The Paragon Award is awarded annually to one individual who has made significant and lasting contributions to HFTP, as well as a profound impact on the hospitality industry. The Paragon Award winners, who are selected by a panel of their peers, selflessly contribute their time and energy to further the goals of both HFTP and the industry. 

Cavanagh is the controller for Royal Oaks Country Club in Dallas, Texas. Since becoming a member in 1988, Katherine has served on several HFTP committees at the local and international levels. She has authored several articles in The Bottomline and has been an educational speaker at HITEC and the HFTP Annual Convention & Tradeshow. In addition, Cavanagh has written for the Lone Star Chapter of the Club Managers Association of America and was the editor for a new accounting book for clubs. She has also been a guest lecturer at the University of North Texas. Katherine has chaired HFTP communications, club and award committees and has been a member of education and membership committees. She was a member of the HFTP International Board of Directors from 1994 to 1996. 

At the local chapter level, Cavanagh served as a board member for the North Texas chapter from 1990 to 1993 and again in 1996. She was the publisher of the chapter newsletter from 1990 to 1994. Katherine was elected to the office of Vice President in 1993. That same year, she was voted Chairman of the Year by her chapter and the chapter, itself, was voted Chapter of the Year by the association. Cavanagh was elected President of the North Texas Chapter in 1994 and served as the Nominating Committee Chairman and Immediate Past-President in 1995. 

Katherine Cavanagh has served in the Club industry for 21 years and is a Certified Hospitality Accountant Executive. She holds two bachelor�s degrees, one in finance and another in education and mathematics. 

Based in Austin, Texas, HFTP is the professional association for financial and IT personnel working in hotels, resorts, clubs, casinos, restaurants, and other hospitality-related businesses. The association provides continuing education and networking opportunities to more than 4,300 members around the world. In addition to administering the examination and awards the certification for the Certified Hospitality Accountant Executive (CHAE) and the Certified Hospitality Technology Professional (CHTP) designations, HFTP also produces the annual Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC®). HITEC® is the most comprehensive meeting of its kind in the hospitality industry. It addresses the use of technology in the industry and brings together buyers and sellers of technology under one roof. HFTP was founded in 1952 as the National Association of Hospitality Accountants. HFTP® and HITEC® are registered service marks of the Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals.