March 9, 2026

We are pleased to announce the recipients of CBV Institute’s 2026 Awards & Honours. Please join us in congratulating the following individuals and celebrating excellence in the business valuation profession!

HALL OF Honours

FCBV

The CBV Fellow designation, known as FCBV, was created to recognize CBVs who have brought distinction to the business valuation profession and achieved recognition, both professionally and in their communities. It is the highest designation the Institute confers.

In 2026, CBV Institute welcomed two more Fellows. We are pleased to announce that Catherine Tremblay and Melanie Russell have been admitted by CBV Institute’s Board of Directors to receive FCBV honours. Congratulations, Catherine & Melanie!

Catherine Tremblay
CPA, ASA, CFF, ASA, FCBV
Partner, Leader for Valuations
MNP

I am deeply honoured to receive the Fellow designation from CBV Institute, a recognition that is especially meaningful given the role the CBV designation has played in my professional journey. The profession’s emphasis on sound judgment, ethical standards, and critical thinking has allowed me to work on a wide range of intellectually engaging assignments supporting business owners, the financial community, and the courts.

I have also greatly valued the opportunity to mentor younger professionals and contribute to the Institute through Board and committee service. I encourage new CBVs to become involved and serve as ambassadors for the designation within the business community and through university outreach.

Finally, I am grateful for the support of my family, my firm, and the mentors, colleagues, and peers who have been part of this rewarding journey.

Melanie Russell
FCPA, FCA, CIM, CFE, ABV, FDRPV, FCBV
President & Senior Managing Director
Kalex Inc.

Being awarded the Fellow of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Business Valuators (FCBV) designation in 2026 is a deeply meaningful milestone in my professional journey. Since receiving my CBV designation in 1997, I have seen business valuation evolve from a developing specialty into a central component of decision-making across Canada’s legal, financial reporting, securities, tax, estate, and corporate finance communities, with growing expectations for rigor, independence, and defensibility.

Throughout this evolution, I have remained committed to strengthening a profession that has given me so much. Valuation practitioners do their best work when they gain practical experience, pursue continuous professional development, and build strong professional networks. As the field grows in complexity and visibility, practitioners must bring not only analytical expertise but also sound judgment and strong ethical standards.

Mentorship has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. Supporting emerging CBVs and seeing the next generation step into leadership roles reflects the continued growth of the profession. I am grateful to the many mentors, colleagues, and the CBV Institute community who have supported me along the way, and I remain proud to contribute to the profession’s future.

CBV Institute AWards of Excellence

Top CBV Under 40 Award, in Memory of David Cornfield, CA, CBV

Each year, CBV Awards of Excellence recognize exceptional CBVs who have gone above and beyond, both professionally and in their communities. The Top CBV Under 40 Awards were created in memory of David Cornfield CA, CBV. This award recognizes outstanding service and success in a broad diversity of interests, while bringing distinction to the CBV profession.

It is our pleasure to announce that Rick Davies is the recipient of the 2026 Top CBV Under 40 Award. Congratulations, Rick!

Rick Davies
CPA, CA, CFE, CFF, CBV
Principal
Valuation and Litigation Support Services (VLSS)

I’m honoured to be named the recipient of this year’s Top CBV Under 40 Award in memory of David Cornfield, CA, CBV. It’s a privilege to be recognized by peers in a profession I deeply respect.

This recognition is truly meaningful, not only because of what it represents professionally, but because it reflects the tremendous support, mentorship, and trust I’ve been fortunate to have received throughout my career.

A heartfelt thank you to my current and past mentors for the guidance and advice they have provided me over the years. Their confidence in me made this possible, and I’m sincerely grateful.

I’m excited to continue contributing to the valuation profession and to the CBV community that has shaped so much of my development.

CBV Institute Ambassador of the year

The CBV profession is a collaborative community of dedicated Members and Students, many of whom take an active role in assisting CBV Institute’s efforts to achieve professional excellence. The Ambassador of the Year Award pays tribute to an exceptional volunteer for distinguished service in advancing the Institute’s programs, services and goals.

The Institute is pleased to announce that Howard Johnson is the 2026 Ambassador of the Year. Congratulations, Howard!

Howard Johnson
DBA, FCPA, FCA, FCMA, CPA, CFA, ASA, CF, C.Dir, FCBV
Managing Director & Head of Canadian M&A
KROLL

It is a tremendous honour to be recognized by the CBV Institute. In a world of heightened volatility, I foresee growing demand for the expertise that CBV’s have to offer, ranging from comprehensive valuation analysis to trusted business succession advice. I look forward to working with the CBV Institute’s staff, Board of Directors, and members as we continue building the CBV brand.

Awards for Academic Excellence

SCHOLASTIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

The Scholastic Achievement Award, in honour of Ronald Scott, CBV, celebrates the individual who achieved the highest average score on all required courses in the CBV Program of Studies.

Congratulations go out to Tyler Ham, this year’s recipient of the Scholastic Achievement Award for excellence in the 2025 CBV Program of Studies.

 

Tyler Ham
CPA, CBV, MPAcc
Manager, Corporate Development & Financial Planning
Bison Transport

It’s an honour to receive the Scholastic Achievement Award. The CBV Program of Studies proved to be a truly rewarding experience, providing valuable skills and knowledge that I apply daily in my work. This recognition is indicative of the growth opportunities provided to me, alongside the support from outstanding colleagues. I would like to formally acknowledge my family, as well as my mentors at Bison Transport, for their invaluable guidance and support throughout the program. Congratulations to all candidates who completed the program this year and to the recipients of the other awards and honours.

2026 AWARDS & HONOURS CEREMONY

As in previous years, we will be hosting our annual Awards & Honours ceremony virtually in May. Details to follow shortly. We hope you can join us!

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