Leading Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy and Accredited Estate Planner Receives Distinguished Fithian Leadership Award
The International Association of Advisors in Philanthropy (AiP) bestowed its annual award to veteran Wealth Coach, Johnne Syverson, at Conference on Philanthropy 2010 in Chicago on April 22nd.
One of the highest honors in the financial services industry—as well as the AiP’s top honor—was bestowed to philanthropic planner and AiP immediate past president, Johnne Syverson (bio). The Fithian Leadership Award recognizes Syverson as a highly skilled financial planner (CFP®), a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®), and an Accredited Estate Planner (AEP).
The Fithian Leadership Award acknowledges professionals with distinguished careers in service to the philanthropic community. Honorees are chosen for their efforts to uphold the standards of excellence in ethics, service and charitable planning encouraged by the Association.
The International Association of Advisors in Philanthropy (AiP) believes Syverson is the most deserving of the award this year. Syverson is a Senior Wealth Coach with Syverson Strege & Company and holds the distinction of being one of the first practitioners in the nation to be awarded the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®) designation.
Nominated this year by Clayton J. Klein ChFC, CLU and Wealth Advisor with The Family Wealth Consulting Group in Rancho Mirage, California, Klein says, “Johnne is a quiet leader who clearly places the needs of others ahead of his own. Wealth (in its broad definition as well-being) coaching is his ministry and I know his clients view him as their trusted and highly valued friend. I know I do!! If he is in your corner, you're in the right corner. Love the guy.”
Said Johnne Syverson, "I am truly humbled and honored to be chosen for this distinguished award. Scott Fithian was a leading pioneer and has made a resounding impact on me and on the philanthropic, legacy, and financial services professions. We remember him fondly and with respect, and I will carry the torch proudly in his name."
Syverson is one of 425 practitioners who is credentialed as a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®), and one of only 1,300 practitioners in the United States who is credentialed as an Accredited Estate Planner. He also serves as a resource to other professionals in the area of charitable tax planning. In addition to serving two terms as President of AiP (2007-09), Johnne is a past president of the Polk County Estate Planning Council, Syverson is also past president of the central Iowa chapter of Financial Planning Association (FPA), and past president of the Mid-Iowa Planned Giving Council. He is a member of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) and holds a Master of Science degree in Financial Services (MSFS) from the American College in Bryn Mawr.
AiP president, Jerry Nuerge CFWC, CLU, ChFC, MBA, founder and owner of Financial Independence Group said, “This prestigious award is only granted to those who have shown outstanding leadership in the quest for helping the public become more aware of their philanthropic planning opportunities to help themselves and their communities make the world a better place for all of us. Johnne certainly exemplifies these traits with his efforts by specializing in values-based planning for high net worth families. His coaching strategies incorporate philanthropic values into the traditional planning process. He is most deserving of the Fithian Leadership Award.”
Originally named the AiP Award, the title was changed in honor of Scott C. Fithian after he passed away in 2006. Fithian is widely considered a pioneer through his innovative and ground-breaking work in the area of values-based financial and legacy planning. He was founder of The Legacy Companies, and his methodology continues to inspire advisors and their clients to approach their planning in a more meaningful way.
The award selection process begins with a call for nominations, which are sent to the AiP Executive Director by February of each year for consideration by the Board of Directors. The Board reviews each nominee and selects a winner based on a majority vote.
The award ceremony took place on Friday, April 24, at the InterContinental Chicago O'Hare in Rosemont (Chicago) Illinois. For more information, call 888.597.6575