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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.
 


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: Barry L. Dayley, CFP®, MRFC®  (2020 recipient)

Selection Task Force:
Monroe Diefendorf, Jr., RFC® (2021 recipient)
Barry L. Dayley, CFP®, MRFC® (2020 recipient)
Ric Edelman, RFC® (2017 recipient)

Staff Liaison: Charlotte Isbell

 

2023 Loren Dunton Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient - Alan C. Kifer, MRFC®

Kifer is a retired U.S. Air Force Fighter Weapons School “Top Gun” Instructor Graduate and 1995 International Air Forces “Navigator of the Year”. With more than 30 years’ experience in Insurance and Financial Services, he has served as a licensed/credentialed adjunct faculty instructor for the 3 top nationally accredited financial services academic institutions in the USA. Kifer has completed the curriculum requirements for 19 financial professional designations and obtained his Masters of Science Degree in Financial Services (MSFS) in 2012. He is an internationally recognized speaker, author, and educator with appearances on Fox, CBS, ABC, and NBC. Main stage presentations include presentations to Harvard Business School and the US Military Academy at West Point. In 2001, Kifer was named “America’s 1st Retirement Advisor of the Year”.

In receiving the award Kifer states: "It is my distinct privilege to be accorded this annual honor from IARFC. I promise all my MRFC and RFC brothers and sisters and other collegiate professionals that I will continue to conduct myself in the manner Loren envisioned when he founded America's Financial Planning Profession. It's incumbent on all of us to never forget all whom we serve are relying on us for their financial futures and grace us with their trust and confidence."

His firm “Top Gun” Financial Planning designs specifically targeted “flight plans” unique to each family to help them navigate the uncertain, scary world of retirement as evident in a client testimonial… “I didn’t think it possible to be alone, over 80 and live with the certainty of my continued dignity. Thank you for eliminating my fears about what would happen to me and our legacy to our family. I love you." (J. Reno, NV)
 

Past Recipients

2021    Monroe Diefendorf, Jr., RFC®
2020    Barry L. Dayley, MRFC®    
2019    Rosilyn Overton, Ph.D., MRFC®
2018    A. William Gustafson, Ph.D.
2017    Ric Edelman, RFC®
2016    Jerry W. Mason, Ph.D.
2015    Jon Rogers, Ph.D., MRFC®
2014    Lester Anderson
2014    Kai Yuan Tu, RFC®
2012    Grace De Vera Escobar, RFC®
2010    H. Stephen Bailey, Ph.D., MRFC® 
2010    Richard Wu
2009    Jack Gargan 
2009    Teresa So, Ph.D., RFC®
2008    Siak Leong Choo
2008    Mehdi Fakarzadeh
2007    Ralph Liew
2007    John P. Walsh
2006    Bill E. Carter
2006    Samuel Yung, RFC®
2005    Jeffrey Chiew, RFC®
2005    Edwin P. Morrow, II
2004    Vernon D. Gwynne
2004    Liang Tien Lung, RFC®
2003    Alexandra Armstrong
2002    John B. Keeble
2001    Donald Ray Haas
2000    Ben Baldwin 

     

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.
 

2023 Recipient – Barry L. Dayley, MRFC® 

For 2023, Barry L. Dayley, MRFC® is honored with the Founder’s Award. Dayley, with a long successful career in the Financial Services Profession, recently retired from Money Concepts International as Executive Vice President while maintaining a group of personal clients. Continuing his relationship with Money Concepts, he owns the Great West Network and operates as a Network Director where they serve advisors mostly from the western United States.

 

In the past, Dayley has served the IARFC in various roles of leadership. This experience is invaluable as he moves into a challenging role as the IARFC Trustee Chair. With a passion to serve, he looks to a bright future not just with members in the US, but Internationally as well.

 

IARFC Trustee Vice Chair Michael Markey Jr., MRFC® acknowledges his contributions“It’s important to recognize individuals who have contributed their time and effort in leadership roles for the IARFC. I can’t think of a better person to honor with the Founder’s Award than our Trustee Chair, Barry Dayley. In the past he has been on the MRFC Board, supported the IARFC National Financial Plan Competition and is now the Trustee Chair. As a creative thinker and goal setter, he brings to the Association a forward-thinking dynamic that will change the way the IARFC is perceived in the financial services industry. Being on the Board, I look forward to supporting his future vision.”
 

