PHILADELPHIA–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Lincoln Financial Network (LFN), the retail wealth management affiliate of Lincoln Financial Group (NYSE:LNC), announced today that 11 independent registered representatives from across LFN were recognized by Women in Insurance & Financial Services (WIFS) at its 2017 National Conference. WIFS’ “Circle of Excellence” honor highlights members who have achieved significant success in the insurance and financial services industry. In addition, Karen DeRose was nominated for the organization’s top honor, “Woman of the Year,” for the personal impact she has had throughout her career on her clients, colleagues and the community. All of the advisors who qualified for WIFS honors are members of Lincoln’s WISE (Women Inspiring, Supporting, and Educating) Group, an organization designed to better support the unique needs of female financial advisors and clients.

“The advancement of women in our industry is a shared mission for WIFS and the WISE Group as we empower women advisors to achieve success for their practices and their clients,” said Nicole Spinelli, director of The WISE Group. “We are very proud all of the women recognized by WIFS for their significant individual contributions and their roles in helping shape the next generation of women in financial services.”

The 11 women from LFN recognized as “Circle of Excellence” qualifiers by WIFS this year included two advisors at the Diamond level, one of the highest levels of achievement, Linda Corujo-Ramsey and Karen DeRose. Qualifiers included:

• Linda Corujo-Ramsey, CRPS®, San Juan, PR
• Karen DeRose, CFP®, CRPC®, Chicago, IL
• Betty Harris Custer, CFP®, CRPC®, Madison, WI
• Stacey Spedden-Irrgang, CRPC®, LUTCF, Hunt Valley, MD
• Judy Smith, CFP®, CRPC®, San Diego, CA
• Anne Machesky, Edina, MN
• Regina Beatty, CFP®, CBEC®, CRPC®, Greensburg, PA
• Melanie Shanty, CRPC®, Lutherville, MD
• Dawn Gordon, CRPC®, Las Vegas, NV
• Sarah Cicero, CFP®, Ellicott City, MD
• Harriet Doherty, CLU®, CRPC®, Hunt Valley, MD

As the preeminent professional organization for women in the insurance and financial services industry, WIFS is dedicated to attracting capable women to the insurance and financial services sector, developing their talents and advancing them toward their fullest potential.

Qualification for Circle of Excellence is solely based on personal income with various levels awarded to those of different income amounts. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/2pXhzWh

About Lincoln Financial Group

Lincoln Financial Group provides advice and solutions that help empower people to take charge of their financial lives with confidence and optimism. Today, more than 17 million customers trust our retirement, insurance and wealth protection expertise to help address their lifestyle, savings and income goals, as well as to guard against long-term care expenses. Headquartered in Radnor, Pennsylvania, Lincoln Financial Group is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation (NYSE:LNC) and its affiliates. The company had $241 billion in assets under management as of June 30, 2017. Learn more at: www.LincolnFinancial.com. Find us on Facebook, Twitter,LinkedIn, and Instagram. To sign up for email alerts, please visit our Newsroom at http://newsroom.lfg.com.

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 Corp., both members of FINRA and SIPC. Consisting of approximately 8,900 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. Lincoln Financial Group is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation (LNC) and its affiliates. Find us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.