Brett Pharr, CEO of Pathward, has been named a Silver Stevie Award winner for Maverick of the Year in the Business Services Industries category, the company announced.

Presented by the American Business Awards, the Maverick of the Year award recognizes executives who have driven significant positive change within their companies or industries since the beginning of 2023. The 2025 awards drew more than 3,600 nominations across a wide range of categories.

Since taking the helm at Pathward in 2021, Pharr has led the bank through a major rebranding and strategic realignment focused on expanding access to financial services. Under his leadership, the company launched new products, restructured business units, and emphasized partnerships aligned with its mission of financial inclusion.

Pharr also guided the organization through shifts in the regulatory environment and championed a hybrid remote work model with strong employee satisfaction, according to the company. Sustainability efforts were also a key part of his agenda.

“I’m honored to be recognized with a Silver Stevie and for the opportunity to lead Pathward through its evolution as a next-generation bank,” Pharr said in a statement. “It’s the work our employees do day in and day out that is making a difference.”

Award winners will be celebrated at a June 10 event in New York City. Full results are available at StevieAwards.com.