--- title: "Leaving a Legacy: Celebrating Excellence in Exit Planning in 2025" description: Recognize a leader who has made a lasting impact. Nominate someone who leaves a legacy through mentorship and meaningful contributions! image: https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/hubfs/1-Nov-20-2024-08-16-35-8610-PM.png --- ![exit planning institute](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/hs-fs/hubfs/logos/EPI_Exit-Planning-Institute_shield_white.png?width=60&height=64&name=EPI_Exit-Planning-Institute_shield_white.png) ## THE EXIT PLANNING BLOG Keep up-to-date with exit planning, succession planning, industry trends, unique specialty insights, and useful content for professional advisors and business owners. [![home](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/hubfs/EPI-Assets-2022/blog/home.png) ](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/) #### Share this [Share on Twitter ](https://twitter.com/share?url=https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/excellence-in-exit-planning-nominations&text=Leaving%20a%20Legacy:%20Celebrating%20Excellence%20in%20Exit%20Planning%20in%202025) [Share on Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/excellence-in-exit-planning-nominations&t=Leaving%20a%20Legacy:%20Celebrating%20Excellence%20in%20Exit%20Planning%20in%202025) [Share on LinkedIn ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/excellence-in-exit-planning-nominations&t=Leaving%20a%20Legacy:%20Celebrating%20Excellence%20in%20Exit%20Planning%20in%202025) # Leaving a Legacy: Celebrating Excellence in Exit Planning in 2025 by [**Exit Planning Institute**](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/author/exit-planning-institute) on December 3, 2024 ![](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/hubfs/1-Nov-20-2024-08-16-35-8610-PM.png) The Excellence in Exit Planning Awards honor Certified Exit Planning Advisors (CEPAs) making a lasting impact on the exit planning profession. Presented annually, these awards recognize advisors who help business owners secure long-term success and grow a resilient future.  ## What Are the Excellence in Exit Planning Awards?  The Exit Planning Institute honors three advisors each year, who make a lasting impact and advance the field of exit planning. Think about an advisor whose contributions have left a mark on your business or the exit planning community.  They are made up of three awards: The Member of the Year, Thought Leader of the Year, and the Peter Christman Exit Planner of the Year.   ### Member of the Year   Recognizes a CEPA who significantly enhances the EPI community and exit planning profession, exemplifying leadership within their region and advancing education and awareness, making them a valued member of the community.  ### Thought Leader of the Year   Honors a CEPA who has successfully trailblazed a first-of-its-kind project, initiative, or practice which has made a significant contribution to the exit planning profession and the overall community. This advisor is a thought leader, known for expertise in a specific niche, and demonstrates innovation, influence, and a spirit of collaboration.  ### Peter Christman Exit Planner of the Year   Named after EPI co-founder Peter Christman, this award represents the highest honor in exit planning. It is given to a CEPA whose work transforms industry practices, significantly benefiting business owners and the advisory community both locally and internationally.  ## Past Award Winners  Past recipients include EPI Chapter Presidents, respected educators, and innovators. Here are some recent honorees:   2022 Winners: - Exit Planner of the Year: Justin Goodbread - Thought Leader of the Year: Julie Keyes - Member of the Year: Shina Culberson 2023 Winners: - Exit Planner of the Year: Joe Strazzeri - Thought Leader of the Year: James Jack - Member of the Year: Joe Seetoo 2024 Winners: - Exit Planner of the Year: Amy Wirtz - Thought leader of the Year: Joe Seetoo - Member of the Year: Mike Garrison ## Nominate a CEPA for the 2025 Awards  Nominate an advisor you believe exhibits the characteristics of a strong leader and asset of the CEPA community - now is the time to recognize their achievements!  To submit your nomination, follow these steps:  1. Access the 2025 nomination form [here](https://exitplanningsummit.com/epi-excellence-in-exit-planning-awards#bottom-form). 2. Complete the form with the nominee’s details and explain why they deserve the award.  3. Submit by January 31, 2025. [ Nominate a CEPA ](https://exitplanningsummit.com/epi-excellence-in-exit-planning-awards)   ### When Are The Winners Announced?  We will announce the winners during the Exit Planning Summit, taking place May 4-6 in Charlotte Harbor, Florida.   The Summit brings together top CEPAs, business owners, and industry leaders for collaborative learning and networking, providing advisors with the tools and insights to enhance their practices.  ## Be Part of a Lasting Legacy  The Excellence in Exit Planning Awards highlight advisors who are dedicated to leaving a legacy for businesses and communities they serve. Nominate a deserving advisor, by doing so, you are helping strengthen the future of exit planning!  Learn more and reserve your spot at the 2025 Exit Planning Summit at [exitplanningsummit.com](https://www.exitplanningsummit.com/)!  ### Related Resources: - [The Exit Planning Summit](https://exitplanningsummit.com/) - [EPI Thought Leadership Council](https://exit-planning-institute.org/about-us/epi-thought-leadership-council) - [Meet the Circle of Excellence Inductees](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/excellence-in-exit-planning-awards) Topics: [Blog](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/blog) [Excellence in Exit Planning Awards](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/excellence-in-exit-planning-awards) #### Share this [Share on Twitter ](https://twitter.com/share?url=https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/excellence-in-exit-planning-nominations&text=Leaving%20a%20Legacy:%20Celebrating%20Excellence%20in%20Exit%20Planning%20in%202025) [Share on Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/excellence-in-exit-planning-nominations&t=Leaving%20a%20Legacy:%20Celebrating%20Excellence%20in%20Exit%20Planning%20in%202025) [Share on LinkedIn ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/excellence-in-exit-planning-nominations&t=Leaving%20a%20Legacy:%20Celebrating%20Excellence%20in%20Exit%20Planning%20in%202025) - 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