The following constitute the seven ED Honors Nominees for the “Progressive Leader of the Year” Award
Established in 2025, the ED “Honors” Awards will once again acknowledge specific individuals who have made a significant contribution to the industry at large. The nominees for these awards will be announced via our websites and social media channels, and the winners will be chosen by our “ED Honors Board,” a collection of well-established industry professionals from across the country who represent several areas of club operation, from clubs both big and small (see the list of Honors Board members below).
The nominees for the ED Honors Awards were chosen in large part via feedback received during the ED Awards’ pre-nomination voting process (held from mid-May to mid-June 2026). Voters were asked to not only nominate individuals for the Honors Awards, but also explain in detail “why” they deserve the recognition.
These “Honors” Awards will be presented in 2026:
Industry Innovator of the Year
Progressive Leader (GM/Regional) of the Year
Outstanding Employee of the Year
In 2025, the ED Honors Board consisted of these voting members, and each was invited to return as an Honors Board voter in 2026: David “Slim” Baucom, owner, MAL Entertainment; Joey Bien, owner, The Treasure Clubs, Shon Bolden, owner, Devil’s Point and The Lucky Devil; Joe Carouba, owner, BSC Management; Jeb Jarrell, PANDA President and DJ; Larry Kaplan, ED legal correspondent; John Kirkendoll, owner, Penthouse Clubs/Kirkendoll Management; Don Kleinhans, owner, 2001 Odyssey; Danny Meyers, veteran DJ/MC; Thom Naylor, GM, Archibalds, DC; Dave Peacock, GM, Platinum 84; Dawn Rizos, owner, The Lodge; Jenn Shamy, owner, Delilah’s; Jim St. John, Spearmint Rhino; Jeremy Sweigert, DJ, Michael’s Men’s Club; Kathy Vercher, President & CEO, Spearmint Rhino; Jerry Westlund, owner, The Pony Clubs; Curtis Wise, owner, Bucks clubs.
Criteria: The Progressive Leader of the Year Award will honor the leaders pushing their teams forward and navigating them toward success. This award seeks to recognize the leaders who are guiding their club, and perhaps the industry, in a whole new direction.
Progressive Leader of the Year Nominees
(GM or Regional, listed in alphabetical order; see their testimonials below)
Tami Alana-Miller, Regional Manager, Deja Vu Showgirls, Lansing, MI
Andrew Boccalupo, General Manager, Flight Club, Detroit, MI
Kathryn Pappas, General Manager, The Filly Gentlemen’s Club, West Newton, PA
Raquel Rea, General Manager, Admiral Theatre, Chicago, IL
Martin Reed, General Manager, Peppermint Hippo, Fort Wayne, IN
Mike Richman, General Manager, Spearmint Rhino, Minneapolis, MN
Todd Trause, General Manager, 2001 Odyssey, Tampa, FL
Tami Alana-Miller, Regional Manager, Deja Vu Showgirls, Lansing, MI
For more than three decades, Tami Alana has personified the kind of leadership that strengthens clubs while empowering the people who run them. Beginning her career as a cocktail server in 1992, she worked her way through every level of club operations before becoming one of the most respected general managers and regional leaders in the Deja Vu organization. Her firsthand experience has shaped a leadership philosophy rooted in accountability, mentorship and leading by example.
Throughout her career, Alana has successfully guided clubs through ownership transitions, improved operational performance and developed strong management teams that continue to thrive under her influence. An innovator by nature, she has embraced new ideas, introduced forward-thinking programs and helped establish operational standards that have benefited venues across the Deja Vu organization.
Perhaps most remarkable is her resilience. Following a lung cancer diagnosis in 2022, Alana remained committed to supporting her teams throughout treatment, continuing to mentor managers and oversee operations before returning to full-time regional leadership. Her determination, integrity and unwavering commitment to her employees have inspired countless colleagues throughout the industry, and make her a deserving nominee for the 2026 ED Honors Progressive Leader of the Year Award.
Andrew Boccalupo, General Manager, Flight Club, Detroit, MI
Andrew Boccalupo has transformed Flight Club into one of Detroit’s premier venues through a relentless commitment to excellence and continuous improvement. Never content with the status quo, he has reimagined every aspect of the operation, from service standards and hospitality to club culture and the overall guest experience, consistently raising the bar.
Boccalupo has created a workplace where employees and entertainers genuinely enjoy coming to work, fostering an environment defined by respect, teamwork and shared purpose. Longtime patrons frequently remark on the staff’s enthusiasm and professionalism, a reflection of the positive culture he has built. That commitment translates directly into an exceptional guest experience and has become a defining characteristic of Flight Club.
