Around the Firm 1Q 2026
Written by: Tracey Blackford
As we begin 2026, Innovest is pleased to highlight the accomplishments, service efforts, and thought leadership demonstrated by our team in the first quarter. Our commitment to stewardship, excellence, and community involvement continues to drive meaningful impact across the firm and beyond.
New Team Members
This quarter, we were excited to welcome several new colleagues who bring fresh expertise, energy, and dedication to our mission. Amy Hanophy, Josh Arendt, Trever Kirking, John Truschel, Nathan Monahan, and Lauren Cadle joined Innovest across multiple departments, strengthening our capabilities and enhancing client service.
Service to Others
We proudly recognized Abigail Thomas and Luke Hollister with the Service to Others Monthly Award for their outstanding dedication to helping colleagues and the broader community.
Our team also remained actively engaged through several impactful service efforts this quarter, including:
Visiting residents of the Cambridge Care Center Nursing Home, bringing supplies and spending meaningful time with them.
Creating handmade bracelets for the Make‑A‑Wish Foundation to brighten the experience of children facing critical illnesses.
Organizing a Mardi Gras Food Drive in support of local food banks.
Conducting mock interviews for students at Arrupe Jesuit High School.
Awards
Innovest was recognized by the National Association of Plan Advisors as one of the 2025 Top DC Advisor Teams.
Publications
Sloan Smith wrote “Private Debt: Are We Seeing Cracks or Is There Still Opportunity?” for Advisor Perspectives.
Sydney Aeschlimann, Ian Gilbert, and Taylor Truitt published “A Fiduciary’s Guide to CITs: 4 Common Misconceptions” in 401(k) Specialist Magazine.
Firm Thought Leadership, Events, and Industry Engagement
This quarter showcased Innovest’s growing leadership across the financial, retirement, and nonprofit communities. In addition to being named one of NAPA’s 2025 Top DC Advisor Teams, Innovest continued to advance industry dialogue through publications, events, and conference participation.
The firm hosted several key events, including an in‑depth 2026: An Economic Outlook Luncheon with economist Dr. Richard Wobbekind and the Denver Nonprofit Networking Happy Hour. Innovest also hosted the Rocky Mountain Benefits Conference (RMBC), where Rick Rodgers presented on protecting plan participants, and supported the nonprofit sector by hosting the Rocky Mountain Nonprofit Conference (RMNPC), where Christian O’Dwyer delivered insights to nonprofit leaders.
Our professionals were active across webinar platforms as well. Wendy Dominguez and Sarah Newman led a session on best practices for defined benefit plans; Rick Rodgers and Tomas Jansson presented “7 Common Mistakes Made by 401(k) Administrators”; and Sloan Smith shared perspectives on navigating private markets during a discussion with asset managers.
Innovest also continued its longstanding commitment to supporting community partners by sponsoring the Benedictine Scholarship Ball and the Magis Night at Arrupe Jesuit High School.