Idaho leaders recognized for financial excellence

Sixteen leaders noted for their achievements in the financial sector have been named as honorees in the Idaho Business Review’s Excellence in Finance awards program, formerly known as Money Makers. The program celebrates financial professionals in categories including banking, corporate, investment and professional (public accounting, auditing, educators, analysts), whose fiscal accomplishments set a high bar for their company and Idaho’s business economy.

This will mark the third year for the program. Adopting the name from sister publications, the Idaho Business Review originally coined the program Money Makers. The new moniker is meant to be more descriptive of Idaho’s dignified and prestigious financial professionals.

This year, as in the past, former honorees in the program participated as selection committee members. From more than 50 nominations, these 16 had the highest scores from their peers. The applicants were rated from 1-5, with 5 being the highest, in professional achievements, leadership, mentorship, community leadership and community service.

Darby Heideman, wealth management advisor for Northwestern Mutual and a 2015 honoree, said the review process worked well. “I was very impressed with the quality of participants,” he said. “And I am glad to hear that there are many wonderful people in our communities that are putting forth such great efforts.”

Jeffrey Souza, financial advisor for Raymond James Financial Services and a 2013 honoree, also served as a selection committee member in 2015. He said the field of applicants this year reflected a wider range, encompassing more of Idaho, and also said the caliber is increasing year by year.

The 2016 Excellence in Finance honorees will be featured in a special publication published with the Idaho Business Review on May 27, and recognized at an awards event and Power Lunch featuring keynote speaker Kevin Learned from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.,  May 26, at The Grove Hotel in downtown Boise.