BT RISE SUCCESSFUL KICKOFF

Its been a year since I made the difficult but right decision to resign from my position as President and Chief Executive Officer at Ohio National Financial Services. My career at Ohio National was wonderful and successful. It spanned the business. In addition to serving as Chief Executive Officer and President, I served in numerous board roles and as Chair, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Administrative Officer, and Chief Compliance Officer for the parent company and President and CEO of its broker-dealer and investment advisory subsidiaries. Within days of my departure, I received numerous calls from industry colleagues, recruiters, and local organizations inquiring on my interest in another C-level position. I was honored by the outpouring of support and the acknowledgement of my career success but declined the requests for meetings. While, I wanted to continue helping individuals, families, and communities achieve financial independence and security, I strongly felt I could accomplish this goal without taking on a new corporate role. I decided to spend time enjoying my family and the holiday season before making any new commitments.

In January, 2023, I asked myself questions like “what did I enjoy most about my 40+ year career?”, “what do I want my legacy to be?”, “what brings me joy?”, “what’s next?”. A common theme existed in my response to these questions. Helping others was the aspect of my 40+ career in financial services that I enjoyed most! This “help” took on many forms. I mentored, coached, and sponsored countless individuals throughout my career. I was a passionate and strong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the financial services industry and beyond. I was a frequent presenter at industry and community events championing the benefits of philanthropy and investing ones’ time, talent, and treasures to help others. I served on numerous industry and community Boards whose focus was on helping families achieve financial security. Helping others brings me joy!

When it comes to my legacy, I want to leave a legacy of love, family, integrity, giving, kindness, and making a difference. I want to live my life on purpose and be intentional about spending time investing in what’s important to me! With these thoughts in mind, I formed BT RISE. BT RISE is my way of giving back to a community that has given me and my family so much!

On September 26, 2023, I hosted the first BT RISE event to introduce the organization to a few individuals in our community that I have great respect and admiration for.

OUR MISSION

BT RISE and the Turner Family Foundation are committed to the economic empowerment and education of women, and individuals from underserved communities through advocacy, economic development, and education.

I have always believed that knowledge is power and that you must be the change you want to see in the world. With that in mind, I founded BT RISE to assist others – especially women and individuals from underserved communities, in accessing the resources needed for financial security and independence.

BT RISE embodies resilience, integrity, strength, and equity, and we believe that we can empower individuals and families achieve financial independence through collaboration.

As CEO of BT RISE, I draw upon my corporate and community leadership experiences and deep expertise in the financial services industry to offer various forms of support, including advisory services, covering training and development expenses, financial coaching, reviewing business plans, and providing financial grants. Our investments have totaled over $400,000 year-to-date through September 2023. The diverse group of organizations supported to date were selected because of their history of success and alignment with our goal to make a difference in the following areas.

o Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

o Economic Growth

o Education

o Financial Independence

BT RISE is determined to do its part to help build resilient families and communities where all operate with empathy and integrity; embrace equity; thrive financially and seek to strengthen the whole and holistic strength are embraced and promoted. Of course, I can’t execute such a lofty goal alone! I have convened a group of talented individuals who share my passion for the BT RISE Mission to serve on the BT RISE Advisory Board. Thank you Dane Dudley, Anthony Harris, MBA,CRCP, Danielle (Howard) Ivory, MBA, and Mary Carol Wethington for saying “yes”! I appreciate your support and partnership.

Empowering those in need, with a particular focus on women, offers significant benefits, including boosting economic growth through heightened workforce participation, poverty reduction, and enhanced health outcomes.

Empowerment initiatives advance gender equality, elevate workforce productivity, encourage civic engagement, and hold the potential to catalyze job creation and economic development within our city.

Onward and upward!

Barbara