The GEO Star Award recognizes the exceptional contributions of dedicated volunteers who selflessly gift their time, expertise, and efforts to support GEO's mission.

As a non-profit organization, GEO is grateful for the tireless efforts of these committed contributors, some of whom have been supporting GEO for more than a decade. By providing members with the resources they need to bring outstanding examples of share participation to their companies, GEO Stars go above and beyond to ensure GEO's success.

GEO proudly honors the winners of this award for their outstanding commitment to building a strong and engaged community of share plan professionals

THE 2023 GEO STAR WINNERS

  • SHAUN CARTOON

    ARNOLD BLOCH LEIBER
    SHAUN CARTOON

    For his outstanding contributions to the Global Equity Organization's newest thought leadership initiative, the Global Share Rankings Survey. This year's award goes to tax lawyer Shaun Cartoon from Arnold Bloch Leibler in Australia.

    Shaun’s dedication and hard work in spearheading the Global Share Plans Ranking Project, the first of its kind, has earned him this accolade. The survey, scheduled for launch at GEO Virtual in June 2023, provides a snapshot in time of the appetite, support, and provision of employee share ownership in countries worldwide.

    Senior equity compensation industry issuers and service providers have provided rankings across a broad range of criteria for their country of expertise, providing a detailed country-level view of employee share ownership. Shaun’s innovative thinking and pioneering efforts have made this possible.

    Shaun’s achievement in the Global Share Rankings Survey is a testament to his unwavering commitment to driving thought leadership and innovation in the equity compensation industry.

  • EILEEN LIU

    ARNOLD BLOCH LEIBLER
    EILEEN LIU

    For her outstanding contributions to the Global Equity Organization's newest thought leadership initiative, the Global Share Rankings Survey. This year's award goes to tax lawyer Eileen Liu from Arnold Bloch Leibler in Australia.

    Eileen's dedication and hard work in spearheading the Global Share Plans Ranking Project, the first of its kind, have earned her this accolade. The survey, scheduled for launch at GEO Virtual in June 2023, provides a snapshot in time of the appetite, support, and provision of employee share ownership in countries worldwide.

    Senior equity compensation industry issuers and service providers have provided rankings across a broad range of criteria for their country of expertise, providing a detailed country-level view of employee share ownership. Eileen's innovative thinking and pioneering efforts have made this possible.

    Eileen's achievement in the Global Share Rankings Survey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to driving thought leadership and innovation in the equity compensation industry.

PREVIOUS GEO STAR WINNERS

  • Michael Evans

    Michael Evans

    Mike Evans has become a very familiar face to attendees and a rock star volunteer at GEO events.

    For the past 17 years Mike has been a strong, behind the scenes, contributor to the organization and successful implementation of GEO conferences and events. His strong work ethic and energy have become an invaluable resource and he has become a key asset to the GEO volunteer team. Especially over the past two years when GEO could not meet in person, Mike proved to be an instrumental volunteer resource, giving of his time when GEO events transitioned into a virtual environment. He continued to be a 'go to' resource, and rock for the GEO team, even during some of the most difficult of times.

    We are very pleased to recognize Mike for always making himself available to GEO - we sincerely appreciate his commitment, passion and dedication to this organization! He is a true GEO Star!

  • Kaitlyn Hallman

    Kaitlyn Hallman

    It is difficult to put a measure on Kaitlyn's contribution to GEO since joining the team in 2021. Kaitlyn's 'can do' attitude has been a breath of fresh air and she has infused energy into each challenge she has undertaken.

    Kaitlyn was new to the share plan industry when joining GEO but has quickly and confidently acclimatized to its needs and intricacies. Not only has she grown GEO's social media following, but she has strategically reviewed its content and expanded the topic range and format. Kaitlyn also independently facilitated GEO's Board Portal system after a very short time after onboarding.

    Thank you Kaitlyn for everything you do for GEO, we are grateful to have you as part of our small but mighty team and you are very deserving of a Star award.

  • Tara Hagen

    Tara Hagen

    Tara has been instrumental in the recent achievements of GEO's NorCal Chapter. Assuming the leadership role in 2020 in the midst of a global pandemic, Tara led their virtual events strategy as the Chapter switched gear from in-person to online events.

    Overcoming numerous obstacles, Tara reinvented the Chapter's COVID protocols and worked hard to maintain relationships with the local community of sponsors. Partnering with the GEO team, Tara led the Chapter Leadership team and sourced funding, speakers and attendees to run a successful multi-day virtual event.

    For Tara's efforts to radically transform the NorCal Chapter, GEO is thrilled to award her a GEO Star.

PREVIOUS AWARD WINNERS

Read our GEO Awards winner booklets for insights and inspiration from industry leaders and organizations who are pushing the boundaries of innovation and achievement.