Lincoln Financial Network Advisors Named to WIFS 2015 Circle of Excellence, Featured in WIFS Debut Publication

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Lincoln Financial Network (LFN), the retail wealth management affiliate of Lincoln Financial Group LNC, today announced that fifteen of the firm's top female advisors qualified for the Women in Insurance & Financial Services (WIFS) 2015 Circle of Excellence, an award program which recognizes WIFS members who have achieved significant success in the insurance and financial services industry. Additionally, six of the fifteen LFN advisors were featured in WIFS's debut publication, Financial Services: Women on Top – A WIFS Research Study, released on July 31, 2015.

WIFS, an organization devoted to attracting, developing and advancing the careers of women in the financial services industry, had 152 qualifiers for the 2015 Circle of Excellence.

Qualifying LFN affiliated advisors include: Karen DeRose of Chicago, Ill. (Diamond tier); Betty Harris Custer of Madison, Wis. and Anne M. Machesky of Edina, Minn. (Emerald); Colleen M. Bowler of Dallas, Texas, Cindy Deavel of Vienna, Va., Dawn Michelle Gordon of Las Vegas, Nev., Dianna Parker of Dallas, Texas, Judy L. Smith of San Diego, Calif. and Stacey Spedden-Irrgang of Hunt Valley, Md. (Sapphire); Regina Beatty of Greensburg, Pa., Tara Blair of Fort Worth, Texas, Cecilia Brown of Annapolis, Md., Sarah Cicero of Elliot City, Md., and Melanie L. Shanty of Lutherville, Md. (Ruby); and Barbara Morse of Berwyn, Pa. (Pearl).

Of these qualifiers, Bowler, Custer, DeRose, Machesky, Parker, and Shanty were selected to represent women at the top of their profession in WIFS's debut publication, Financial Services: Women on Top – A WIFS Research Study. WIFS surveyed 800 industry females to answer the question: Why do some women achieve major success in the financial services industry and others do not? The results were compiled, analyzed and serve as the basis for the book, which highlights 23 industry professionals – including the aforementioned LFN advisors. In it, they share insight around what attracted them to the business, how they developed their practices, what they learned along the way and how they have created a life that blends family, community service and a fulfilling career.

"The women advisors at Lincoln Financial Network are one of the most driven and inspirational groups I've ever partnered with," said Nicole Spinelli, director of The WISE Group (Women Inspiring, Supporting, and Educating) at LFN. "They have worked hard to become leaders and influencers in the marketplace and I'm thrilled for their achievements. I know they will continue to inspire the advancement of all women in our industry for years to come."

About Lincoln Financial Network

Lincoln Financial Network is the marketing name for the retail sales and financial planning affiliates of Lincoln Financial Group and includes Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp. and Lincoln Financial Securities Corporation, both members of FINRA and SIPC. Consisting of almost 8,500 representatives, agents, and full-service financial planners throughout the United States, Lincoln Financial Network professionals can offer financial planning and advisory services, retirement services, life products, annuities, investments, and trust services to affluent individuals, business owners, and families.

About WIFS

More than 75 years strong, Women in Insurance & Financial Services, headquartered in Albany, NY, is the only organization exclusively devoted to attracting, developing, and advancing the careers of women in the insurance and financial services industry. Over 1,100 WIFS members receive value from monthly education programs, mentorship, local chapters, annual conference, professional development, and more. For more information about WIFS and upcoming programs, visit www.wifsnational.org or contact Deborah Duffy, Executive Director at 866-264-WIFS (9437).

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