simply a tough day, Steve is the person I rely on to be on the other end of the phone with sound guidance and, most importantly, integrity.”

Frieder’s nomination included praise from colleagues across the country, citing his exemplary mentorship, leadership, and commitment to the values that define NAPAHE.

In his remarks, Frieder reflected on his journey within the profession and the importance of finding one’s voice:

“It has been a pleasure to be a small part of NAPAHE’s success. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing NAPAHE grow to meet the needs of all of us who support leaders in higher education.”
Addressing the next generation of professionals, he offered heartfelt advice:
“For too long in my career, I was afraid to share my counsel with leaders I perceived to be more important than me. My advice is not to be afraid. We are professionals with experience and wisdom. Don’t be afraid to share your counsel with leaders at your institution.”

Celebrating Service, Leadership, and the NAPAHE Community

NAPAHE Executive Director Stuart J. Schmidt praised both honorees for their profound influence on the association:
“Melissa and Steve exemplify the spirit and purpose of the Distinguished Service Award. Their leadership, mentorship, and dedication have shaped not only NAPAHE’s growth, but also the careers and confidence of colleagues across our profession.”

The 2026 Distinguished Service Awards honor not only the remarkable achievements of Dr. Maszczak and Mr. Frieder, but also the essential, often unseen work of presidential assistants, board professionals, and higher education leaders whose service strengthens institutions nationwide.

NAPAHE congratulates both recipients for their extraordinary contributions and extends its gratitude for their continued impact on the profession.

For More information on NAPAHE's Awards and Grants, click the link below.

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