Thursday, March 5, 2026 | 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Gala Venue:
Ziegfeld Ballroom
141 West 54th Street
New York City
The Museum of American Finance honored the achievements of three financial leaders with important awards at its 2026 Gala. The Gala was held at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in midtown Manhattan, with former CNBC Senior Markets Correspondent Bob Pisani and “WealthTrack” Executive Producer and Managing Editor Consuelo Mack serving as masters of ceremony.
Our 2026 honorees included Byron D. Trott, Chairman, Co-Chief Executive Officer & Co-Chief Investment Officer of BDT & MSD Partners, who received the Whitehead Award for Distinguished Public Service and Financial Leadership. This award honors leaders whose contributions in the public and private arenas strengthen society and the advancement of the financial industry. Mr. Trott was introduced by Henry M. Paulson, Jr., 74th US Treasury Secretary and Chairman of the Paulson Institute. The Museum’s Financial Innovation Award was presented to David G. Booth, Founder and Chairman of Dimensional Fund Advisors. This award recognizes his introduction of investing based on the efficient market hypothesis, and his pioneering work in factor investing. Mr. Booth was introduced by Senator William (Bill) W. Bradley, Managing Director of Allen & Company and former New Jersey Senator. The Museum of American Finance Lifetime Achievement Award honored the achievements of Mary Ellen Stanek, Founder and Chief Investment Officer Emeritus of Baird Advisors and President of Baird Funds. Ms. Stanek was introduced by Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop Emeritus of New York.
Our 2026 Gala co-chairs included Richard A. Gephardt (Former Democratic Leader, US House of Representatives), Timothy C. Gokey (CEO, Broadridge), Ken Griffin (Founder & CEO, Citadel), William B. Harrison (Former Chairman & CEO, JPMorgan Chase), Gregg R. Lemkau (Co-CEO, BDT & MSD Partners), Ian Linnell (President, Fitch Ratings), Joseph Tarantino (President & CEO, Protiviti), Jason Trennert (Chairman & CEO, Strategas) and Jan van Eck (CEO, Van Eck Funds).
Event Materials: