Jim Rogers is the 2008 recipient of the Donald J. Johnston Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Profession of Financial Planning in Canada (DJJ award). He is the third recipient since its inception in 2006.

The veteran of a 40-year career in financial services, Rogers will be formally presented with the award in a ceremony at the Financial Planners Standards Council’s (FPSC) Board meeting in St. John’s, Newfoundland on June 11. The award comes with a $10,000 contribution to the charitable organization(s) of his choice.

“I’m thrilled that FPSC has chosen to honour me this way. It is a privilege to be acknowledged with such a prestigious award — particularly in light of previous award recipients,” says Rogers, founder and now chairman of Rogers Group Financial, the largest independently-owned financial advisory firm in Canada.

“Jim exemplifies what the DJJ award is all about,” says Cheryl Bauer Hyde, chairwoman of the board of FPSC. “His commitment, service, and contribution to the profession of financial planning over the years have been stellar. He’s made a tremendous difference and has helped advance this profession.”

Industry commentator and former Chairwoman of the Ontario Securities Commission Glorianne Stromberg was one of several industry notables who nominated Rogers. She wrote: “Jim has attained the highest level of skill and competence and business judgment in his financial services business. His work reflects his integrity and his commitment to the ethics that form the foundation of the standards on which the financial planning profession is built.”

Rogers requests the donation associated with the award be equally divided between Sancta Maria House, Vancouver (a shelter for abused women and women from the street) and Project Advance, in care of St. John the Apostle Parish, Vancouver. Project Advance is a Roman Catholic Church initiative which funds diocese-wide projects of the Archdiocese of Vancouver.

This year’s nominees were reviewed by an award committee of six voting members, all independent of FPSC. Says Ann Bowman, vp, communications and corporate relations, “The FPSC Board feels it is important that the award committee is comprised of individuals who bring various perspectives, reflecting the diverse realities of the industry and this developing profession, and who are not currently directly affiliated with FPSC.”