Leslie Walstrom, Global Head of Marketing for Columbia Threadneedle Investments, has been selected as the 2022 recipient of the FCS Jamie E. DePeau Leadership Award. The annual award will be presented at an in-person awards gala on November 30th, when the FCS also celebrates the FCS Financial Marketer of the Year Award for 2022; finalists include Ally, Citizens, and Invesco.

The FCS Jamie E. DePeau Leadership Award recognizes an individual who, through personal and professional contributions to his/her community, serves as a living example of the selfless, inspirational leadership that Jamie DePeau embodied during her career.

• The Award honors an FCS member whose leadership inspires and educates others to think big, to break down barriers, and to perform at their highest potential.

As Global Head of Marketing, Leslie Walstrom is responsible for developing and implementing marketing strategy to drive awareness of the Columbia Threadneedle Investments brand and the firm’s investment management capabilities with institutions, financial intermediaries and investors. Beyond the success Leslie has enjoyed in her marketing career and as a mentor to so many work colleagues, she also finds time to be involved in her community and give back – both individually and through corporate partnerships she seeks out on behalf of Columbia Threadneedle Investments.

• Leslie is an advocate, fundraiser and board member for Boston Medical Center, an organization that prides itself on providing excellent and accessible health services to everyone regardless of status or ability to pay.
• She also supports Dare2Tri, which helps individuals with physical disabilities and visual impairments by building community and wellness through triathlon competitions.
• She supports both of these organizations and raises awareness of them through the Columbia Threadneedle Investments Boston Triathlon.
• Additionally, Leslie has served on the board of ImprovBoston and is also a member of the Women’s Network Advisory board for the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce.
• Through Columbia Threadneedle’s community engagement program, Leslie volunteers and gives financial donations to local non-profits including the Greater Boston Food Bank, Pine Street Inn and Rosie’s Place.

Nominated by Andrew Most, Head of Global Brand, Creative & Content Strategy for Columbia Threadneedle Investments, Leslie was selected unanimously by this year’s judging panel, comprising past recipients Renée Baker and Caleb Silver; Elena French, longtime friend and colleague of Jamie DePeau; and, representing the FCS, Tom Jago and Kevin Windorf.

Upon learning of the judges’ decision, Leslie stated, “It’s an honor to be recognized by the Financial Communications Society for the FCS Jamie E. DePeau Leadership Award. I’ve always been passionate about giving back and being active in my community. I am proud to work with and advocate for local Boston non-profits like Boston Medical Center along with national initiatives like Dare2Tri. It has also been great to see friends and colleagues get involved, whether it’s through volunteering or fundraising. Thank you to the judges for this recognition, and it’s an honor to be listed alongside an impressive roster of past winners.”

Leslie joins a distinguished list of leaders among FCS members who have been honored in the past. In 2016, the inaugural year of the Award, the recipient was Berta Aldrich, then CMO of FS Investments. In 2017, Caroline O’Connell was recognized with the Award when she was CMO, Investments, BNY Mellon. David Bernstein was honored the following year for his volunteerism and personal mission in founding the Fly A Kite Foundation with his wife Deena. In 2019 Russ Findlay was our honoree in acknowledgement of his career as a marketer, leader, mentor, and architect of The Findlay Family Foundation, which provides college scholarships to high school seniors facing financial need. In 2020, former FCS Board Director Renée Baker of Raymond James was honored for her leadership and commitment to DEI issues in financial services. Last year, Caleb Silver, Editor-in-Chief of Investopedia, was recognized for his work with several educational nonprofits focused on financial literacy and journalism for young people.

Questions about the Award should be directed to FCS CEO Kevin Windorf.

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.

Jamie passed away in February of 2016.  In April of that year, her work at Lincoln was recognized posthumously as her marketing team and their agency won seven trophies of the 22nd Annual FCS Portfolio Awards.  In addition to her own participation, Jamie encouraged her Lincoln colleagues to get involved with the FCS.

Outside of work, Jamie 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, Jamie is remembered as a mentor and friend, and always a leader.