George Gay, a stalwart in the sustainable investing community, has been named the recipient of the 2025 Joan Bavaria Award, a recognition that underscores his significant contributions to the field over the past 35 years. Gay's work with First Affirmative Financial Network and his founding of the SRI in the Rockies conference, later known as ESG! For Impact, have been instrumental in fostering a community of sustainable investors and advisors across the United States.
The award, presented at the 2025 US SIF FORUM in Washington D.C., celebrates individuals who embody the innovative and collaborative spirit of Joan Bavaria, a visionary in sustainable investing. Maria Lettini, CEO of US SIF, and Matthew Patsky, CEO of Trillium Asset Management, both of whom lead organizations co-founded by Bavaria, were among the judges for this year's award. They highlighted Gay's role in building the sustainable investing community from the ground up, through both his advisory work and his efforts to create spaces for learning and connection among professionals in the field.
Gay's recognition is a testament to the growing importance of sustainable investing, a field that seeks to align financial goals with social and environmental impact. His work, along with that of past award recipients like Joy Anderson and Christiana Figueres, reflects a broader shift in the investment world towards practices that support a more equitable and sustainable future. As the industry continues to evolve, the contributions of pioneers like Gay serve as a foundation for the next generation of sustainable investors.
The Joan Bavaria Award not only honors individual achievement but also highlights the collective effort required to advance sustainable investing. With $5 trillion in assets under management or advisement represented by US SIF members, the field is poised for significant growth, driven by the demand for investment strategies that generate positive social and environmental impacts. Gay's award is a reminder of the progress made and the work that remains to be done in building a resilient and just global economy.
