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Valerie Leonard Named Best-in-State Wealth Advisor by Forbes for 2025
Birmingham, Alabama – EverThrive Financial Group®, a financial advisory services firm in Birmingham, Alabama, is excited to announce that the firm’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Valerie Leonard, has been named a Best-in-State Wealth Advisor by Forbes for 2025. This is the sixth time Valerie has been featured on this list.
“It’s an honor to be recognized for doing what I love,” Valerie said when asked about the award. “In a world full of financial noise, I will remain steadfast in my goal to help provide clarity and confidence to every client we serve. This recognition isn’t just mine—it belongs to the team that shows up every day to deliver strategy with heart and clients who allow us to walk alongside them each day.”
Published on forbes.com, the list features advisors who collectively oversee $16.7 trillion in client assets and “stand out for their track records in navigating in uncertain times.” Valerie’s client-first approach has consistently set her apart within the industry, garnering national recognition. She is committed to helping guide clients toward their objectives with personalized strategies and unwavering support.
2025 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors, created by SHOOK Research. Presented in April 2025 based on data gathered from June 2023 to June 2024. Not indicative of advisor’s future performance. Your experience may vary. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/3cyp2d47.
EverThrive Financial Group®, Named as Top DC Advisor Team by the National Association of Plan Advisors for 2025
Birmingham, Alabama – EverThrive Financial Group®, a financial advisory services firm in Birmingham, Alabama, has been named to the prestigious National Association of Plan Advisors’ (NAPA) list of the nation’s Top Defined Contribution (DC) Advisor Teams with assets under advisement of at least $100 million.
Unlike other lists, this focuses on individual firms, or what may, in a wirehouse environment, be referred to as a team or office, and the assets under advisement related to their defined contribution (DC) practice, specifically in a single physical location. EverThrive Financial has been featured since the inaugural list was published in 2017.
“Since their inception, NAPA’s various industry lists represent the best of what the retirement plan industry has to offer, setting the bar higher for financial professionals and plan advisors specifically,” said John Sullivan, Chief Content Officer of the American Retirement Association, and Editor-in-Chief of NAPA-Net, the nation’s leading online resource for retirement plan advisors. “The NAPA Top DC Advisor Teams are ranked by self-reported DC assets under advisement and highlight the positive impact they’re making on the nation’s private retirement system.”
"Being recognized by NAPA as a Top DC Advisor Team for eight consecutive years validates our team's dedication to excellence in retirement plan services," said Valerie Leonard, CEO of EverThrive Financial. "This recognition reflects not only our commitment to our clients but also our passion for helping organizations build robust retirement programs that secure better futures for their employees. As the retirement landscape continues to evolve, we remain focused on delivering innovative solutions and unparalleled service to the plan sponsors and participants we serve."
This year’s list featured 431 teams representing 43 states and the District of Columbia. Sullivan added, “As the nation’s voice for retirement plan advisors, we are once again pleased to highlight the contributions and commitment of these teams.”
The list of NAPA’s Top DC Advisor Teams, will be published in the Spring issue of NAPA Net, the Magazine and is available online.
2025 NAPA Top DC Advisor Teams, created by NAPA. The 2025 award was presented in March 2025 based on data as of calendar year-end 2024. All NAPA members with over $100 million in defined contribution assets under advisement that filled out an application made the list. This recognition is based on factors unrelated to the quality of investment advice and is not indicative of the advisor’s future performance. Click here for more information.
Valerie Leonard, Chief Executive Officer of EverThrive Financial Group®, Named Forbes’ Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State for the Third Consecutive Year
Birmingham, Alabama – EverThrive Financial Group®, a financial advisory services firm in Birmingham, Alabama, is proud to announce that its Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Valerie Leonard, AIF®, CPFA™, has been recognized on the 2025 Forbes’ Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State list. This marks the third consecutive year that Valerie has received this honor.
Amid market uncertainty, women are more likely to “weather volatility and maintain a conservative investing approach” to help preserve their clients’ assets for the long term, according to Fidelity’s 2024 Women & Investing Study. The Forbes’ list, published on forbes.com, highlights women advisors who collectively manage approximately $3.6 trillion in client assets.
When asked about the award Valerie said, "I’m honored by this recognition, which reflects the strength of our team. We’re committed to delivering objective financial guidance that empowers businesses and individuals with confidence, clarity, and a proactive strategy for success.”
Valerie has been a dedicated leader in the financial industry and retirement planning community for over two decades, earning national recognitions. Her mission is simple: to empower individuals to maximize their financial potential, cultivate meaningful relationships, and make the most of their time. With a client-focused approach, Valerie provides personalized guidance and support, helping clients confidently pursue their financial goals.
2025-2023 Forbes Top Women Best-in-State Wealth Advisors, created by SHOOK Research. The 2025 award was presented in 02/2025; based on data gathered from 09/2023-09/2024. Not indicative of advisor’s future performance. Your experience may vary. Click here for the most recent award information.
Valerie Leonard Named to the Top Women of Excellence List for 2024 by the National Association of Plan Advisors
Birmingham, Alabama – EverThrive Financial Group®, a financial advisory services firm in Birmingham, Alabama, is excited to announce that the firm’s Chief Executive Officer, Valerie Leonard, has been named to the Top Women of Excellence list for 2024 by the National Association of Plan Advisors.
“Being recognized for bringing excellence to the retirement industry is an incredible honor,” Valerie remarked. “This distinction underscores our firm's commitment to helping clients build secure financial futures, and I am grateful for the dedication of my team who make this work possible every day.”
Created by the National Association of Plan Advisors and divided into three categories – Captains, MVPs, and Rising Stars - the list features women who are “making significant contributions to the retirement industry and bringing excellence to the profession.” The captains category includes women like Valerie who are principles, leaders, owners, and producing advisors who are focused on the growth of the organization.
2024 NAPA Top Women of Excellence, created by NAPA. Presented in October 2024 for the previous year. 800 Advisors were considered, 244 Advisors were recognized. Advisors pay a fee to hold out marketing materials. Not indicative of advisor’s future performance. Your experience may vary. Click here for the most recent award information.
Valerie Leonard Named Best-in-State Wealth Advisor by Forbes for 2024
Birmingham, Alabama – EverThrive Financial Group®, a financial advisory services firm in Birmingham, Alabama, is excited to announce that the firm’s Chief Executive Officer, Valerie Leonard, has been named a Best-in-State Wealth Advisor by Forbes for 2024. This is the fifth time Valerie has been featured on this list.
“Being named a Best-in-State Wealth Advisor in Alabama is more than just a recognition - it's a testament to the relationships we've built with clients,” said Valerie. “From guiding families through life's milestones to helping individuals pursue their dreams, our commitment extends far beyond numbers. For our team, it's about helping every person we work with thrive in every season and area of life."
The list, published on forbes.com, features advisors who collectively oversee $13.5 trillion in client assets. Valeire’s client-first approach has long distinguished her from her peers and earned her numerous recognitions nationwide. In her practice, she focuses on helping her clients achieve their goals with personalized guidance and steadfast support.
2024 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors, created by SHOOK Research. Presented in April 2024 based on data gathered from June 2022 to June 2023. 23,876 were considered, 8,507 advisors were recognized. Not indicative of advisor’s future performance. Your experience may vary. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/uvaujs2t.