The FCS today announced that it has selected David Bernstein, National Sales Director, Captivate, as the recipient of its third annual FCS Jamie E. DePeau Leadership Award.The award will be presented at a gala dinner event on November 29, 2018 at the New York Yacht Club, when the FCS also celebrates E*TRADE Financial and Lea Stendahl, Chief Marketing Officer, as winners of the FCS Financial Marketer of the Year Award for 2018. Brighthouse Financial and MassMutual will also be honored as runners-up in that contest.
The FCS Jamie E. DePeau Leadership Award was created to recognize an FCS member whose leadership inspires and educates others to think big, break down barriers and perform at their highest potential. The goal is to honor, every year, FCS members who, through personal and professional contributions to their communities, serve as living examples of the selfless, inspirational leadership that Jamie DePeau embodied during her career in financial services marketing. Ms. DePeau, who passed away in 2016, was an active member of the FCS Marketing Leadership Roundtable, had served as a presenter at several FCS events, and was a stalwart supporter of the FCS and her team’s participation in the organization.
“The FCS is proud to recognize David Bernstein for his leadership in both his professional and personal life,” said Kevin Windorf, CEO of the FCS. “As the FCS’ philanthropic mission specifically supports children’s charities, we are aligned with David’s mission in founding the Fly A Kite Foundation, with his wife Deena. And as a volunteer with The Children’s Brain Tumor Project, David coordinates and hosts tours for high school students interested in the fields of laboratory research and medicine. David has many industry colleagues who have praised him for his selfless dedication, endless passion, and humility – attributes of a true leader.”
The Fly A Kite Foundation was founded in 2014 after the loss of the Bernsteins’ 11-year-old son Zachary to pediatric brain cancer. David has dedicated his personal time to raising awareness about pediatric brain cancer and to working compassionately alongside families with recently diagnosed children.
“I am truly honored and blessed to be the recipient of this year’s award,” said David Bernstein. “Through the loss of my son, I am driven to make sure children with brain cancer never suffer another day. I share this award with all of the families and children who fight for survival and never give up hope.”
David was selected by a panel of five judges, who represent several facets of Jamie DePeau’s personal and professional life. The judging panel included:
- Jill Bodian, Brand Strategy Consultant
- Elena French, VP, Internal Communications, Lincoln Financial
- Tom Jago, Managing Director, The Ward Group
- Caroline O’Connell, winner of FCS Jamie E. DePeau Leadership Award 2017
- Kevin Windorf, CEO, FCS
The FCS Financial Marketer of the Year Gala Dinner will be held on November 29th (6pm-10pm) at the New York Yacht Club in midtown Manhattan.
About Jamie E. DePeau
Jamie DePeau, Corporate Chief Marketing Officer, Lincoln Financial Group, was a true friend of the FCS and very supportive of our mission of community, education and philanthropy. She was an active member in the FCS Marketing Leadership Roundtable since its founding in 2012. That year, she participated in our Annual Education Summit, serving on a panel with fellow CMOs. In 2013, she served as one of our guest presenters at the 19th Annual FCS Portfolio Awards. When she was SVP, Marketing at TIAA-CREF, she presented at our monthly luncheon at the New York Yacht Club in December of 2007.
Ms. DePeau passed away in February of 2016. In April of this year, her work at Lincoln was recognized posthumously as her marketing team and their agency won seven trophies at the 22nd Annual FCS Portfolio Awards Gala. In addition to her own participation, Ms. DePeau encouraged her Lincoln colleagues to get involved with the FCS.
Outside of work, Ms. DePeau was very active at her community church, where she held senior roles in the parish’s lay leadership, as well as performing in its choir. She was a volunteer for the Ridgewood Baseball and Softball Association and for other Ridgewood youth sports groups.
In addition to her roles as mother and wife, boss and colleague, Ms. DePeau is remembered as a mentor and friend, and always a leader.
