In this episode of the BISA Portfolio Podcast series “DE&I Voices,” guest host Logan Hickman of Nationwide interviews 2024 Rising Stars awardees Madi Vandegrift of Truist Wealth and Juan Muñoz of Nationwide. They share their experience and inspiration as awardees and members of the Rising Stars program. Listen to the full episode, and then nominate yourself or someone else for the 2025 Rising Stars cohort! Nominations are now open and close Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. About Logan Hickman Logan Hickman, ChFC®, CLU®, serves as director of advisory annuity distribution for Nationwide. In his role, he leads a team of high-performing sales professionals who are responsible for growing advisory annuity sales within the broker-dealer channel. Hickman is also responsible for helping design and implement long-term sales strategies that align with Nationwide's mission of protecting people, businesses and futures with extraordinary care. Perhaps most importantly, though, Hickman is a fervent champion of diversity, equity and inclusion. Aside from the daily duties of his role, he serves as the President of Nationwide's Pride Employee Resource Group’s Scottsdale Chapter. He also serves on BISA's DE&I Committee and is a 2023 BISA Rising Star. Hickman and his husband, Ben, live in Scottsdale, AZ with their cream-colored miniature dachshund, Whitney. Outside of work, they enjoy hiking (when it’s not too hot), long weekend trips and exploring the Phoenix food scene with friends. About Madi Vandegrift Madison (Madi) Vandegrift is an officer and wealth business analyst II for Truist Wealth and Truist Investment Services. Madi joined Truist in 2021 and successfully completed the Truist Leadership Development Program (LDP) before joining Truist Wealth in 2022. Through the LDP program, she worked with the Truist Foundation, Private Wealth and Fiduciary Audit, Technology Risk Management and Wealth Brokerage teams, expanding her leadership experience and knowledge of different parts of the enterprise. Vandegrift currently assists with sales enablement efforts on the Wealth Brokerage Sales Execution team, focusing on recruiting and retention, business strategy and execution for managers and advisors, development and DEI initiatives, and strengthening partnerships across business lines. She strives to connect her community and advocate for the next generation of financial professionals. About Juan Muñoz Juan Muñoz is a consultant, business insights – strategic analysis at Nationwide Financial. In this role, Muñoz’s expertise in advanced analytics empowers sales leadership and their teams to make informed decisions, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in their sales processes. His leadership on multiple projects has directly contributed to increased sales, improved efficiency and faster time-to-market for business partners. Born in Bogotá, Colombia, Muñoz moved to the United States at the age of 15. Since then, Muñoz has achieved remarkable milestones, becoming a U.S. citizen and earning an MBA with a focus in data analytics. At Nationwide, Muñoz serves as a co-lead for the National Latino Alliance associate resource group. Here, he and his team create valuable content and support members through events and resources focused on mental health awareness, professional development, networking, cultural awareness, DEI and insights into underserved markets. BISA is the leading financial services industry association dedicated to serving those responsible for the marketing, sales and distribution of securities, insurance and other financial products and advisory services through the bank channel. Visit the Portfolio content hub Become a BISA member
