Baird Advisors' Alice Ambrowiak Wins Kasten Award

Alice Ambrowiak Wins Kasten Award for Outstanding External Client Service

For her extraordinary service both inside and outside the office, Alice Ambrowiak, Senior Vice President and Investment Analyst with Baird Advisors, was named winner of the firm’s Kasten Award for Outstanding External Client Service. Whether it’s the attention to detail she brings to every client interaction or working to bring lunches to frontline workers during the pandemic, Alice consistently places the needs and interests of others ahead of her own, exemplifying the best of the Baird Way.

“Alice complements her high degree of professionalism with a calm and pleasant demeanor that welcomes new clients on a personal level and sets them at ease, establishing strong, long-lasting bonds,” says Warren Pierson, Managing Director and Deputy Chief Investment Officer with Baird Advisors. “Her positive and bright attitude is infectious and uplifts everyone she interacts with. She makes us better and gives our clients firsthand experience of the Baird Difference.”

Recently, a hospital chose Baird Advisors as the lead manager on their defined benefit pension plan. For nearly two years Alice worked closely with the client to mitigate risk within the portfolio and execution of the mandate and ensured internal and external communication was clearly understood so all transactions were executed as planned.  “Alice’s work ultimately saved our client approximately $20 million – money that could be redirected to patient care,” says Jay Schwister, Managing Director and Senior Portfolio Manager with Baird Advisors.

During the pandemic. Alice was proactive in leading an internal working committee to ensure Baird Advisors’ associates connected with clients beyond the business relationship. For example, she coordinated with several healthcare and emergency medical services clients to donate lunches to their frontline workers. Alice also volunteers and serves on the board of Pathfinders Milwaukee, a nonprofit that seeks to ensure “all youth are safe, healthy, independent and valued.”

Alice is also an active member of the SPECTRUM and ASCEND Associate Resource Groups. Strong participation in the ARGs’ programs across the firm has contributed to Baird’s selection as one of the best places to work for women and for the firm’s recognition for championing LGBTQ equality. 

Alice’s commitment to helping others was a key reason she was selected as an inaugural class participant of Forward 48, the Milwaukee region’s premier leadership development program. Through Forward 48, Alice has the unique opportunity to learn from and engage with the city’s top business and community leaders, spur economic growth and civic impact, and network with mentors and trusted thought leaders in Milwaukee.

 “While 2020 created many challenges, Alice led the way with solutions to meet our investors’ needs while paying special attention to our associates and the broader community,” Mary Ellen Stanek, Chief Investment Officer of Baird Advisors, wrote in recommending Alice for the award. “Alice brings out the best in others. Her generosity of time, talent, leadership and treasure are noted and relished by those who have the privilege to know her and work with her professionally, personally and throughout the community.”