Baird Awards 2026 Brenton H. Rupple Citizenship Award

PITTSBURGH, May 29, 2026 – Baird has named Kim Tillotson Fleming, Vice Chair of Baird, and Craig Tillotson, Managing Director, Family Wealth Advisor with the Tillotson Chamberland Hook Group in Wexford, Pa., the 2026 recipients of the Brenton H. Rupple Citizenship Award, the firm’s highest community service honor. The annual award recognizes outstanding dedication to community service, leadership and support, and was presented at Baird’s Annual Meeting held at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on May 20. The award includes a donation from Baird Foundation to the charity of their choice.

The award was first presented in 1998 to the late Brenton Rupple, Sr., former Baird President and Chairman of the Board. Rupple devoted countless hours throughout his life to more than 40 civic and charitable organizations and college boards.

Tillotson Fleming and Tillotson joined Baird when the firm they led, Hefren-Tillotson, merged with Baird in 2022. Hefren-Tillotson had a long history of supporting numerous charitable, arts and cultural institutions in the communities in which they live and work, a legacy that has continued at Baird.  

Kim and Craig’s impact is built on a generational habit of service, passed through people, places and time, and it has shaped an enduring family philosophy. They’ve helped strengthen the fabric of their community in Pittsburgh through philanthropy, education, the arts and community leadership. And they’ve done it the best way: with humility, consistency and a deep belief in people.

Steve Booth, Chairman and CEO of Baird

Tillotson Fleming and Tillotson have helped cultivate Pittsburgh’s cultural, educational and philanthropic connections while inspiring others to join them along the way. For decades, the Tillotson and Fleming families have supported dozens of organizations across the region, including the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and Civic Light Opera, as well as the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh and The American Heart Association. Their generosity also reaches organizations such as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Anchorpoint Counseling Ministry and The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.

Baird’s Commitment to the Community

Baird has a long tradition of giving back to the community and the dedication to making a positive contribution is integral to the firm’s culture and The Baird Way. Baird Foundation supports nonprofit organizations through an associate-driven giving model, fostering meaningful local engagement across the communities where Baird associates live and work. In 2025, Baird Foundation and the Paul Purcell “Kids Win!” Annual Baird Education Grant contributed more than $7.9 million to qualified nonprofits, including more than $3.5 million to match our associates’ charitable donations. In Pennsylvania, 10 nonprofit organizations, including eight in Pittsburgh, have received more than $620,000 since 2022 through the “Kids Win!” program. Additionally, through the Baird Gives Back program, associates receive two paid days off each year to volunteer for the charity of their choice. Associates also organize an annual Baird Gives Back event during which associates, family members and friends volunteer in more than 100 Baird locations worldwide.

About Baird

Established in 1919, Baird is an employee-owned, international wealth management, asset management, investment banking/capital markets and private equity firm with more than 5,400 associates serving the needs of individual, corporate, institutional and municipal clients. Baird has more than $560 billion in client assets as of December 31, 2025. Committed to being a great place to work, Baird ranked No. 16 on the 2026 Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For^® list – its 23^rd consecutive year on the list. Baird is the marketing name of Baird Financial Group. Baird’s principal operating subsidiaries are Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated and Baird Trust Company in the United States and Robert W. Baird Group Ltd. in Europe. Robert W. Baird Limited and Baird Capital Partners Europe Limited are authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. For more information, please visit Baird’s website at www.rwbaird.com.

For additional information, contact:

Baird Public Relations
(414) 765-7250
publicrelations@rwbaird.com

Kim Tillotson Fleming
Vice Chair of Baird

Craig Tillotson
Managing Director
Family Wealth Advisor
The Tillotson Chamberland Hook Group