The nominations for Wealth Professional’s biggest night of the year close March 31 and we couldn’t be happier with the five industry pros we’ve selected to vet all those in the running for one of the 20 awards up for grabs June 5.
The nominations for Wealth Professional’s biggest night of the year close March 31 and we couldn’t be happier with the five industry pros we’ve selected to vet all those in the running for one of the 20 awards up for grabs June 5.
Two presidents, a corporate lawyer, a finance professor and a former financial advisor have been given the difficult task of sifting through finalist submissions to come up with 20 winners.
Our panel of esteemed judges will carefully review all finalist submissions. The judge’s decisions are independent and impartial; there is no deliberation among the panel and they will submit their own choice for a winner in each category.
So, without further ado, here are the five judges we’ve selected to make the tough decisions when it comes to award winners:
Mr. Greg Pollack, President and CEO of Advocis, The Financial Advisors Association of Canada
At Advocis, Pollock is responsible for providing effective strategic leadership and direction. He oversees all aspects of Advocis's day-to-day activities, including advocacy, continuing education, best practices and E&O insurance. In addition, he coordinates the interests of Advocis's 40 chapters and helps grow membership by giving voice to the more than 11,000 members nationwide.
Mr. Chris Polson, President of CFA Society Toronto
Polson earned his CFA charter in 2003 and joined CFA Society Toronto’s board in 2012. By day he is a Director with Duff & Phelps Ltd., a global advisory firm with expertise in complex valuation, dispute consulting, M&A and restructuring assignments. With nearly two decades of industry experience, Chris is an MBA, Certified Porfessional Accountant and Chartered Business Valuator in addition to being a CFA.
Dr. Sean Cleary, BMO Professor of Finance, Queens University
Cleary holds a Ph.D. in finance from the University of Toronto, an MBA from St. Mary’s University, is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and is the former Chair of Awards for the CFA Society Toronto. He is co-author of Introduction to Corporate Finance, first three editions, John Wiley & Sons Canada Limited (2007, 2010, 2013).”
Ms. Ellen Bessner, Partner, Babin Bessner Spry LLP
Bessner is a seasoned litigation lawyer whose practice focuses on acting for corporations and individuals in commercial litigation, regulatory defence, professional liability, securities class action proceedings, and employment disputes. She is a frequent speaker at industry conferences, writes for national, business and industry press, has appeared in television media interviews and is quoted in numerous publications on issues related to litigation, regulatory and employment matters.
Mr. Robbie Wildman, Financial Advisor, Past President of Advocis
Wildman has over 45 years of experience in the Financial Services Industry most of which was spent with London Life. He is a Life Member of the Million Dollar Roundtable and has earned 32 National Quality Service Awards. In addition, Wildman is a past President of the Life Underwriters Association of Canada and past Chairman of the Institute of Chartered Life Underwriters.
Two presidents, a corporate lawyer, a finance professor and a former financial advisor have been given the difficult task of sifting through finalist submissions to come up with 20 winners.
Our panel of esteemed judges will carefully review all finalist submissions. The judge’s decisions are independent and impartial; there is no deliberation among the panel and they will submit their own choice for a winner in each category.
So, without further ado, here are the five judges we’ve selected to make the tough decisions when it comes to award winners:
Mr. Greg Pollack, President and CEO of Advocis, The Financial Advisors Association of Canada
At Advocis, Pollock is responsible for providing effective strategic leadership and direction. He oversees all aspects of Advocis's day-to-day activities, including advocacy, continuing education, best practices and E&O insurance. In addition, he coordinates the interests of Advocis's 40 chapters and helps grow membership by giving voice to the more than 11,000 members nationwide.
Mr. Chris Polson, President of CFA Society Toronto
Polson earned his CFA charter in 2003 and joined CFA Society Toronto’s board in 2012. By day he is a Director with Duff & Phelps Ltd., a global advisory firm with expertise in complex valuation, dispute consulting, M&A and restructuring assignments. With nearly two decades of industry experience, Chris is an MBA, Certified Porfessional Accountant and Chartered Business Valuator in addition to being a CFA.
Dr. Sean Cleary, BMO Professor of Finance, Queens University
Cleary holds a Ph.D. in finance from the University of Toronto, an MBA from St. Mary’s University, is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and is the former Chair of Awards for the CFA Society Toronto. He is co-author of Introduction to Corporate Finance, first three editions, John Wiley & Sons Canada Limited (2007, 2010, 2013).”
Ms. Ellen Bessner, Partner, Babin Bessner Spry LLP
Bessner is a seasoned litigation lawyer whose practice focuses on acting for corporations and individuals in commercial litigation, regulatory defence, professional liability, securities class action proceedings, and employment disputes. She is a frequent speaker at industry conferences, writes for national, business and industry press, has appeared in television media interviews and is quoted in numerous publications on issues related to litigation, regulatory and employment matters.
Mr. Robbie Wildman, Financial Advisor, Past President of Advocis
Wildman has over 45 years of experience in the Financial Services Industry most of which was spent with London Life. He is a Life Member of the Million Dollar Roundtable and has earned 32 National Quality Service Awards. In addition, Wildman is a past President of the Life Underwriters Association of Canada and past Chairman of the Institute of Chartered Life Underwriters.
