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AEC FINANCE LEADERSHIP AWARDS

The Financial Leadership Awards (aka the Finnies), powered by Stambaugh Ness and presented in partnership with Zweig Group, recognizes an exceptional finance professional in the AEC industry who demonstrates strategic leadership, sound financial stewardship, and a measurable impact on their firm's performance and long-term success. This award honors CFOs, Finance Directors, Controllers, and other financial leaders who go beyond day-to-day financial management to serve as trusted advisors, growth partners, and leaders within their organizations. The Finnies will be awarded to up to three deserving financial leaders based on firm size:

• Small firm (under $10 million in annual revenue) • Mid-sized firm ($10 - 50 million in annual revenue) • Large firm (over $50 million in annual revenue)

Recipients exemplify excellence in financial strategy, risk management, operational insight, and collaboration, helping their firms navigate change, drive value, and position themselves for a strong future.

Nominations are due by June 12, 2026.

This year's winner will be presented at the ElevateAEC Conference, September 29 - October 1, 2026, in Park City, Utah.

Winners Receive

• A profile feature showcasing your achievement on Zweiglist.com. • An evergreen listing that lives on beyond award season. • The opportunity to be interviewed and share your story with the industry. • Official digital winner badges for use on website, email signatures, proposals, and social media. • Recognition on stage at the 2026 ElevateAEC Conference in Park City, Utah.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a cost associated with nominating someone for the Finnies? No, there is no cost to nominate someone for this award in 2026. You are welcome to nominate multiple people if you feel that they are deserving of this recognition.

What if a nominee cannot attend Elevate? A small group of finalists will be selected for each category and notified in advance. We hope all finalists will attend Elevate to hear the results firsthand and, if selected, accept the award in person. If a finalist is unable to attend, they are encouraged to designate a proxy to be present on their behalf.

Who can submit a nomination? Can I self-nominate? Anyone can submit a nomination! Yes, you can nominate yourself. To be eligible for the award, the nominee must hold a senior finance role (e.g., CFO, Finance Director, Controller) at an AEC firm and have demonstrated leadership and impact within the past 2 years.

When are nominations due? Nominations are due by June 12, 2026. Nominees will be notified late July. Winner announced at the ElevateAEC event.

How are the winners determined? Winners are selected by a panel of judges who carefully review each submission and evaluate nominees across five criteria: Leadership & Influence, Strategic & Financial Impact, Innovation & Problem-Solving, Navigating Change, and Overall Distinction. The 2026 judging panel includes:

• Aaron Brasslett, CFO Advisor, Stambaugh Ness • Tom Godin, Senior Director, Performance Consulting, Zweig Group • Jennifer G. Nelson, CPA, MBA, CFO, Stambaugh Ness • Chris Ricchiuto, Managing Director, Outsourced Accounting & CFO Advisory Services, Stambaugh Ness • Brad Wilson, CMA, MBA, Director, Strategic Growth Advisory, Stambaugh Ness

Each judge will independently assess the nominations; finalists and winners will be determined based on their collective evaluation.