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Celebrating Excellence: The 2026 IPA Awards

On September 15, 2026, the Institute for Portfolio Alternatives (IPA) held a prestigious ceremony in Atlanta, celebrating the achievements of 21 remarkable leaders in the field of alternative investments. The IPA Awards are an annual highlight recognizing individuals whose dedication and expertise have made considerable impacts within the industry and the IPA community.

A Gathering of Industry Leaders

The awards presentation took place at IPAVision, a key event attended by over 550 professionals, representing diverse sectors including asset management, wealth management, and the broader landscape of alternative investments. Anya Coverman, the President and CEO of IPA, expressed pride in honoring individuals who contribute to strengthening the community and enhancing the industry as a whole.

Award Categories and Honorees

The IPA Awards feature five distinct categories, each celebrating different facets of leadership and service:

Outstanding Service

This award commends those who consistently demonstrate leadership and commitment. The honorees this year included:

• - Bill Duffy - Head of Alternative Investment Platform Solutions at Fidelity Investments
• - Kimberly Flynn - President of XA Investments
• - Martin Griffin - Senior Director at SSC
• - Bora Lim - Managing Director at Bank of America Merrill Lynch
• - Matthew Malone - President of Opto Investments
• - Emily Reagan - Global Head of Evergreen Products at Goldman Sachs Asset Management
• - Paul Weisenfeld - Head of Strategic Partnerships at CIM Group

Policy Leadership

Recognizing individuals who have significantly impacted regulatory frameworks, the awardees included:

• - John Cronin - VP of State Government Relations at LPL Financial
• - John Mahon - Partner at Cleary Gottlieb
• - Peter Matejcak - Partner at Baker McKenzie
• - Nick Rosenthal - Co-CEO of Griffin Capital
• - Benjamin Wells - Partner at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett

Rising Voice

This award acknowledges engaging newcomers to the IPA community:

• - Jason Cross - Managing Director at Redbrick LMD
• - Sydney Friedman - Managing Director at Blackstone Private Wealth
• - Paula Noble - VP of Key Accounts at CNL
• - Nick Tiemeyer - VP of Wealth Alternatives Product at Nuveen
• - Natalya Zernitskaya - Senior Due Diligence Analyst at Cetera Financial Group

Emerging Champion

Honoring leaders expanding the role of alternative investments:

• - Peter Aliprantis - Partner at EQT Partners
• - Danielle Hickey - Director at Macquarie Asset Management
• - Bill Stout - Head of Private Markets Strategy at Vanguard

Lifetime Achievement

Recognizing a lifetime of service, this year’s honoree is:

• - Thomas Selman - President and CEO of SCOPUS Financial Group, noted for his extensive contributions to regulatory policy and compliance during his tenure at FINRA.

Shaping the Future of Alternatives

These awards not only celebrate individual contributions but also emphasize the collective movement toward a robust and inclusive future for alternative investments. Anya Coverman highlighted the importance of these leaders who actively engage in shaping policy, sharing insights, and mentoring others, which strengthens the industry’s infrastructure.

Continuing Impact

The IPA remains steadfast in promoting the importance of alternative investments, which include private equity, real estate, and credit solutions among others. The association serves as a critical voice, advocating for effective policies that align with the industry's evolving needs. Events like IPAVision provide a fertile ground for fostering connections, sharing ideas, and further education on pressing industry matters.

For further details about the 2026 IPA Awards and the celebrated leaders, please visit IPA's official website. The IPA continues to lead the charge in advocating for the industry, ensuring its members are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of alternative investments.