Every year, the Exit Planning Institute® (EPI) celebrates advisors who redefine what it means to be a business owner’s most trusted advisor. The 2026 Excellence in Exit Planning Awards will shine a spotlight on the top Certified Exit Planning Advisors (CEPA®) who help transform lives and change outcomes for business owners across the country.
In 2026, EPI will honor three advisors who have made an impact on the exit planning profession with three awards:
- Peter Christman Exit Planner of the Year
- Member of the Year
- Thought Leader of the Year
To learn more about each of the Excellence in Exit Planning Awards, read on below, and if you know an advisor who fits the criteria, nominate them using this form.
Peter Christman Exit Planner of the Year
Named after EPI founder Peter Christman, this is the most prestigious award in exit planning, recognizing excellence in the field. Presented annually to a CEPA, this award honors an advisor who actively leads planning initiatives to educate both advisors and business owners or offers innovative tools that transform outcomes for business owners and their advisors.
The winning CEPA must have made significant contributions to the industry, embodying EPI’s core values and the principles of the credential, while creating a positive impact in the community.
Previous Exit Planner of the Year honorees include:
- 2025: Joe Seetoo
- 2024: Amy Wirtz
- 2023: Joe Strazzeri, Esq.
- 2022: Justin Goodbread
Member of the Year
The EPI Member of the Year award is given to a CEPA who has made substantial contributions to the EPI community and the exit planning industry. The winner is a prominent leader and authority within their local or regional markets, spearheading exit planning education and enhancing market awareness.
Past winners of the award include:
- 2025: Rick Krebs
- 2024: Mike Garrison
- 2023: Joe Seetoo
- 2022: Shina Culberson
Thought Leader of the Year
The Thought Leader of the Year is awarded to a CEPA who has successfully pioneered a first-of-its-kind project, initiative, or practice that has significantly contributed to the exit planning profession and the broader community. This advisor is a thought leader, known for their expertise in a specific niche, and shows innovation, influence, and embodies collaboration.
Previous Thought Leader of the Year winners include:
- 2025: Renee Russo
- 2024: Joe Seetoo
- 2023: James Jack
- 2022: Julie Keyes
Nominate a CEPA
Do you know an advisor who exhibits the characteristics of a strong leader and an asset to the CEPA community? Nominate them for any of the Excellence in Exit Planning Awards by following these steps:
- Access the 2026 nomination form here.
- Complete the form with the nominee’s details and explain why they deserve the award.
- Submit by January 31, 2026.
Meet the Winners at the Exit Planning Summit
We will announce the winners during the Exit Planning Summit, taking place from April 19 to 21 in Nashville, Tennessee.
The Exit Planning Summit is the world's largest gathering of exit planning professionals. It provides an opportunity not only to celebrate achievements from the past year but also to look ahead to the future. At the Exit Planning Summit, you’ll have the chance to hear from previous Excellence in Exit Planning award winners, including previous Exit Planner of the Year recipients Joe Seetoo, Amy Wirtz, Joe Strazzeri, Justin Goodbread, and Gordon Bell.
To learn more about the Exit Planning Summit in 2026, visit ExitPlanningSummit.com to get a closer look at the speakers and themes you’ll hear in Nashville.
Related Resources
Meet our 2025 Exit Planner of the Year Joe Seetoo
Why the 2026 Exit Planning Summit is a Must-Attend Event
Why You Should Make the 2026 Exit Planning Summit Your First
About the Exit Planning Summit
The Exit Planning Summit is the premier exit planning event, spanning over the course of three days. It provides attendees the opportunity to experience hands-on education, make new connections with like-minded individuals, and spark innovation in the profession. It is the annual, global gathering for exit planning professionals committed to expanding their offerings to clients and becoming value-driven.
