2023
2022
2021
PREVIOUS AWARD WINNERS

The GEO Star Award recognizes the exceptional contributions of dedicated volunteers who selflessly gift their time, expertise, and efforts to support GEO's mission.

As a non-profit organization, GEO is grateful for the tireless efforts of these committed contributors, some of whom have been supporting GEO for more than a decade. By providing members with the resources they need to bring outstanding examples of share participation to their companies, GEO Stars go above and beyond to ensure GEO's success.

GEO proudly honors the winners of this award for their outstanding commitment to building a strong and engaged community of share plan professionals

THE 2024 GEO STAR WINNERS

  • Yael Elbaz-Roiter, FGE

    Total Rewards Senior Consultant, YER TOTAL REWARD SERVICES
    Israel
    woman smiling

    OUTSTANDING CHAPTER COORDINATOR

    Along with Odelia Pollack, Yael is an exemplary leader who deserves the GEO Star Award for her outstanding dedication to building a vibrant and engaged Chapter community in Israel. Despite facing unforeseen challenges, such as the cancellation of their oversubscribed event due to the Gaza conflict, Odelia and Yael demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability.

    Despite the personal impact of the conflict, they swiftly organized smaller gatherings in the region, bringing together up to 250 people - a testament to their unwavering commitment to fostering connections and knowledge sharing within the community.

    Their ability to navigate difficult circumstances and still achieve meaningful outcomes showcases their exceptional leadership and dedication, making them truly deserving of recognition.

  • ODELIA POLLAK

    President, ESOP, PHEONIX
    Israel
    lady with dark hair

    OUTSTANDING CHAPTER COORDINATOR

    Along with Yael Elbaz-Roiter, Odelia is an exemplary leader who deserves the GEO Star Award for her outstanding dedication to building a vibrant and engaged Chapter community in Israel. Despite facing unforeseen challenges, such as the cancellation of their oversubscribed event due to the Gaza conflict, Odelia and Yael demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability.

    Despite the personal impact of the conflict, they swiftly organized smaller gatherings in the region, bringing together up to 250 people - a testament to their unwavering commitment to fostering connections and knowledge sharing within the community.

    Their ability to navigate difficult circumstances and still achieve meaningful outcomes showcases their exceptional leadership and dedication, making them truly deserving of recognition.

  • NADINE FRANCZYK, FGE

    Director, Global Stock Plans and US Payroll, AMYRIS
    United States
    lady smiling

    OUTSTANDING CHAPTER COORDINATOR

    Nadine's exceptional contributions to the successful NorCal chapter event make her truly deserving of a Star Award.

    As a pivotal member of the planning, logistics, and sponsorship coordination efforts, Nadine played an integral role in ensuring the event's seamless execution. Her dedication and expertise were evident in every aspect of the event, from meticulous planning to strategic decision-making as part of the chapter leadership team.

    Nadine's commitment to excellence and tireless efforts not only ensured the event's success but also enhanced the overall experience for attendees. Her valuable contributions exemplify true leadership and dedication to the GEO community, making her a standout candidate for recognition.

  • PAT SIMS, FGE

    Retired
    United Kingdom
    lady with short hair smiling

    Pat, a fellow of global equity, is undeniably deserving of a star award for her invaluable contributions to GEO over the years.

    As she retired this year, the GEO community bids farewell to a cherished member whose presence, expertise, and candid nature have enriched our events.

    Pat's consistent participation as a speaker and esteemed judge for the GEO Awards has been instrumental in advancing discussions on global employee share ownership. Her varied contributions have left an indelible mark on our community, and she will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

  • ANDREW THAIN

    Director
    Germany
    Andrew Thain

    Andrew's presence at our events is both consistent and impactful, embodying the essence of GEO's community spirit. His substantial contributions to the Global Equity Insights Survey, one of our flagship initiatives, have been indispensable to its success, showcasing his expertise and exemplary project management skills.

    Andrew's remarkable collaborative nature, unwavering professionalism, and genuine warmth make him a truly deserving recipient of the GEO Star award.