Past Recipients

2022    Robert Laraia, RFC®
2021    Jon M. Rogers, Ph.D., MRFC®
2020    Burnett Marus, RFC® Retired
2019    H. Stephen Bailey, Ph.D., MRFC®
2018    James B. Moss, RFC®
2017    Rosilyn H. Overton, Ph.D., MRFC®
2007    Roy M. Henry
2006    John E. Gable
1984    Jack Gargan

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
Those who are considered for the Award must currently meet or have met the following 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®

2023 Recipients

USA - Lisa Ford, MRFC®
USA - Gregory Kurinec, MRFC®
 
 
Philippines - Glenda Miro Antonio, RFC®
Philippines - Nicasio C. Cabaneiro, RFC®
Philippines - Stella Solero Bernabe, RFC®

2022 Recipients

Philippines - Vilma Alcaraz, RFC®
Philippines - Andre Obierez, RFC®
Philippines - Olga Olis, RFC®

USA - Lemuel Kornegay, RFC®
USA - Brad Maples, MRFC®
USA - Gilbert Mercado, MRFC®

 

2021 Recipients

USA - Peter J. DArruda, MRFC®
USA - Michael J. Markey, MRFC®

USA - Rick B. Stanzione, RFC®
Philippines - Maria Arlene M. Baguyo, RFC®
Philippines - Joseph Adrian Daez, RFC®
Philippines - Grace de Vera Escobar, RFC®
 

 

 

2020 Recipients

USA - Nicholas Royer, MRFC®

USA - Craig Lemoine, MRFC®

USA - Frederick Ostermeyer, MRFC®

 

2019 Recipients

USA – Barry L. Dayley, MRFC®
Philippines – Gamalielh Ariel Benavides, RFC®

2018 Recipients

USA – Michelle Blair, RFC®

USA – Isabel Cooper, RFC®

USA – Ric Edelman, RFC®

China – Ben Liang, RFC®

China – JJ Liang, RFC®

China – Liang Tien Lung, RFC®

Hong Kong /Macau – Teresa So, RFC®

Hong Kong /Macau – Allan Wan, RFC®

Hong Kong /Macau – Samuel W.K. Yung, RFC®

Malaysia – Jeffrey Chiew, RFC®

Philippines – Ralph Liew, RFC®

Philippines – Ismael DL Melendres, Jr, RFC®

Taiwan – Kai Tu, 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. 
 

2022 Recipients

 
First Place
Lisa Ford, MRFC®

Second Place
Jeremy Nason, RFC®

Second Place
Michael Zaino, RFC®

2021 Recipients

1st Place - Kurt Schroeder, RFC®
2nd Place - Ronnie Kaymore, RFC®
2nd Place - Robert Laraia, RFC®
2nd Place - Russel Luce, RFC®
 

2020 Recipients

1st Place - H. Stephen Bailey, Ph.D., MRFC®
1st Place - Lori P. Crilley, RFC®
1st Place - Jeremy B. Nason, RFC®
 

 

2019 Recipients

1st Place - Matthew Apodaca, RFC®

2nd Place - Craig A. Bane, RFC®
2nd Place - Kevin Richards, RFC®
3rd Place - Lori P. Crilley, RFC®
3rd Place - Derek K. Moore, RFC®
3rd Place - Roy Strong, RFC®
3rd Place - Dominque Vercaemert, RFC®

 

2018 Recipients

1st Place - Jeremy B. Nason, RFC®

2nd Place - Michael J. Markey, MRFC®

3rd Place - Christopher J. Dixon, RFC®
3rd Place - Gavin Merwin, RFC®
3rd Place - Brandon Setlock, RFC®

2017 Recipients

1st Place - Barry L. Dayley, MRFC®

2nd Place - Patrick Masterson, Sr., RFC®

3rd Place - Christopher J. Dixon, RFC®
3rd Place - Christopher D. Dantin, RFC®

 

2016 Recipients

1st 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.

2024 Recipient

Eduardito Adecer Escobar

2023 Recipient

Janelle Rettig


2022 Recipient

Mary Ann Redmond, MRFC®
 

2021 Recipients

Michelle Blair, RFC®

Byrce Sanders

Vicki Caplinger

Award Winners (Dunton, Founder’s, and 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 the l Meeting/Conference during the event dates. (US Chapter Only)
One (1) night of lodging during the Annual Meeting/Conference
(subject to change)

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