Each year, the President’s Award honors a NAPO member who has made a significant contribution benefiting the entire NAPO membership. This year, we are thrilled to recognize not just one, but three exceptional leaders whose impact on our profession reaches across national borders and into the future of our entire industry: Jill Yesko Diana, CPO, Janine Sarna-Jones, CPO, and Melissa Autry, CPO. 

At the 2025 NAPO Summit, NAPO President Mindy Godding, CPO shared the significance of this year’s recognition with the following words:  

“One of the responsibilities of the NAPO President is to assemble task teams. Unlike a standing committee, a task team is a temporary, goal-specific group formed to address a particular issue, project, or initiative within a set timeframe. They work together until the goal is met, and then they disband. Ideally, task teams will bring together individuals with diverse expertise to solve problems or implement changes efficiently. I have viewed task teams as a way to engage members whom I admire and want to give a bigger voice and impact. 

Task teams also can serve as a vehicle to tackle challenges and initiatives that are unique and global. Industry advocacy is not something we talk about frequently at NAPO, and frankly can feel pretty abstract to most of us here in this room; however, NAPO is uniquely positioned to drive forward global industry change. 

Last summer, I reached out to three veteran NAPO members, all who have volunteered in other ways, all with their own thriving businesses, and tasked them with the very simple task of advocating on behalf of the entire industry of organizing and productivity—not just to the government of the United States, but to a bureaucratic and regulatory body that serves all of North America: the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). 

With no NAICS code ever specifically designated for our industry, Professional Organizers, Productivity Coaches, Photo Managers, and Move Managers have been classified under various categories that often miss the mark, such as Interior Decorators or Janitorial Services. The Task Force has collaborated with industry leaders throughout North America. NAPO, Professional Organizers of Canada (POC), Institute of Challenging Disorganization, and our colleague, Nacho Eguiarte of Mexico, provided documentation that has been included in our submission for the 2027 NAICS revision application. If approved, this would allow our industry to be properly recognized by government entities, financial institutions, and insurance providers—potentially reducing premiums, improving access to business loans, and increasing visibility for government contracting opportunities for every NAPO member. 

Without getting into the technical weeds on this, I will simply tell you that the process of receiving a code is complex. Industry representatives must submit a compelling proposal during a NAICS revision cycle, which only occurs every five years. The proposal has to include industry data, justification for the new classification, and evidence of economic significance. If approved, the new code is integrated into the next NAICS update. 

The proposed NAICS codes have been submitted and are under review. If approved, they will be reflected in the 2027 revision. This is a long game and we wait with anticipation to see the results. In the meantime, we celebrate these smart and trailblazing members who took up the charge on behalf of an entire industry… 

I am pleased to present the 2025 President’s Award to: Jill Yesko Diana, CPO, Janine Sarna-Jones, CPO, and Melissa Autry, CPO.” 

A Century of Experience and Advocacy 

With more than 100 collective years in the organizing industry, these three leaders have not only built thriving businesses and served their clients with compassion—they’ve also shown up for fellow NAPO members in ways that demonstrate wisdom, generosity, and fierce advocacy. 

Here’s how fellow NAPO members describe this outstanding trio: 

• Jill Yesko Diana, CPO is described as a passionate and compassionate thought leader. Her continued fight for our industry—and for the dignity of seniors and their families—is nothing short of spectacular. Jill brings a critical voice to the table, one that champions care, clarity, and ethics in equal measure. 
• Janine Sarna-Jones, CPO is a light and a leader in our community. She is known for being brave, warm, calming, powerful, and centering. Whether she’s leading a task team or mentoring a new organizer, Janine embodies the kind of thoughtful leadership that elevates those around her. 
• Melissa (Hladek) Autry, CPO is hailed as a powerhouse. Tireless and enthusiastic, she is a champion for change—all the way to the federal level. Melissa’s advocacy has helped shine a spotlight on the essential role professional organizers and productivity experts play in today’s economy and society. 

Looking Ahead 

While we await the outcome of the NAICS revision, one thing is already clear: the work of Jill, Janine, and Melissa has laid a foundation for lasting, systemic change. By helping our profession gain the recognition it deserves, they have advanced every NAPO member’s potential for growth, visibility, and opportunity. 

Please join us in celebrating these incredible women, whose leadership, dedication, and advocacy will benefit our industry for generations to come.