At Michigan Planners, few recognitions mean more to us than our annual IMPACTS Awards. These awards are especially meaningful because they come directly from our team, with employees nominating and celebrating the coworkers they believe best bring our core values to life each day.
Looking through this year’s nominations is always a powerful reminder of how fortunate we are to work alongside such an incredible group of people. We are proud not only of our 2026 winners, but of the compassion, initiative, passion, adaptability, teamwork, and commitment to growth demonstrated across our entire organization. Our team is the heart of Michigan Planners, and we feel truly blessed to have people who care so deeply about their work, our clients, and one another.
INDEPENDENT: Tracey Hilliker & Ashley Kenaan
Tracey and Ashley are the kind of teammates who see what needs to be done and make it happen. They can be counted on to take ownership, solve problems, and keep things moving without needing constant direction. Their initiative and follow-through have made a lasting impression on their coworkers and earned them this year’s shared Independent Award.
MOTIVATED BY SELF: Teri Harding
Teri brings a steady sense of purpose to everything she does. She does not wait to be pushed or reminded—she stays focused, follows through, and continues moving forward with determination. Her work ethic and personal drive have made her someone her teammates can consistently count on.
PASSIONATE: Patty Martin
Patty’s care for her work and the people around her is easy to see. She brings heart, enthusiasm, and genuine investment to each interaction, helping others feel supported while keeping the bigger purpose behind our work front and center.
ADAPTABLE: Jennifer Blickham
Jennifer has shown an impressive ability to adjust, learn, and remain dependable through change. She approaches new challenges with an open mind and a willingness to find solutions, making her a calming and capable presence even when the path forward shifts.
COMPASSIONATE: Gina Locklear
Gina leads with kindness and consideration. She takes the time to listen, understand, and support others in a way that makes people feel valued. Her thoughtful approach strengthens relationships across our team and reflects the care we want to bring to every client experience.
TEAM PLAYER: Kyle Ellis
Kyle is always willing to jump in, share his knowledge, and help wherever he can. He understands that success is rarely an individual effort and consistently contributes in ways that make the entire team stronger. His reliability and collaborative spirit have not gone unnoticed.
STRIVES TO IMPROVE: Zoe Zwiesle & Zac Tokie
Zoe and Zac share a genuine commitment to becoming better at what they do. Both are willing to ask questions, accept feedback, and challenge themselves to keep learning. Their progress reflects curiosity, humility, and the belief that there is always another opportunity to grow.
These awards are not simply about recognition. They are a reflection of the everyday actions that shape Michigan Planners into the company it is today. When teammates celebrate one another for living out our values, it reinforces a culture built on trust, accountability, and growth.
Congratulations to all of our 2026 IMPACTS Award winners and nominees. Your impact reaches far beyond a single moment of recognition and continues to shape the future of our team.