By inspiring those around him to pursue excellence, Boccalupo has established a standard others strive to match. His vision, operational leadership and ability to build a thriving team make him an outstanding candidate for the 2026 ED Honors Progressive Leader of the Year Award.
Kathryn Pappas, GM, The Filly Gentlemen’s Club, West Newton, PA
[no photo available] Kathryn Pappas has built her reputation as a leader by putting the well-being of her entertainers and staff at the center of everything she does. Drawing from her own experience as a former dancer, she understands the challenges entertainers face and has created a workplace where safety, respect and support are more than ideals; they are everyday expectations in her club.
Known affectionately by many of her entertainers as “Mom,” Pappas has fostered a culture that feels like family while maintaining the professionalism and accountability required to operate a successful club. She is an advocate, mentor and protector, consistently going above and beyond to ensure her team feels heard, valued and empowered. Her leadership has transformed The Filly into a workplace where entertainers can thrive with confidence, knowing their manager genuinely has their best interests at heart.
By combining firsthand industry experience with compassionate, people-first leadership, Pappas exemplifies the qualities of a progressive manager and is a deserving candidate for the 2026 ED Honors Progressive Leader of the Year Award.
Raquel Rea, General Manager, Admiral Theatre, Chicago, IL
Raquel Rea has earned her staff’s respect through a leadership style that pairs compassion with accountability. She understands that effective management is built on trust, consistency and leading by example. Never asking more of her team than she is willing to do herself, Rea has cultivated a workplace where employees know they are valued, supported and held to high standards.
In an industry where credibility must be earned daily, Rea leads with quiet confidence, balancing empathy with decisive action. She follows through on her commitments, advocates for her staff when they need support and fosters a club culture rooted in mutual respect, loyalty and professionalism. Her ability to create a family-style atmosphere without compromising operational excellence has strengthened the Admiral Theatre.
Rea exemplifies the progressive, people-first leadership that defines today’s most successful club operators, making her an outstanding candidate for the 2026 ED Honors Progressive Leader of the Year Award.
Martin Reed, General Manager, Peppermint Hippo, Fort Wayne, IN
Closing in on 40 years in the industry, Martin Reed exemplifies the leadership, professionalism and perseverance that define the business’s most respected operators. As General Manager of Peppermint Hippo Fort Wayne, he has built a thriving club in a market where adult entertainment often faces heightened scrutiny, proving that success is achieved through integrity, accountability and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Reed has assembled and developed a team that reflects those values, fostering a culture centered on safety, professionalism and exceptional guest service. Leading by example, he mentors employees, cultivates new talent and inspires his staff to perform at the highest level. His hands-on leadership touches every aspect of the operation, from supporting entertainers and motivating employees to enhancing the guest experience and strengthening the club’s reputation.
Martin Reed’s dedication, vision and lasting influence make him a deserving candidate for the 2026 ED Honors Progressive Leader of the Year Award.
Mike Richman, General Manager, Spearmint Rhino, Minneapolis, MN
Mike Richman has established himself as a forward-thinking leader whose vision, composure and commitment to his team have elevated Spearmint Rhino Minneapolis to new levels of success. Under his leadership, the club has experienced significant operational growth through innovative promotions, stronger productivity and a workplace culture where employees are empowered to excel.
Richman’s calm, decisive leadership has earned the confidence of both his staff and ownership. By fostering open communication, setting high expectations and supporting his team every step of the way, he has created an environment where morale, accountability and performance continue to thrive.
Believing that exceptional clubs are built through exceptional leadership, Richman inspires his team to continually improve while ensuring every employee feels valued and invested in the club’s success. His strategic vision, creativity and people-first approach have established a culture of excellence that distinguishes both Spearmint Rhino Minneapolis and his career, making him a deserving candidate for the 2026 ED Honors Progressive Leader of the Year Award.
Todd Trause, General Manager, 2001 Odyssey, Tampa, FL
Todd began his career 2001 Odyssey in 2002 as a shift manager. From his very initial introduction into this industry it was quite evident that Todd stood out as a positive asset to the company. Todd grew quickly up through the ranks to ultimately become the club’s GM. His years of effort, care and concern for everyone in the club has allowed 2001 to enjoy tremendous success for many years.
Todd operates the Odyssey with the most utmost respect to each and every entertainer and staff member, he is a master at creating and maintaining a family feel amongst everyone at the club. This has greatly contributed to 2001 Odyssey having one of the best retention rates of staff and entertainers in our industry. Todd is a fine example for all other owners and company personnel as to the right way to operate and manage an adult club! For these reasons, Todd Trause is an exceptional candidate for the 2026 ED Honors Progressive Leader of the Year Award.
