
AWARDS
Recognition for achievement benefits everyone. The IARFC seeks out those leaders whose dedication and commitment have made their Association great. Members are publicly appreciated for their long-time membership and their importance to the financial community. These awards are presented on an annual basis.

FOUNDER’S AWARD
In honor of the IARFC Founder John J. Gargan, this tribute is presented to financial professionals who have delivered significant service to the operations and growth of the Financial Services Industry.

MEMBER AWARD
Presented annually in appreciation to top IARFC members who have referred the most newly qualified professional consultants who join the ranks of the Association.
LOREN DUNTON LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Generally regarded as the “Father of Financial Planning”, Loren Dunton organized financial professionals in the late sixties and with their help created the financial planning movement. Dunton developed associations, magazines, colleges, university programs, and foundations. He used his experiences to frankly explain what all financial advisors now recognize - that the ethical sales of financial products and the delivery of competent advice is a noble calling. Loren Dunton was a man of vision who cared deeply about both financial consultants and consumers. The Loren Dunton Lifetime Achievement Award was first conferred in 2000 at the IARFC Financial Advisors Forum. The selection committee has strived to honor consultants who have demonstrated effectiveness in carrying the message of responsible financial stewardship to the public and have high ethical and professional standards.
Loren Dunton Lifetime Achievement Award Criteria
Those who are considered for the Award must currently meet or have met the following criteria:
- Hold a professional designation or credential (i.e. RFC®, MRFC®, ChFC®, CFP®, CLU®, CPA/PFS, CEBS, MSFM, MSFS, or Doctoral degree, etc.)
- Published articles, journals, books, etc. on financial topics
- Provided outstanding service or leadership in the financial services industry
- Promoted or participated in financial education, either to the public or to members of the profession
- Demonstrated effectiveness in carrying the message of responsible financial stewardship to the public
- Adhered to the IARFC’s Code of Ethics and have a sound record of business integrity with no suspension or revocation of any professional license
Loren Dunton Award Committee
The Dunton Award Committee is comprised of past recipients.
Chair: H. Stephen Bailey, Ph.D., MRFC® (2010 recipient)
Committee Members:
Monroe Diefendorf, Jr., RFC® (2021 recipient)
Barry L. Dayley, CFP®, MRFC® (2020 recipient)
Rosilyn H. Overton, Ph.D., MRFC® (2019 recipient)
A. William Gustafson, Ph.D. (2018 recipient)
Ric Edelman, RFC® (2017 recipient)
Jerry W. Mason, Ph.D. (2016 recipient)
Jon M. Rogers, Ph.D., MRFC® (2015 recipient)
Bill Carter (2006 recipient)
Staff Liaison: Charlotte Isbell
![]() 2021 Recipient - Monroe “Roey” Diefendorf, Jr., RFC®With a career covering 50 years of service, Monroe has manifested Loren’s philosophy through his financial services enterprises, his books and articles, his presentations at industry conferences, an abundance of award recognitions, and by his continued educational endeavors aimed at the rising generation of financial consultants in college curriculums.In his personal life, family and sharing his blessings are foremost. On his list of philanthropic endeavors, most notable is his Family Foundation supporting a school in Zambia, East Africa that educates and feeds 250 children daily. Monroe figures he and his family have made over 43 combined trips over the years to the mission school to oversee the foundation’s work. Roey continues to embrace Loren Dunton’s philosophy in every aspect of dedication and zeal! In receiving the award Roey states, “Loren Dunton was a man of great vision and to have my name mentioned in the same sentence is humbling. As a fourth-generation Consultant, at an early age, I understood the noble calling that we have as RFCs. I am so honored to accept this Lifetime Achievement Award, but for me, this is not about getting a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. It is truly the very beginning of the responsibilities that also go along with my acceptance of this award. The responsibility is to cast a vision for the RFCs of today and those who will join our ranks in the future. Thank you, IARFC.” |
Past Recipients2020 Barry L. Dayley, MRFC® |
Download The Dunton Award Nomination Form and Criteria
FOUNDER'S AWARD
This award is made in honor of the founder of the IARFC, John J. Gargan. It is presented to persons who have delivered significant service to the operation and growth of the International Association of Registered Financial Consultants.
- Past or present Board Director, Officer, or Committee Member
- Professional designation or credential holder awarded by the IARFC
- Clean regulatory record
- Member of good standing for a minimum of 5 years
- Adhere to the IARFC Code of Ethics
- Most importantly, they must have contributed to the growth of the IARFC membership by referring members and by holding or attending events that additionally help expand (above and beyond) the visibility of the Association.
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Past Recipients2021 Jon M. Rogers, Ph.D., MRFC® |
Download The Founder's Award Nomination Form
AMBASSADOR AWARD
The Ambassador Award is bestowed to those persons who endeavor to represent their Chapter in carrying out the mission of the International Association of Registered Financial Consultants. Each IARFC Chapter may award up to 3 Awards annually.
Ambassador Award Criteria
- IARFC Member with more than 3 years of membership
- Adherence to the IARFC’s Code of Ethics, and have a sound record of business integrity with no suspension or revocation of any professional license
- Successfully supported the goals of the Association and has served with extraordinary efforts of time, service, and dedication
Ambassador Award Committee
Chair: Jon M. Rogers, Ph.D., MRFC®
2022 Recipients
USA - Lemuel Kornegay, RFC®
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USA - Brad Maples, MRFC®
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USA - Gilbert Mercado, MRFC®
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Philippines - Vilma Alcaraz, RFC®![]() |
Philippines - Andre Obierez, RFC®![]() |
Philippines - Olga Olis, RFC®![]() |
Ambassador Award - Selected by each individual Chapter
MEMBER AWARD
Member Award for Dedication to Association Advancement
Presented annually in appreciation to top IARFC members who have brought the most newly qualified professional consultants that join the ranks of the Association.
2021 Recipients
First Place Kurt Schroeder, RFC® ![]() |
Second Place Ronnie Kaymore, RFC® ![]() |
Second Place Robert Laraia, RFC® ![]() |
Second Place Russel Luce, RFC® ![]() |
2020 Recipients1st Place - H. Stephen Bailey, Ph.D., MRFC® 2019 Recipients1st Place - Matthew Apodaca, RFC® 2nd Place - Craig A. Bane, RFC® |
2018 Recipients1st Place - Jeremy B. Nason, RFC® 2nd Place - Michael J. Markey, MRFC® 3rd Place - Christopher J. Dixon, RFC® |
2017 Recipients1st Place - Barry L. Dayley, MRFC® 2nd Place - Patrick Masterson, Sr., RFC® 3rd Place - Christopher J. Dixon, RFC® 2016 Recipients1st Place - Michael D. Piershale, RFC® 2nd Place - Christopher D. Dantin, RFC® |
Download The Member Referral Form
Editor’s Choice Award
The Editor’s Choice Award recognizes outstanding achievement in contributing to the success of the publications of the IARFC. Whether in creative writing, editing, proofing, research, or editor committee participation, the recipient’s passion, talents, vision, and inspiration in achieving excellence regarding the public persona of the Association is greatly appreciated.2022 Recipient
Mary Ann Redmond, MRFC®

2021 Recipients
Michelle Blair, RFC®
Byrce Sanders
Vicki Caplinger
Award Winners (Dunton, Founder’s, Ambassador, First Place Member) will receive the following:
One (1) free registration to the IARFC Annual Meeting/Conference
One (1) round trip coach airfare (maximum $500) to Annual Meeting/Conference during the event dates. (US Chapter Only)
One (1) night of lodging during Annual Meeting/Conference
(subject to change)