Press Release  Friday, Oct 18, 2024

FPSB Celebrates Outstanding Contributions to the Global Financial Planning Profession with Prestigious Award

Elaine Bedel, CFP, Kevin R. Keller, CAE, Tim Kochis, CFP, and Ulf Mannhardt, CFP, awarded the 2024 FPSB Noel Maye Award for Outstanding Contribution ot the Profession

DENVER, COLO – 18 October 2024 – The global leader in the financial planning profession, Financial Planning Standards Board Ltd. (FPSB), is pleased to announce the recipients of this year’s FPSB Noel Maye Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Profession to recognize individuals who have made meaningful contributions to the global financial planning profession.

The awards were presented at FPSB’s 20-year anniversary celebration dinner on 18 October in São Paulo, Brazil, where recipients were honored for their commitment to advancing the global financial planning profession and CFP certification through leadership, advocacy and volunteer efforts.

“The prestigious FPSB Noel Maye Award celebrates those who have made a lasting impact on the global financial planning profession, representing the values of dedication, passion and pursuit of excellence for which the award’s namesake is known,” said FPSB CEO Dante De Gori, CFP. “We recognize these remarkable individuals who have made significant strides to drive excellence in financial planning profession worldwide through CFP certification.”

This year’s award recipients are:

	Elaine Bedel, CFP: A driving force behind the establishment of FPSB, Elaine Bedel was instrumental in shaping the organization’s early years. As a key volunteer and personal financial guarantor during FPSB’s formation, her unwavering commitment ensured FPSB would start its journey with a solid foundation. Bedel held several leadership positions, including chairing the Board of Directors, where her critical thinking and tenacity laid the groundwork for FPSB’s future growth and success.
	Kevin R. Keller, CAE: As CEO of CFP Board (U.S.) since 2007, Kevin Keller has been a dynamic leader within the FPSB network, serving in many roles including chairperson of the FPSB Chief Executives Committee. Under his leadership, the U.S. certified its 100,000th CFP professional this year, marking a significant milestone. Keller has championed key initiatives, including the launch of CFP Board’s first major public awareness campaign to increase awareness of CFP professionals, and foster a more diverse and sustainable workforce. Keller has made a profound impact on the scale and strength of the global CFP professional community.
	Tim Kochis, CFP: A visionary leader and trailblazer, Tim Kochis was a key architect in the establishment of FPSB, laying the foundation for its global success. As a volunteer leader and financial guarantor during its formation, Kochis helped to shape FPSB’s direction and future. His leadership as chairperson of both the International CFP Council and FPSB’s Board of Directors, as well as his pivotal role in the transferring of the international CFP marks to FPSB, were critical in taking CFP certification worldwide and igniting the growth of the profession globally.
	Ulf Mannhardt, CFP: A dedicated and long-serving volunteer with over 40 years of experience, Ulf Mannhardt has been a key figure in advancing the global financial planning profession. Since FPSB’s inception, he has held numerous leadership roles, including chairperson of the FPSB Council and Member Advisory Group. As cofounder of IBCPF, now Planejar, Mannhardt’s work has significantly contributed to the growth of CFP professionals in Brazil and worldwide. His passion and leadership continue to drive excellence in financial planning, both locally and internationally.

The FPSB Noel Maye Award showcases the immense dedication of those within the global financial planning profession and recognizes the positive influence that can be made through vision, commitment and leadership. 

About FPSB Ltd.

FPSB manages, develops and operates certification, education and related programs to benefit the global community by establishing, upholding and promoting worldwide professional standards in financial planning. FPSB demonstrates its commitment to excellence with the marks of professional distinction – CFP, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER and CFP Logo Mark  – which it owns internationally. FPSB and our global network of organizations certify CFP professionals in 28 territories. CFP professionals reside in Australia, Austria, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chinese Taipei, Colombia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, People’s Republic of China, Republic of Korea, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Thailand, the United Kingdom and the United States. There are over 223,000 CFP professionals worldwide. For more, visit fpsb.org.

FPSB owns the CFP, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER and the CFP Marks outside the United States, and permits qualified individuals to use the marks to indicate that they meet FPSB’s initial and ongoing certification standards and requirements. CFP professionals may use the CFP marks in the territory or region in which they are certified. 

About CFP Certification

CFP certification is the global symbol of excellence in financial planning and represents financial planners who commit to standards of competency and ethics, and to putting clients’ interests first. The CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER credential represents financial planning professionals who commit to better serving their clients through rigorous international standards, ethical practices and lifelong learning.

# # #

CFP Certification Global excellence in financial planning™

Media Contact:
Ryanne Harrah
Senior Manager of Communications and Content
Financial Planning Standards Board Ltd.
+1-720-203-7007
[email protected]