MORE 2024 AWARD WINNERS

PREVIOUS GEO STAR WINNERS

  • SHAUN CARTOON

    ARNOLD BLOCH LEIBER
    SHAUN CARTOON

    For his outstanding contributions to the Global Equity Organization's newest thought leadership initiative, the Global Share Rankings Survey. This year's award goes to tax lawyer Shaun Cartoon from Arnold Bloch Leibler in Australia.

    Shaun’s dedication and hard work in spearheading the Global Share Plans Ranking Project, the first of its kind, has earned him this accolade. The survey, scheduled for launch at GEO Virtual in June 2023, provides a snapshot in time of the appetite, support, and provision of employee share ownership in countries worldwide.

    Senior equity compensation industry issuers and service providers have provided rankings across a broad range of criteria for their country of expertise, providing a detailed country-level view of employee share ownership. Shaun’s innovative thinking and pioneering efforts have made this possible.

    Shaun’s achievement in the Global Share Rankings Survey is a testament to his unwavering commitment to driving thought leadership and innovation in the equity compensation industry.

  • EILEEN LIU

    ARNOLD BLOCH LEIBLER
    EILEEN LIU

    For her outstanding contributions to the Global Equity Organization's newest thought leadership initiative, the Global Share Rankings Survey. This year's award goes to tax lawyer Eileen Liu from Arnold Bloch Leibler in Australia.

    Eileen's dedication and hard work in spearheading the Global Share Plans Ranking Project, the first of its kind, have earned her this accolade. The survey, scheduled for launch at GEO Virtual in June 2023, provides a snapshot in time of the appetite, support, and provision of employee share ownership in countries worldwide.

    Senior equity compensation industry issuers and service providers have provided rankings across a broad range of criteria for their country of expertise, providing a detailed country-level view of employee share ownership. Eileen's innovative thinking and pioneering efforts have made this possible.

    Eileen's achievement in the Global Share Rankings Survey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to driving thought leadership and innovation in the equity compensation industry.

  • Michael Evans

    Michael Evans

    Mike Evans has become a very familiar face to attendees and a rock star volunteer at GEO events.

    For the past 17 years Mike has been a strong, behind the scenes, contributor to the organization and successful implementation of GEO conferences and events. His strong work ethic and energy have become an invaluable resource and he has become a key asset to the GEO volunteer team. Especially over the past two years when GEO could not meet in person, Mike proved to be an instrumental volunteer resource, giving of his time when GEO events transitioned into a virtual environment. He continued to be a 'go to' resource, and rock for the GEO team, even during some of the most difficult of times.

    We are very pleased to recognize Mike for always making himself available to GEO - we sincerely appreciate his commitment, passion and dedication to this organization! He is a true GEO Star!

  • Kaitlyn Hallman

    Kaitlyn Hallman

    It is difficult to put a measure on Kaitlyn's contribution to GEO since joining the team in 2021. Kaitlyn's 'can do' attitude has been a breath of fresh air and she has infused energy into each challenge she has undertaken.

    Kaitlyn was new to the share plan industry when joining GEO but has quickly and confidently acclimatized to its needs and intricacies. Not only has she grown GEO's social media following, but she has strategically reviewed its content and expanded the topic range and format. Kaitlyn also independently facilitated GEO's Board Portal system after a very short time after onboarding.

    Thank you Kaitlyn for everything you do for GEO, we are grateful to have you as part of our small but mighty team and you are very deserving of a Star award.

  • Tara Hagen

    Tara Hagen

    Tara has been instrumental in the recent achievements of GEO's NorCal Chapter. Assuming the leadership role in 2020 in the midst of a global pandemic, Tara led their virtual events strategy as the Chapter switched gear from in-person to online events.

    Overcoming numerous obstacles, Tara reinvented the Chapter's COVID protocols and worked hard to maintain relationships with the local community of sponsors. Partnering with the GEO team, Tara led the Chapter Leadership team and sourced funding, speakers and attendees to run a successful multi-day virtual event.

    For Tara's efforts to radically transform the NorCal Chapter, GEO is thrilled to award her a GEO Star.

PREVIOUS AWARD WINNERS

Read our GEO Awards winner booklets for insights and inspiration from industry leaders and organizations who are pushing the boundaries of innovation and achievement.

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