Page 30 - Investment Advisor April/May 2022

“Recognition programs like the
LUMINARIES ‘take a more expansive

view and demonstrate that financial
professionals can do great work,
contribute thought leadership, and make

an impact even if they’re not’ working for
one of the largest firms in the business.”

—Christine Benz

Morningstar’s Benz says that while the term “assets under Industry veteran Mark Tibergien, who served as a
management” is viewed as “shorthand in this business for LUMINARIES judge in 2021 and is doing so again 2022, points
how successful someone is,” recognition programs like the out that financial advisors “have multiple constituencies —
LUMINARIES “take a more expansive view and demonstrate their clients, employees, service providers, stakeholders and
that financial professionals can do great work, contribute the communities in which they practice.”
thought leadership, and make an impact even if they’re not” Historically, the industry “has celebrated assets and
working for one of the largest firms in the business. income,” according to Tibergien, now serving as advisor in
Carson Group’s Jamie Hopkins agrees and adds that indus- residence for Ernst & Young Wealth & Asset Management.
try recognition “inspires others to do innovative work by The “real opportunity to elevate the profession is to cel-
showing the impact of creating” something new. Awards ebrate how advisory firms make an impact on important
programs, he explains, also “pull people together, people who community causes by leveraging the wisdom and wealth they
might not otherwise meet and converse.” have accrued.”
Events held to present awards — such as the LUMINARIES Benz concurs and points out that many financial profession-
gala held in New York on Nov. 9, 2021 — allow for communi- als aim to serve “not just their clients but their communities
cation and community building, according to Hopkins. With broadly speaking. They recognize that financial wellness and
their focus on the “great work” being done by financial pro- empowerment is inextricably linked to overall wellness and
fessionals across the industry, these gatherings can be “super empowerment. … I love this category because hearing about
positive for growing your network,” he says. other’s contributions inspires me to think about whether I
For Edelman Financial Engine’s Niang, the LUMINARIES could do more to make a difference, too.”
and other recognition programs can “motivate those who may For her part, Niang believes that “through our work and
be thinking about taking action, and most importantly help our community initiatives, our industry can help better
move the needle on our shared goal of making sure our indus- the lives of all people around us. The Community Impact
try reflects those we hope to serve.” Awards creates opportunities for advisors and firms to
motivate and inspire tomorrow’s talent. It also assures
COMMUNITY IMPACT us that we are building solutions that meet the needs of
All three of the new judges are pleased with the focus of the diverse communities.”
LUMINARIES’ new awards category: Community Impact. We invite you to complete nominations in the Community
The area of focus “creates opportunities for advisors and firms Impact; Thought Leadership; Diversity, Equity & Inclusion;
to motivate and inspire tomorrow’s talent. It also assures us and Executive Leadership categories by April 29 in the
that we are building solutions that meet the needs of diverse LUMINARIES event portal. Please send questions about the
communities,” Niang explains. program to [email protected].

28 INVESTMENT ADVISOR APRIL/MAY 2022 | ThinkAdvisor.com