2023 Rising Leader Finalists

At Mackey Advisors, Adam has worked diligently to optimize sales processes, drive connection with high-potential leads, clarify value propositions, and build a brand clients & prospects can trust.

This year Adam has led the MACKEY sales department to new heights reaching a record-breaking year of new sales. Mackey Advisor's sales process is highly defined, and their close rate has increased.

Adam was nominated by Sarah Grace Mohr, Mackey Advisors

At Fifth Third Bank, Zack is focused on being a strategic partner and trusted advisor to his clients. He is highly engaged in learning a client’s business and becomes a source of honest and frequent feedback. Through participating in external leadership programs, making meaningful business connections, and focusing on continued education, Zack has been able to create strategic business plans that generate enterprise value and support client growth.

These activities have positioned Zack to take on more responsibility and leadership within Fifth Third Bank. As he continues to progress within the organization, his efforts will benefit not only his clients but the Greater Cincinnati community as well.

Zack was nominated by Ely Friedman, VonLehman CPA & Advisory Firm.

Billie has been an incredible addition to the Sweets & Meats BBQ team. She planned and executed their first full-day All Staff meeting, recruits, attends, and organizes job fairs, implemented a marketing strategy, and has contributed to their overall growth. Billie has trained new members of their office staff, allowing them to promote two full-time staff members to new positions in the first quarter of 2023. As Billie streamlined their operations and is creating and directing the office team, the company's sales will continue to grow.

In 2022, revenue increased 23%; after first quarter 2023, sales are up 20% - a significant achievement, as the business closed their carry-out restaurant in December 2022 to focus soley on Catering & Events. Billie's ability to respond to incoming inquiries in a timely manner and build relationships with their clients has created the repeat business fueling this growth. By streamlining office operations, she has freed up the owners to complete more business development and work on the business itself. 

Billie was nominated by Kristen Bailey, Sweets & Meats BBQ.

At ROEHR Insurance, Jeremy Riddle has championed Business Growth by leading by example. He has grown his book to be one of the leading books in the area. He has also led from within sharing programs and his time in helping others to grow. His efforts are unmatched, and his results are a byproduct of this. He will be a future leader at The Roehr Insurance Agency.

Jeremy was nominated by Alvin Roehr, Jr., ROEHR Insurance.

Cody Steele not only runs Hilltop Basic Resources, a large, family-owned company, but is a humble, balanced, and grounded leader, with a fine moral character. His personality translates into a terrific "servant leader," which allows his company character to flourish and develop. His qualities transfer down to the daily business practices, and Cody will continue to do great things not only for his company, but for the Greater Cincinnati business community.

Cody was nominated by Michael Muth, Queen City Wealth Management.

Investing locally is part of the Bartlett Wealth Management Way, and Catherine Miller leads by example with community involvement. She is a rising star in the Greater Cincinnati community; she selflessly gives her time, talents, and treasure to various organizations in the city. In 2022, she participated in the Chamber's C-Change program. She is a past member of the ArtsWave Women's Roundtable and is currently involed with CISE, Saint Ursula Academy, and the Goering Center. Her community involvement, in combination with her technical expertise in financial planning, has positioned her to be a future Principal of the firm.

Catherine was nominated by Keith Dershem, Bartlett Wealth Management.

Justin has experienced unprecedented success at USI Insurance Services. Originally a producer from outside the industry, he has achieved unparalleled revenue for someone so new to insurance. In 2022, Justin earned USI’s PEAK Award, which honors the top sales individuals across the company who produce over $2.5 million in premium written in such a short span. In 2023, Justin stepped into a leadership role in a time of need to lead their Select division within the state of Ohio. In a short span of time, he helped the Midwest set a revenue new business record in Q3. Additionally, he has successfully recruited great talent, exceeding expectations. He has a strategic business mindset and the ability to achieve financial success in terms of sales and profit growth.

Justin was nominated by Tom Cassady, USI Insurance Services.

At Donnellon McCarthy Enterprises (DME), Erica is a rising leader for several reasons: she does not say “no” to anything and steps up to any task thrown her way. She is more than just an employee; she is a cheerleader at DME. She helps wherever needed, whether in the sales department, customer service, billing, or IT. A key strength of Erica’s is the ability to train – she has assisted with training in the administrative department and trains all new sales representatives joining DME. She not only makes them feel welcome, but educates them on the best practices within the company. Over her five years with DME, Erica has trained several employees who have grown with the organization. She has secured several wins within request for proposals by training the employees to be successful.

Erica was nominated by Jim George, Donnellon McCarthy Enterprises.

At Pension Corporation of America, Seth Priestle has worked diligently to give back to his community, the financial services profession, and the next generation of Cincinnati business leaders. He previously served as the Chair of the Grants Committee and is the current Chair of the Investment Committee for the Community Foundation of West Chester and Liberty. Seth served as the President, Chairman, and pro-bono Director for the Financial Planning Association of Southwestern Ohio. He has spent many years on the Board of the Cincinnati chapter of the American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries (ASPPA) and is currently an Adjunct Professor at the Carl H. Linder College of Business. He earned the Dean’s List of Teaching Excellence and was named 2018 Outstanding Adjunct Teaching in Finance.

During Seth’s tenure, the assets of the Community Foundation of West Chester and Liberty have grown considerably. As Chair of the Investment Committee, he has added new advisory partnerships, recruited new committee members, and provided fiduciary oversight to the Foundation’s $20+ million in assets. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Seth established the region’s first Community Health Fund. During his tenure for the Financial Planning Association, the organization increased membership, strengthened its financial position, and held multiple pro-bono Financial Planning Days.

Seth was nominated by Collin Ecklerle, Pension Corporation of America.