Staffing & Culture | 09.25.24
From Rising Star to Industry Leader: Merrill Stewart Reflects on Her Professional Journey
by: BISA Staff
In this Q&A, we sit down with Merrill Stewart, program manager at Allegacy Investment Group, to reflect on her journey as a former BISA Rising Star. With over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, Stewart shares her insights as a former participant of the Rising Stars Program and her professional growth since. Now the first Rising Star alum to serve on the BISA Board of Directors, she offers a unique perspective on the program’s impact on career advancement and leadership development.
Can you share your journey to becoming a BISA Rising Star and what that recognition meant to you at the time?
In the early stages of my leadership journey, a boss, friend and mentor introduced me to BISA and the values and mission of the organization. Early in my career, I was intentional and challenged to seek out opportunities that would help me grow and find ways that I could add value to the industry through bringing my personal perspective. One of the ways that I did this was to surround myself with people of high integrity, work ethic and genuine authenticity — which I found in my team, peers and mentors. When I was recognized as Rising Star, it was an incredibly meaningful moment. It was not only validation that I was pursuing a meaningful career, but it was a reminder of the positive impact leaders within our industry could have on the world.
As the first Rising Star alum to join the BISA board, how did that transition shape your perspective on leadership within the industry?
Transitioning from a Rising Star alum to the BISA board has profoundly shaped my perspective on leadership. As a Rising Star, my focus was fostering relationships, contributing towards products and broadening my perspective on relative issues that would shape the industry. The shift has deepened my appreciation of taking a more strategic view and my role and responsibility within a larger ecosystem. I’m deepening my understanding of the importance of aligning vision with risk management and regulatory compliance, while keeping the needs of our clients and communities front and center. The values of collaborative leadership, listening to diverse perspectives, fostering innovation and maintaining a culture of integrity and trust are reinforced as a member of the BISA Board.
It’s humbling and an honor to be part of an organization that shapes the direction of the industry by ensuring we are contributing meaningfully to the financial well-being of our clients and community.
What advice would you give to current and future Rising Stars to make the most of the program's opportunities?
I would encourage current and future Rising Stars to embrace the program’s opportunities with an open mind and a growth mindset. Take the initiative to be involved, challenge yourself and get out of your comfort zone. In doing this, you will be exposed to new ideas and perspectives. Take ownership of building your network and be intentional in building relationships, as this will be the most powerful assets you’ll gain from this experience. Our industry is always evolving — stay adaptable and curious. As you cultivate the skills that help you grow throughout your career, keep in mind that this experience is about helping you make a larger on the communities that you serve. Lead with purpose and elevate others along the way.
Looking back on your career progression, how important do you think it is for organizations to invest in leadership development programs like the Rising Stars initiative?
Programs like the Rising Stars initiative are about more than developing careers, they are about shaping the next generation of leaders who will guide the industry forward with purpose, agility and integrity. Looking back on my career, programs like Rising Stars provided me with the tools, guidance and experience to think strategically and lead with purpose. For me, the structured development, mentorship and exposure to various areas of our business was invaluable. It accelerated my understanding of the complexities of our business and realize how valuable it is to build a network of mentors and peers that I still rely on today. The Rising Star program and the opportunities available through BISA help foster resilience, instill confidence and a mindset of life-long learning.
Merrill Stewart has over twenty years of experience in the financial services industry and is the program manager for the Allegacy Investment Group, available through CUSO Financial Services, L.P. She is responsible for the strategic growth and development of the Financial Planning Program with $1.5B in assets under management. Over the course of her career, she has served in member service, retail lending, and financial center management. This experience led her to her passion of financial planning.
Stewart is active in the community and serves on the Winston-Salem Leadership Roundtable for the local chapter of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s of the Alzheimer’s Association. She is active in professional networking and study groups on a national level.
Stewart was recognized by Bank Insurance Securities Association (BISA) for her leadership abilities, naming her as a BISA Rising Star for demonstrating outstanding promise and commitment in diversity and inclusion in the financial industry. She has been recognized as a Top Director in Mid-Size Credit Union Firms and a Women-Led Firms. Stewart received her bachelor of science degree in business administration with a concentration in finance and financial management from the University of North Carolina Charlotte. She also holds her FINRA Series SIE, 6, 7, 63, and 65; and NC Life, Accident and Health Insurance License.
The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Rising Stars Program is a BISA-sponsored recognition and leadership development program for professionals who have demonstrated commitment to creating an impact in and advancing DE&I in our industry or with in our communities. The program is designed to foster professional growth, leadership, and career advancement for diverse individuals through mentoring, networking events and volunteer opportunities.
This program is targeted for emerging professionals in the industry seeking to expand their network and strengthen their career. Nominations for the 2025 Rising Stars Program are now open through October 9, 2024. Learn more about eligibility requirements or submit a nomination on the BISA website.