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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.

Nominating Task Force:
Chair:
Barry L. Dayley, CFP®, MRFC® (2020 recipient)
Denis Walsh, RFC® (2025 recipient)
Michael E. Kitces, CFP® (2024 recipient)
Alan C. Kifer, MRFC® (2023 recipient) 
Monroe Diefendorf, Jr., RFC® (2021 recipient)

Staff Liaison: Charlotte Isbell

 

2025 Loren Dunton Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient - 
Denis Walsh, RFC®

For Denis Walsh, leading Money Concepts isn’t just a career; it’s the continuation of a family legacy. Since the beginning, Money Concepts has defied norms with focuses heavy on the growth of others and the alignment of personal and professional values. 

In 1979, Denis’ father, Jack Walsh, identified the need to make financial services accessible to all people, not just the wealthy. His vision for addressing this was to cultivate a network of like-minded professionals driven to grow together. Denis carries on this legacy by fostering a strong culture of sharing, guided by what he calls a “Committed Benevolent Interest (CBI)”. To Denis, having a Committed Benevolent Interest means making decisions rooted in love. This core philosophy prioritizes the growth and well-being of both advisors and clients. Denis’s commitment to CBI is rooted in his own experience and he actively encourages the Money Concepts community to embrace this mindset. 

Beginning his journey at Money Concepts on the ground floor and working directly with financial professionals allowed Denis to understand the impact advisors have on families and communities. Those experiences shaped his leadership and his belief in building a collaborative environment where advisors are empowered to succeed and motivated by a Committed Benevolent Interest.

While many firms offer similar products and services, their culture sets Money Concepts apart. Denis Walsh’s steady hand has guided the company through decades of change, ensuring sustainable growth and a clear direction. Denis emphasizes, “Our success isn’t solely measured by the bottom line. As a privately-owned firm, we hold ourselves accountable to our professionals. We care about their success, their families, and we consider it an honor to be their Financial Solutions Partner.”

 


Denis and family celebrating his award at the 2025 Financial Forum in Orlando, FL.

 

Past Recipients

2024   Michael E. Kitces, CFP®
2023    Alan C. Kifer, MRFC® 

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.

 2025 Recipient – Michelle Blair, RFC® - member since 2012.

Michelle has played a very significant role in the history of the IARFC. She had been a member of the Trustee Board for 6 years (and multiple years on the Chapter Board before that) in the role of Trustee Secretary. Her contributions to Association policy made a positive impact as she prepared and weighed in on decisions made by the IARFC Leaders. 

Currently, she is on the Editorial Committee, writes occasionally for the Register, and works with Public Relations on projects. While no longer a Board Member, she is heading the Innovation Committee under the guidance of the IARFC Trustee Chair. Michelle attends IARFC conferences regularly and is always a phone call away, ready to assist any of the Association Staff. 
In all the tasks Michelle has taken on, she brings a level of dedication, respect, and commitment to the Association. She is highly valued by the Staff because of her reliability and quality of work, and is well known for completing assignments on time. 

 

Past Recipients

2024    Nicholas A. Royer, MRFC®
2023    Barry L. Dayley, MRFC®
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


CHAPTER AMBASSADOR AWARD


The Chapter 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.

Chapter 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

Chapter Ambassador Award Committee
Chair: Jon M. Rogers, Ph.D., MRFC®

2025 Recipients

USA - Greg Kurinec, RFC® 
Philippines - Marissa Francisco, RFC®
Philippines - Antonio Francisco, RFC®

2024 Recipients

Philippines - Klinyd Tribajo, RFC®
Philippines - Marvin James, RFC®
Philippines - Alwen Jimemez, RFC®
USA - Paul Wharf, RFC®


2023 Recipients

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

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

Philippines - Maria Arlene M. Baguyo, RFC®
Philippines - Joseph Adrian Daez, RFC®
Philippines - Grace de Vera Escobar, RFC®
USA - Peter J. DArruda, MRFC®
USA - Michael J. Markey, MRFC®

USA - Rick B. Stanzione, RFC®


2020 Recipients

USA - Nicholas Royer, MRFC®

USA - Craig Lemoine, MRFC®

USA - Frederick Ostermeyer, MRFC®

 

2019 Recipients

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

2018 Recipients

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®
USA – Michelle Blair, RFC®

USA – Isabel Cooper, RFC®

USA – Ric Edelman, RFC®

 

Chapter 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. 
 

2024 Recipients

 
First Place
Jeremy B. Nason, RFC®

Second Place
David H. Kinder, RFC®


 

2023 Recipients

1st Place - David H. Kinder, RFC®
2nd Place - Jeremy B. Nason, RFC®
3rd Place - David R. Guttery, RFC®
 

2022 Recipients

1st Place - Lisa Ford, MRFC®
2nd Place - Jeremy B. Nason, RFC®
2nd 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 the lARFC Financial Forum during the event dates. (US Chapter Only)
One (1) night of lodging during the Annual Meeting/Conference
(subject to change)

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