Grace Kilpatrick named a finalist for emerging leader and business leader of the year awards from the San Diego Business Chamber

SAN DIEGO—May 22, 2026—Grace B. Torres Kilpatrick, CEPA®, regional director, branch manager, and senior financial advisor at North Star Resource Group, was announced today as a finalist for the San Diego Business Chamber’s annual Leadership Awards, in the Business/Organization Leader of the Year (100+ Employees) and the Emerging Leader of the Year (Under 40) categories.

These awards recognize business leaders who demonstrate achievement in management, workplace excellence, social responsibility and a commitment to San Diego.

“One of the most meaningful parts of leadership to me is developing new advisors into confident, trusted professionals who lead with both competence and character,” said Kilpatrick. “I believe it is essential to teach advisors to serve clients with integrity. My hope is that the best practices, values, and leadership principles I invest in the next generation of advisors will continue to live on long beyond me, much like the enduring influence of the mentor who once invested those same principles in me.”

Kilpatrick joined North Star as the field leader for North Star’s San Diego office in 2022, with over 15 years in financial services and a passion for developing and leading others. She holds a master’s degree in executive coaching and consulting from Concordia University of Irvine. Kilpatrick also played four years of college soccer while completing her bachelor’s degree at Menlo College, Silicon Valley’s Business School.

In her role, Kilpatrick leads the firm’s growing San Diego office, mentoring junior financial advisors at the branch while supporting the firm’s mission to deliver high-quality, personalized financial planning solutions to clients across the nation. She leverages her background in marketing and communications as well as her passion for staying current with financial trends to help her mentees grow their practices and maintain excellent client service.

“Since joining our firm, Grace has demonstrated a commitment to empowering those she mentors to achieve excellence,” stated North Star CEO Ed Deutschlander, CLU®, CLF®. “Her experience in the industry as a third-generation financial advisor gives her unique insights into the needs of tomorrow’s financial planning leaders, and she is poised to continue growing our San Diego office.”

Beyond her professional work, Kilpatrick also believes in giving back to the community. She regularly participates in events like the annual Walk4ALZ (hosted by Alzheimer’s San Diego), which raises funds for Alzheimer’s research and provides care and support for those affected by the condition. Kilpatrick’s participation in this event complements North Star’s broader commitment to eradicating Alzheimer’s Disease, spearheaded by Stop Alzheimer’s Now, an organization founded in 2013 by Senior Vice President Shaun McDuffee, AEP, CLU®, ChFC®, CEPA®, and his wife.

Kilpatrick and the other award finalists will be honored at the San Diego Business Chamber’s Celebration of Business event on June 24, 2026, in San Diego.

To learn more about Kilpatrick, visit www.northstarfinancial.com/advisors/grace-torres-kilpatrick.

About the San Diego Business Chamber
The San Diego Business Chamber is a champion for the entire business community across San Diego County. Their mission is to connect, support and advocate for businesses of all sizes and industries. To learn more about the San Diego Business Chamber, visit www.sdbusinesschamber.com.

About North Star Resource Group
North Star Resource Group is a Minneapolis-based financial services firm that provides both individuals and businesses with the resources to help create, preserve and protect their wealth. North Star has more than 200 full-time advisors and over 218 employees. In a network of 43 offices in over 17 states, they have contributed to the financial security and well-being of over 150,000 individuals and small businesses.* To learn more about North Star Resource Group, visit www.northstarfinancial.com.

*Data as of 12/2025

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If you would like more information about this topic, please call Ian Rich at 612.617.6076 or email him at ian.rich@northstarfinancial.com.