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Honoring Excellence in Wealth Management: Pathfinder Awards 2025

As February draws near, a significant event in the realm of wealth management is set to unfold. The Wealth Solutions Report (WSR), a dynamic digital media platform focused on offering insights into wealth management, has unveiled the winners of its Pathfinder Awards for 2025, recognizing top Black industry leaders. This initiative, now in its fourth year, aligns perfectly with the celebration of Black History Month, marking a continued commitment to diversity and inclusion within the financial services landscape.

The Pathfinder Awards are designed to shine a light on individuals and organizations that exemplify excellence and service within the wealth management sector. They particularly honor the contributions of advisors, professionals, and executives who hail from underrepresented communities. Moreover, WSR provides a platform for these distinguished honorees to engage with pressing topics concerning their communities, notably diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

Larry Roth, the Founder and CEO of WSR, emphasized the significance of these awards: “Diversifying the ranks of advisors so they better represent the people they serve remains a top priority for the wealth management industry. These awards are a means to recognize the remarkable efforts of accomplished professionals who, in turn, inspire emerging talent from their communities to explore careers in this field.”

2025 Pathfinder Award Winners

This year's awardees were selected based on their exemplary track record in the industry, dedication to their craft, and their reputation as role models for others interested in pursuing careers in wealth management. Each winner brings a wealth of experience and influence, serving as an example for future generations.

The recipients of the 2025 Pathfinder Awards are as follows:

• - Black CFO of the Year – Gerard Daniels, Chief Financial Officer and Head of Corporate Development at PureFacts
• - Black Entrepreneur of the Year – Brandon Dixon-James, President and Co-Founder of Resilient Wealth Management, part of NFW Advisory
• - Black Financial Advisor of the Year – Victor Hicks II, Wealth Advisor at Perigon Wealth Management
• - Black Financial Planner of the Year – Cordi Powell, Founder and Principal of Favored Financial Planning
• - Black Community Service Program of the Year – Prudential Advisors' Blueprints to Black Wealth
• - Black CEO of the Year – Kenneth Royster, President and CEO of First Genesis of Virginia, part of Stratos Wealth Partners
• - Black Employee Empowerment Program of the Year – SageView Advisory Group's Black Employee Network
• - Black COO of the Year – Kyle Samuel, Chief Operating Officer of Alera Group
• - Black Marketing Executive of the Year – Shantese Smithers-Alexander, Marketing Manager at Wealthcare Capital Management
• - Black MA Executive of the Year – Cameron Stagg, Director of Mergers & Acquisitions at Signature Estate & Investment Advisors
• - Black Strategy Executive of the Year – Tamekia Thompson, Director of Operations at Prospera Financial Services.

Julius Buchanan, WSR's Editor in Chief, articulated his enthusiasm regarding the ongoing advancements within the industry aimed at supporting underrepresented communities, particularly the Black community. He expressed hope that more organizations would implement transformative programs that enhance lives and outcomes within the wealth management sphere.

WSR's Pathfinder Awards not only celebrate the accomplishments of current leaders but also aim to motivate others to pursue careers in the sector. Following the Pathfinder Awards for Black leaders, WSR will continue its tradition by recognizing top women industry leaders in March to coincide with Women’s History Month.

As the financial landscape grows more diverse, it becomes increasingly essential to acknowledge and support those driving change. The 2025 Pathfinder Awards set a commendable precedent for excellence, representation, and commitment to enhancing the wealth management industry for all communities.

For more information about Wealth Solutions Report and its initiatives, please visit Wealth Solutions Report.