---
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!
---

[Top Exit & Succession Planning Blog for Professional Advisors ](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org)

# [Leaving a Legacy: Celebrating Excellence in Exit Planning in 2025](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/excellence-in-exit-planning-nominations)

 Written by [Exit Planning Institute](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/author/exit-planning-institute) | Dec 3, 2024 4:00:00 PM

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.

 

### 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)

[View full post](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/excellence-in-exit-planning-nominations)

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