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Financial Leaders
Date & Time
Details coming soon!Event Location
The Financial Leaders awards recognizes financial professionals who have made outstanding contributions to their organizations and to the Greater Rochester community during the past year.
Awards Celebration
Details coming soon
To learn more about sponsorship opportunities and benefits please contact your account manager or email [email protected]
if you have questions about this awards event, please email [email protected].
What is the nomination process and the steps to take?
Once the online nomination form is completed an automated email will be sent to the individual nominated (the email address entered in the “Nominee Email” field) and a submission receipt will be sent to the email placed in the “Nominator’s Email” field.
In order for the nominee to continue with the process they must fill out the application form by the application deadline listed in the automated email and on the corresponding event landing page.
We also recommend submitting up to three letters of recommendation to https://rbj.net/letters-of-recommendation-submission-form/ by the application deadline to be included in the nominee’s judging packet as supporting materials. This is not a requirement, but an added benefit.
Nominee must be employed in one of the following counties: Monroe, Ontario, Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and/or Wayne.
How can I be considered for the Financial Leaders award?
In order to be considered, candidates:
● Must demonstrate significant professional accomplishment within your category as well as strong civic commitment in our community;
● Must be employed in Greater Rochester; and
● May be self-nominated or nominated by another person.
While anyone can nominate, we recommend nominations come from a senior leader in the candidate’s organization. It is then required that the nominee go through the entire application process, please see above response for more details on that.
Who are the judges and what are they looking for when selecting the Financial Leaders?
A panel of judges consisting of prior honorees, educators, representatives from Rochester’s Financial Executives International, and RBJ’s editorial team select the Financial Leaders. It is essential that the candidate prove their contribution to the economic growth and stability of the region. It is helpful to have at least one letter of recommendation from someone that can speak to both of these achievements.
Can I save the nomination or application forms while I’m working on them?
Yes, you can. Please reach out if you encounter any issues.
If I’m an honoree, do I need to purchase a ticket?
You do not need to purchase a ticket for yourself if you are an honoree. All other attendees must purchase a ticket. Please, note that all RBJ events are limited attendance based on location. Honorees and sponsors are guaranteed tickets. Individual tickets will only go on sale if space is available after sponsorship deadlines.
What is included in sponsorship packages?
Sponsorship opportunities to include a table for your guests, multimedia marketing, logo usage and much more depending on the level your company selects. For more sponsorship information and benefits please contact your account manager or email [email protected].
Can I buy an ad in the publication?
Please contact Suzanne Fischer-Huettner to place an ad or purchase a sponsorship package.
If you still have additional questions or concerns, please email [email protected]
2026 Financial Leader Honorees
Banking Director/Manager
Don Cortina, Tompkins Community Bank
Sam Guerrieri, Canandaigua National Bank
Vince Lecce, KeyBank
Lori Lippa, Hillside
Chief Financial Officer/VP of Finance
Thomas Abbott, Harris Beach Murtha
Kyle Ingalls, Buckingham Properties
Jeanette O’Dell, American Rock Salt
Carly Zecher, Jewish Home
Controller/Director of Finance
Engels Luis Pared, Ibero-American Action League, Inc.
Johanna Winter, McConville Considine Cooman & Morin, PC
Rising Star
Anastasia Bazzett, The Arc of Monroe
Christopher Zupcak, Education Success Foundation
Risk Management Director/Manager
Todd Wachob, Paychex, Inc.
Wealth/Financial Advisor
Megan Burke, Tompkins Financial Advisors
Steve Carl, High Probability Advisors, LLC
James Farley, GROW Wealth Partners
Nicole Newman, Stone Creek Advisors, LLC
Joe Prestigiacomo, SixPoint Financial Partners
Nancy Woolver, Eagle Strategies
Click here to view past honorees – RBJ Award Database
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