Celebrating a Legacy of Excellence

Mary Ellen Stanek, Museum of American Finance
2026 Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient

Baird is proud to celebrate Mary Ellen Stanek, Chief Investment Officer Emeritus, Baird Advisors and President of Baird Funds. A pioneer in fixed income investment management, Mary Ellen is recognized for a successful career defined by a consistent focus on clients, the strength of her team and the culture of mentorship, collaboration, and shared values she created. 

Mary Ellen’s professional legacy stems from decades of stewardship, innovation, and leadership within the asset management industry.

A Distinguished Honor

The Lifetime Achievement Award honors individuals whose careers have made a lasting contribution to the financial profession. In recognizing Mary Ellen, the Museum of American Finance acknowledges not only her personal achievements, but also the broader influence of her career on investors, colleagues, and the industry.

Museum of American Finance

The Museum of American Finance’s mission is to promote financial education by preserving, exhibiting, and teaching American financial history. As the nation’s only independent museum dedicated to finance, and an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, the Museum plays a vital role in advancing financial literacy and understanding across diverse audiences.

Mary Ellen’s recognition reflects not only an individual career of distinction, but also the values of leadership, integrity, and long-term impact that the Museum seeks to highlight through its annual Gala.

Also recognized at the event were David G. Booth, Founder and Chairman of Dimensional Fund Advisors, who received the Financial Innovation Award, and Byron D. Trott, Chairman, Co-Chief Executive Officer and Co-Chief Investment Officer of BDT & MSD Partners, who received the Whitehead Award for Distinguished Public Service and Financial Leadership.