The Power of People: Celebrating GradGuard’s Award-Winning Team
By: Natalie Hubertus
It’s one thing to claim you’re making a difference in the lives of college students; it’s quite another to have the industry and the community prove it. 2025 was a landmark year for GradGuard, marked by a powerful blend of corporate milestones and individual honors. From securing a spot on the Top 50 Financial Technology Companies list for the fourth consecutive year to being named one of the Top 5 Best Places to Work in Phoenix, the momentum is undeniable. This past year, company-wide and individual recognitions solidified that a company is only as strong as the people driving its mission.
Top 50 Financial Technology Companies
For the fourth year in a row, GradGuard was recognized as one of the Top 50 Financial Technology Companies by The Financial Technology Report. Since its inception, GradGuard’s mission has focused on helping families protect their college investment by reducing financial losses for students and families when unexpected but serious events occur. This recognition reflects the team’s continued commitment to innovation, trust, and protecting the college experience for students, families, and schools nationwide. GradGuard’s innovative technology platform makes it easy to implement embedded insurance programs, enabling students and families to access the most affordable and relevant protections that are vital to reducing financial risks and supporting greater college completion.
Best Places to Work - Phoenix
GradGuard was named one of the Top 5 Best Places to Work in the Phoenix metropolitan area by the Phoenix Business Journal. This recognition places GradGuard among the highest-scoring employers in the region, celebrating organizations that demonstrate exceptional workplace culture, employee engagement, and leadership excellence. GradGuard ranked fifth overall among small companies. This honor follows GradGuard’s nomination and placement in the Top 15 in the 2024 Best Places to Work rankings, underscoring the company’s continuous emphasis on people-first leadership and employee experience.
Wimer Alberto - Inducted into ACUHO-I Foundation of Excellence
Wimer Alberto, GradGuard’s Vice President of Industry Relations, was inducted into ACUHO-I’s Foundation of Excellence for his contributions to the industry. Alberto says the community has felt like a “professional home,” not just because of the work that is done, but because of the people who make it what it is. GradGuard is a proud supporter of the ACUHO-I Foundation and understands how important it is to support the mission and invest in the next generation of housing and residence life professionals.
Heather Richmond - Top 50 Women Leaders in Software Development
Heather Richmond, Senior Vice President for Corporate Development, was recognized as one of the Top 50 Women Leaders in Software Development for 2025 by Women We Admire. Richmond has more than 25 years of experience in EdTech, specializing in innovative software platforms tailored for the business of higher education. Richmond is an advocate for women in leadership, believing that empowered women empower women.
John Fees - 16 Top Leaders 2025
John Fees, GradGuard’s co-founder and CEO, was named one of the “16 Top Leaders 2025” by InBusinessPHX, a list recognizing Valley leaders who are making a real difference. John’s guiding philosophy, “do the right thing,” is not just a tagline. It is the compass that shapes how we treat schools, students, partners, and each other at GradGuard. From small acts of integrity to major company decisions, he believes in radical honesty and doing what is right, even when it is uncomfortable, to build trust and long-term impact. John leads with integrity, heart, and purpose. He is dedicated to expanding GradGuard’s reach, making college more affordable and secure for students, and doubling down on meaningful work that supports communities.
GradGuard fosters a “people-first” culture that starts with our leadership and extends to every student and family GradGuard protects. We’re proving that protecting the college investment begins with great people on a great mission.
