Longs Peak 2023 Highlights: Reflecting on a Remarkable Year

As the year draws to a close, we can’t help but marvel at the whirlwind of activities and achievements that have marked 2023 for Longs Peak. Not only have we continued to provide outstanding professional services to our clients, but our team has also celebrated significant personal milestones and accomplished impressive feats. Join us in recapping the memorable moments that shaped our year in this edition of “Around the Peak”.

Celebrations and New Beginnings

Love was in the air at Longs Peak this year with not one, but three major life events. James Blazer and his fiancé Melanie became engaged, Cameron Payseno and Kelsey celebrated their union in a beautiful wedding here in Denver, and anticipation fills the air as Matt Deatherage prepares to welcome his first child likely before the end of the year.  These joyous occasions have not only strengthened our bonds, but have also added an extra layer of happiness to our close-knit Longs Peak family as we #LiveOurBestLife.

In addition, our founder, Sean Gilligan celebrated the 10^th and 20th anniversaries of his two open heart surgeries, inspiring us to remember that the human spirit, much like the heart, is resilient, enduring, and capable of soaring to new heights even in the face of adversity.

Educational Triumphs

Longs Peak takes pride in the continuous growth and development of its team members. In 2023, Mila Gao and Sara Celapino achieved a significant milestone by passing their CFA Level 1 exam. These accomplishments reflect our commitment to excellence and the continuous pursuit of knowledge within our organization.

Internally, our team – under Matt Deatherage’s tutelage –  developed a robust training program for all employees. One of our favorite training sessions this year was spearheaded by our in-house Excel wizard, Henry Jones, who writes formulas while he sleeps and makes everything he touches more efficient.

Global Engagements and Industry Recognition

Our team members Matt, Sean and Cameron showcased their expertise on the international stage, presenting and #SimplfyingTheComplex to five CFA societies across the globe, including Greece, Brazil, and the UK. Domestically, our presence was felt at four conferences, including PMAR North America, the inaugural Women in Performance Measurement (WiPM) Conference, the 27^th Annual GIPS Conference, and the ComplyConnect Conference and Expo. Jocelyn also moderated a virtual WiPM panel discussion on performance measurement outside the US while Matt shared his insights at the PMAR Conference, participating in a panel on Performance Reporting; Beyond GIPS #UsePrudentJudgement.

Jocelyn was honored with the Outstanding Women in Performance & Risk Measurement award by the Journal of Performance Measurement. Additionally, Jocelyn’s inclusion in ColoradoBiz magazine’s list of Top 25 Young Professionals in Colorado underscored our team’s dedication, impact, and ability to #ActWithIntegrity.

In addition, Jocelyn is using her financial expertise to serve on the Board of Directors of a Longmont community bank and giving back to our community by serving on the Board of Education and Treasurer for the St. Vrain Valley School District.

Team Growth

Longs Peak expanded its team this year, welcoming Dhwani Desai as an Associate and McKinley Rich as the Director of Operations. These new additions have brought fresh perspectives and expertise to our dynamic team.

For the first time, we have a fully functional internal operations team with Cally Chenault and McKinley Rich at the helm – supercharging the infrastructure and planning for growth in the years to come.

Kelley Cooney earned a well-deserved promotion to the role of Senior Associate, a testament to her outstanding work. We feel fortunate to have her on our team.

Sara Celapino was made a Manager at the end of 2023, in recognition of her remarkable achievements and contributions to Longs Peak. We consider ourselves lucky to have found Sara and remain confident that she will continue to drive our success in the years to come.

As we celebrate the accomplishments of the past year, we also take a moment to acknowledge Cameron Payseno, who marked an impressive five years of #OperatingWithExcellence at Longs Peak. His dedication and contributions have been integral to our success, and we look forward to many more years of collaboration.

Unity in the Mountains

A top highlight of the year was our office retreat in Granby, CO, where the team came together for three days of team-building activities, including a challenging ropes course, bowling, and baking in the breathtaking scenery of the mountains. This retreat reinforced our sense of #BeOneTeam, laying the foundation for continued success in the years to come.

Industry Accolades and Milestones

Longs Peak’s commitment to excellence was acknowledged by ColoradoBiz Magazine, which names us one of the Top 200 Privately Owned Companies in Colorado.

As we bid farewell to 2023, we carry with us a sense of pride for the accomplishments, growth, and moments of joy that have defined this year. Looking ahead, we remain committed to delivering exceptional service, fostering professional development, and building on the strong foundation that has made Longs Peak a leader in the industry.

Cheers to a 2024 that is filled with even more excitement and triumphs!