MFH Board Chair David Byers Receives Preston Hotchkis Distinguished Achievement Award

April 21, 2025
David F. Byers, Chair, MFH Board of Directors

MFH Board Chair David Byers Receives Preston Hotchkis Distinguished Achievement Award

David Byers, M Financial’s Board Chair and Principal of Member Firm Capital Strategies Group, has been named the 2024 recipient of Pacific Life’s prestigious Preston Hotchkis Distinguished Achievement Award. This annual award recognizes dedication to the community, sales production, client service, and overall achievement. 

Byers has been a transformative leader in the industry, merging his expertise in life insurance and tax law with innovative estate planning solutions. His commitment to advocacy and philanthropy has made a lasting impact on M Financial, the industry, and his community.

In addition to the commemorative award, Pacific Life will honor David’s achievements with a $5,000 grant to his chosen charity, United Way of Central Alabama.

“I’m very honored to receive the Preston Hotchkis Distinguished Achievement Award. This recognition would not have been possible without the collaboration of my many wonderful colleagues — at Capital Strategies and Pacific Life, within the M Community, and across our industry,” Byers said. “I’m pleased to direct this generous grant to United Way of Central Alabama, whose work consistently fosters a strong sense of community throughout Birmingham.”

Previous M community members receiving the award include:

  • 1992: Gus Comiskey Jr., Comiskey Kaufman
  • 1994: Peter Mullin, Mullin Consulting
  • 1995: Peter Mullin, Mullin Consulting
  • 1997: Leon Mezrah, Mezrah Financial
  • 1999: Multiple recipients, MCG-Northwest
  • Gary Hirschkron
  • Wayne Schuh
  • Stephen Shepard
  • Bob Spitzer
  • 2000: Lawton (Mac) Nease III, Nease Lagana Eden & Culley
  • 2002: Charles N. Bracht, Apogee/MCG
  • 2007: Norman A Pappas, Pappas Financial
  • 2009: Julian Movsesian, Capital Management Strategies
  • 2016: Mike Kiley, Chamberlain Group
  • 2017: Michael Lyman, The Lyman Group
  • 2019: Kristi Barens, Mullin Barens Sanford Financial & Insurance
  • 2023: Mike Cohn, Cohn Financial Group

  • About M Financial Group

    With 140+ Member Firms across the United States and in the United Kingdom, M Financial Group is one of the nation’s leading financial services design and distribution companies. Since 1978, M Financial’s network of independent insurance and executive benefit firms has served the needs of high-net-worth individuals, corporate executives, successful entrepreneurs, and Fortune 1000 companies.

    For more information, please contact Walter Thayer, VP, Marketing & Events, at walter.thayer@mfin.com or visit our website at mfin.com

    4428084 exp 4/2027