03/09/2026
Thank you to all who supported our 2026 Gala on March 5 at the Ziegfeld Ballroom. It was a tremendously successful evening, with nearly $1.8 million raised to support our financial education programs.
The evening was hosted by MoAF President David Cowen and MoAF Chair Peter Cohen, with former CNBC Senior Markets Correspondent Bob Pisani and “WealthTrack” Executive Producer and Managing Editor Consuelo Mack serving as masters of ceremony.
Our 2026 honorees included Byron D. Trott, Chairman, Co-Chief Executive Officer & Co-Chief Investment Officer of BDT & MSD Partners, who received the Whitehead Award for Distinguished Public Service and Financial Leadership. Mr. Trott was introduced by Henry M. Paulson, Jr., 74th US Treasury Secretary and Chairman of the Paulson Institute.
Our Financial Innovation Award was presented to David G. Booth, Founder and Chairman of Dimensional Fund Advisors. This award recognizes his introduction of investing based on the efficient market hypothesis, and his pioneering work in factor investing. Mr. Booth was introduced by Senator William (Bill) W. Bradley, Managing Director of Allen & Company and former New Jersey Senator.
And our 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award honored the achievements of Mary Ellen Stanek, Founder and Chief Investment Officer Emeritus of Baird Advisors and President of Baird Funds. Ms. Stanek was introduced by Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop Emeritus of New York.
Photos: Alan Barnett Photography
