Around the Firm
Promotions & Team Updates
We are thrilled to share the latest updates and achievements within the Innovest family. Join us in extending a warm welcome to our newest Analyst Assistant, Ian Gilbert, who graduated from Minot State University Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Finance. Ian will assist Innovest’s Retirement Plan Team.
We are delighted to announce Peter Girard's well-deserved progression to Manager. John Brock has risen to the role of Senior Analyst, while Christine Attai, Anna Berdahl, Kristin Grayner, Matt Popish, Jean-Marie Willis, Matt Foster, and Natalie Miller have advanced to the position of Analyst. Their commitment to our clients, team, and mission of stewardship is commendable.
In addition, we want to acknowledge the outstanding accomplishments of our colleagues who received Innovest's esteemed annual awards. Eileen Pohs' dedication secured her the Annual Service to Others Award, Rick Rodgers was distinguished with the William Fender Mentorship Award, Joanne Cinalli received the 212 Degree Award, and Kathy Lalone accepted the Founder’s Award.
Austin Cleveland, Cheryl Wilks, and Marisa Joseph earned the Service to Others award for October, November, and December 2023 for their dedication to their fellow employees.
Awards & Publications
Innovest was named a "Best Place to Work" by Pensions & Investments, earning this achievement for the ninth time in ten years. This is a testament to the collective efforts and dedication of our hardworking team members and reflects our ongoing commitment to fostering a positive and supportive work environment.
This quarter, several publications showcased Innovest professionals. Analyst Assistant Austin Cleveland's thoughts on fixed income functions was highlighted in Citywire.com's Due Diligence Report. Principal Troy Jensen and Vice President Kyli Soto's piece, "Should They Stay or Should They Go?" was published by 401K Specialist. Vice President Brett Minnick and Lead Senior Analyst Sydney Aeschlimann contributed "The Case for Mid-Cap Equities," featured in Financial Advisor Magazine. Vice President Paul D'Alessandro's insights on disaster preparedness were shared by NonprofitPRO. Principal Sloan Smith explored the topic of cash returns in Family Office Magazine's Autumn edition. Finally, Principal Troy Jensen's article, "Is it Time to Retire the 'Normal' Retirement Age," was published by TEXPERS.
Service
On Colorado Gives Day, Innovest finished in 2nd place in the Corporate Challenge. A special thanks to our dedicated employees!
Because service is the cornerstone of our culture, Innovest employees volunteered at Project C.U.R.E.'s Denver Distribution Center, amplifying the impact of sending donated medical supplies to developing countries. In addition, all Innovest employees participated in the annual Joy Drive for the Little Flower Assistance Center contributing much-needed supplies for families in Aurora, Montbello, and Green Valley Ranch. Finally, Innovest employees assisted families in finding gifts at the Denver Santa Claus Shop, supporting the nonprofit's mission, "A Toy for Every Girl & Boy."
Conferences, Speaking, Events, & Sponsorships
In November, Innovest hosted the Arizona Defined Contribution Conference (AZ/DC) in Scottsdale, Arizona. This conference offers networking opportunities for Arizona public plan professionals and a forum for the exchange of industry knowledge and expertise.
Innovest Principals Troy Jensen and Jared Martin took the stage at the 2023 Colorado Government Finance Officers Association (CGFOA) Annual Conference in Breckenridge, Colorado to give a presentation titled "Back to the Future? Monetizing Retirement Plan Participants."
At the NAGDCA Conference in Seattle, WA, Innovest Principal, Paul Nacario, skillfully moderated a roundtable discussion, and Innovest President, Principal, and Co-Founder, Wendy Dominguez, showcased her expertise as a panelist in the Solutions to Fiduciary Challenges discussion.
Innovest proudly sponsored the Colorado Professional Firefighter Foundation L900 Golf Tournament in September, helping the organization surpass last year's fundraising goal by an impressive $10,000. The CPFF Foundation provides crucial support to Colorado firefighters, their families, and communities.
In alignment with our focus on education, Innovest also sponsored the Focus on Finance Gala with Economic Literacy Colorado (ELC). ELC empowers students with crucial life skills focusing on economic and personal finances and equips teachers with the tools and knowledge to teach these concepts in schools. Additionally, ELC offers hands-on opportunities for students to explore careers in the financial industry.