New York, NY – The Museum of American Finance, the nation's only independent museum dedicated to finance and financial history, will honor the achievements of three financial leaders at its annual Gala on March 5, 2026. The Gala will be 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 the masters of ceremony.
Byron D. Trott, Chairman, Co-Chief Executive Officer and Co-Chief Investment Officer of BDT & MSD Partners, will receive 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 will be introduced by Henry M. Paulson, Jr., 74th US Treasury Secretary and Chairman of the Paulson Institute.
The Museum’s Financial Innovation Award will be presented to David G. Booth, Founder and Chairman of Dimensional Fund Advisors. This award recognizes him as an industry pioneer in applying financial theory to low-cost, systematic investment strategies and a leader in the creation of indexing and factor investing. Mr. Booth will be introduced by Senator William (Bill) W. Bradley, Managing Director, Allen & Company and former Senator, New Jersey.
The Museum of American Finance 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award will honor the notable career of Mary Ellen Stanek, Founder and Chief Investment Officer Emeritus of Baird Advisors and President of Baird Funds. Ms. Stanek will be introduced by Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop Emeritus of New York.
Proceeds from the 2026 Gala help support all aspects of the Museum’s mission to promote financial education by preserving, exhibiting and teaching about American finance and financial history.
Museum of American Finance 2026 Gala sponsors include (as of 2/4/26):
Presenting: BDT & MSD Partners; Fidelity Center for Applied Technology (FCAT)
Platinum: Baird; David Booth and Heather Pesanti; Citadel; Citadel Securities
Gold: Jane P. Donaldson; Robotti & Company; Mary Ellen and Scott Stanek
Silver: Accenture; Alliant Insurance; Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.; Ric Edelman; Mr. and Mrs. Richard Gephardt; Martha Clark Goss; John E. Herzog; Lynn O’Mealia; Protiviti; Shenkman Capital; Strategas; Richard Sylla; VanEck Funds
For more information on the Museum’s 2026 Gala, please visit www.moaf.org/2026Gala.
About the Museum of American Finance
As a socially relevant organization, the Museum of American Finance seeks to improve understanding of the influence of financial institutions and capital markets on the US and global economies, and on individuals’ lives. The nation’s only independent museum dedicated to finance and financial history educates the public through exhibits, financial literacy programs and public events. The Museum, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, seeks to empower individuals of all backgrounds to strive toward financial independence, while encouraging curiosity and discovery. For more information, visit www.moaf.org or connect with the Museum on social media @FinanceMuseum.
Media contact:
Kristin Aguilera, Deputy Director
Museum of American Finance
kaguilera@moaf.org