Six members of Bellarmine University’s alumni community have been named to Louisville Business First’s 2025 Best in Finance list, which honors top financial professionals for their outstanding leadership and impact in the Louisville region. 
 
“We are incredibly proud to see so many Bellarmine alumni and leaders recognized in this year’s Best in Finance list,” said Dr. Susan M. Donovan, Bellarmine’s president. “Their success reflects the strength of a Bellarmine education and our commitment to preparing ethical, visionary leaders. We are especially proud of our own CFO, Denise Brown-Cornelius, for this well-deserved honor.” 
 
Bellarmine’s W. Fielding Rubel School of Business provides a rigorous, values-centered education that blends strong technical training with leadership development, ethical decision-making, and real-world experience. With nationally recognized programs in accounting and finance, Bellarmine prepares students to lead with both skill and purpose in an ever-evolving business landscape. The Bellarmine MBA was recognized this week as one of the nation’s top MBA programs.
 
2025 honorees with Bellarmine connections include: 
  • Denise Brown-Cornelius ’92, Vice President for Finance and Facilities, Bellarmine University (full profile)
  • Rick Carrico ’81, Chief Financial Officer, Baptist Health (full profile)
  • Phil Milliner ’96, CFO, Zoeller Co. (full profile)
  • Jonathan Smith ’14, Partner and Private Wealth Advisor, Encore Wealth Management Group -- and member of Bellarmine Alumni Board (full profile)
  • Sam Sorsa ’11 MBA, Vice President, Financial Planning and Analysis, Heaven Hill Brands (full profile)
  • Michael Spurlock ’86, ’06, CFO, St. Vincent de Paul Louisville -- and member of Bellarmine Philanthropic Council (full profile)
To view all 2025 honorees, visit Business First’s Best in Finance Awards page.