At The Partners Group (TPG), culture shows up in the way people work. It’s in the teammate who follows through, asks thoughtful questions, brings others in, and helps make the day run a little easier.
That’s why we take time to recognize the people who show up this way every day. While this recognition focuses on our service teams, these behaviors reflect how we work together across the firm and reinforce the culture that defines TPG.
Since 2024, the Core Value Awards have recognized teammates who consistently live out TPG’s values. At our first Service Summit this past May, we celebrated the finalists and winners who bring those values to life across the firm.
For TPG’s leadership, that recognition is closely tied to what sets the firm apart. As CEO Brad Nantz puts it, “Our commitment to recognizing these values is a key part of how we remain independent and continue to set ourselves apart as an employer of choice.”
That perspective comes to life in the day-to-day across the organization. Sarah Friend, President, sees it reflected in the way teams show up for each other: “Our Core Values are the standard for how we work and how we treat one another. These awards give us a chance to slow down and recognize the ways people really show up for each other every day. When you read through the nominations, you see just how much thought and care people bring to their work and their teams. It’s a great reminder that our values aren’t just words on a wall; they’re lived out in meaningful ways across TPG.”
The nominations help paint that picture. Across teams and offices, people recognized colleagues for working well together, learning, keeping promises, supporting others, and bringing joy and balance to their work. The comments were thoughtful, specific, and full of gratitude.
That’s why we take time to recognize the people who show up this way every day. While this recognition focuses on our service teams, these behaviors reflect how we work together across the firm.
Join us in celebrating this year’s Core Value Award finalists and winners.
Play Well with Others
Play Well with Others honors people who build strong relationships, welcome different views, and work together to achieve more.
Winner: Caitlyn Brentin, People Operations
“Her thoughtful approach to collaboration strengthens relationships across teams and ensures people feel valued and supported.”
Finalists:
Joey Artificio, IT
“Joey is so great to collaborate with. He’s always ready to help and stays positive, even when he has a million things to do.”
Taylor Judy, Employee Benefits
“Taylor is quick to offer support, share his knowledge, and step up when others need help, even when not asked.”
Carrie Maerz, Wealth Management
“Carrie creates an environment where it feels safe to share ideas and brings out the best in others.”
Patrick McNamara, Commercial
“Patrick creates an environment where people feel comfortable speaking up and contributing.”
Be Curious
Be Curious recognizes those who love to learn, ask good questions, and listen with real interest. These teammates help us grow by looking deeper, learning more, and bringing others with them.
Winner: Morgan Correa, Total Absence Management
“Morgan exemplifies what it means to be curious by learning, exploring, and helping others grow along the way.”
Finalists:
Dylan Davis, Commercial
“Dylan asks thoughtful questions and is always looking for ways to better understand how things work.”
Ben Earnest, IT
“Ben takes the time to understand situations fully and genuinely wants to help others succeed.”
Jake Melara, Marketing
“Jake questions how work can be done better and turns that curiosity into real improvements for the team.”
Cathy Wu, Wealth Management
“Cathy doesn’t stop at surface-level answers. She asks questions that push all of us to think deeper.”
Own It
Own It is simple but powerful: do what you say you’ll do. These finalists stood out for being reliable, taking responsibility, showing initiative, and always following through.
Winner: Rachel Byron, Personal Lines
“Rachel is always willing to step in, support others, and go the extra mile to help the team succeed.”
Finalists:
Krissy Hernandez-Richardson, Total Absence Management
“Krissy takes on complex challenges with confidence and ownership, even with limited direction.”
Sara Huynh, Employee Benefits
“Sara handles every request with efficiency, attention to detail, and strong follow-through.”
Alicia Ripley, Group Physician Advisory Services
“Alicia sets the standard for accountability. When she says it will get done, it gets done.”
Emily Roselle, Retirement
“Emily is dependable, proactive, and follows through every time, making everyone’s job easier.”
Be a Champion
Be a Champion honors those who create solutions that help everyone. These teammates think beyond the task and consider the whole team, our clients, and the long-term results.
Winner: Trish Dorning, Operations
“Trish steps in to help wherever needed and makes the lift lighter for everyone around her.”
Finalists:
Theresa Berry, Employer Benefits
“Theresa consistently goes above and beyond for both clients and team members.”
Scott Calhoon, STEER
“Scott’s work helps us operate more efficiently and makes a real difference day to day.”
Aaron Fastenow, IT
“Aaron brings a calm, steady presence and focuses on solutions when things go wrong.”
Crystal Woods, Commercial
“Crystal anticipates needs, takes initiative, and sees every detail through with care.”
Have Fun and Live Well
Have Fun and Live Well celebrates people who balance hard work with joy and help others find that balance too.
Winner: Janet Rodriguez, People Operations
“Janet shows that you can be dedicated to your work while still prioritizing family, wellness, and what matters most.”
Finalists:
Hillary Byler, Personal Lines
“Hillary brings a sense of joy, balance, and connection to the team every day.”
Katie Hassall, PartnerWell
“Katie brings a positive, uplifting energy that makes the workplace more enjoyable for everyone.”
Heidi Stedman, Accounting and Finance
“Heidi models balance while uplifting those around her and bringing a steady, positive presence to her work.”
Megan Trudell, Commercial
“Megan balances hard work with fun and creates an environment where people feel connected.”
*****
Together, these nominations show our values in action: making it easier to work together, putting learning first, keeping our promises, finding solutions that help everyone, and bringing positive energy and care to our work.
Congratulations to every finalist and winner. Thank you for setting a great example and making a difference. Thanks also to everyone who nominated a teammate. Recognizing each other makes our culture stronger.
These awards celebrate individuals and show that our team values and recognizes each other’s contributions. This helps TPG stay a special place to do meaningful work, build connections, and create a culture we can all be proud of.
