Shaun McDuffee named an honorable mention for the Invest in Others Catalyst Award in recognition of charitable work with Stop Alzheimer’s Now
BOSTON—July 21, 2026—Shaun McDuffee, AEP, CLU®, ChFC®, CEPA®, founder and president of Twin Oak Advisors and Senior Vice President of North Star Resource Group, was announced today as an honorable mention for the Catalyst Award from The Invest in Others Charitable Foundation (“Invest in Others”).
This award recognizes advisors who have been an active stimulus for positive change and who have displayed entrepreneurial vision and leadership to a nonprofit organization for at least three years.
“Receiving this honorable mention status from Invest in Others is a humbling reflection of my dedication to helping others,” stated McDuffee. “Since I started Stop Alzheimer’s Now in 2013, I’ve made it my personal mission to work alongside others to help eradicate Alzheimer’s while supporting individuals and families affected by this condition. This recognition reaffirms our commitment to achieving this purpose, and the grant that Invest in Others has so graciously given us brings us one step closer to doing so.”
McDuffee received this recognition thanks to his longstanding work in advancing research and awareness objectives for Alzheimer’s disease. In 2013, motivated by their personal connection to the condition, he and his wife, Kristin, founded Stop Alzheimer’s Now (SAN), a nonprofit created with the goal of donating 100% of funds raised to those affected by this condition.
To date, SAN has raised over $1 million in funding and will receive a $2,000 grant from Invest in Others thanks to McDuffee’s honorable mention status. This includes funding for important Alzheimer’s research projects at institutions such as Temple University, Baylor College of Medicine, the University of Kansas and Oregon Health & Science University. Additionally, SAN helped establish two endowed chairs for Alzheimer’s research at Temple University in 2018 and 2020, which integrate research, training, clinical activities and educational programs to better study the condition.
McDuffee’s work with SAN ties into the greater overall dedication to philanthropy at North Star. In 2004, the firm further affirmed its commitment to giving back by establishing the Scott Richards North Star Foundation, which promises to donate 10% of the firm’s annual profits to charity. Since then, the Foundation has donated over $7.67 million to numerous causes, such as ataxia, breast cancer, cystic fibrosis and Alzheimer’s.*
“Seeing Shaun receive this honor from Invest In Others is representative of his unwavering devotion to serving others, especially those who are affected by Alzheimer’s,” commented North Star CEO Ed Deutschlander, CLU®, CLF®. “His passion for helping others and raising awareness and funding for this condition is truly remarkable, and his leadership of Stop Alzheimer’s Now is an inspiration for others to follow.”
To learn more about McDuffee, visit www.twinoakadvisors.com/team/shaun-mcduffee.
About the Invest in Others Charitable Foundation
The Invest in Others 501(c)(3) Charitable Foundation aims to amplify, celebrate and inspire the charitable work of the financial services community. Invest in Others is a catalyst to channel philanthropy and volunteerism to where it is needed most. To learn more about the Invest in Others Charitable Foundation, visit www.investinothers.org.
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.
Please note: The charitable entities and/or fundraising opportunities described herein are not endorsed by, or affiliated with Cetera Wealth Services, LLC or its affiliates. Our philanthropic interests are personal to us and are not reviewed, sponsored, or approved by Cetera Wealth Services, LLC.
Nominees must be currently working as registered representatives, registered investment advisors, or financial advisors with a professional designation. Nominees must be active financial advisors, defined by spending at least 75% of their time providing financial consultation with clients. Nominees must have worked in this capacity for at least three years. Volunteer involvement with the nonprofit organization must be current and ongoing for at least three years. Nominations are evaluated based on an advisor’s leadership, dedication, contribution, inspiration and impact on a nonprofit and the community it serves. Three finalists are selected in each of the five categories with one winner being chosen for each award. Award finalists and winners receive generous donations from Invest in Others to their designated charities. Listing in this publication and/or award is not a guarantee of future investment success. This recognition should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor by any client. No compensation was provided directly or indirectly by the recipient for participation or in connection with obtaining or using the third-party rating or award.
Shaun and Ed are registered representatives offering securities through Cetera Wealth Services, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC, a registered investment adviser. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity.
Ian Rich is a non-registered associated person of Cetera Wealth Services, LLC.