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Ardelle Westman Award
The Ardelle Westman Award celebrates non-sales employees who go above and beyond at CG. Named in honor of Ardelle Westman, it recognizes her 30+ years of dedicated service and steadfast partnership in serving Gene Christensen's clients.
Nominees for "The Ardelle" should bring our 4 C’s (Clients, Co-workers, Carriers, and Community) to life. This is an opportunity to recognize co-workers in addition to our Recognition Program on CG Connect.
Award Details
The Leadership Council will determine the winners based on the exceptional contributions of our employees – this means the number of winners may vary year to year. The selected winners will share the allotted prize money evenly, as well as receive 5 days of extra PTO.
We encourage employee-owners to nominate those who exemplifies the 4 C’s.
For a nomination to get passed to the Leadership Council it must have the following:
1. At least 3 of the 5 fields are filled out (Clients, Carriers, Co-workers, Community, Culture). Any nominations with less than 3 selected will not be considered for the Ardelle Westman Award.
2. Each nomination must include tangible examples of how the person showed up in each C. The more information provided, the better.
Check out these sample submissions!
2025 Ardelle Award Winners
The Leadership Council narrowed the field to 20 anonymous finalists, and from there selected four outstanding individuals as our 2025 Ardelle Award winners. Congratulations to our four winners: Amy Courtright, Sarina Khariwala, Ashton Sabatino, and Matt Warren. Each of them truly exemplifies our 4 C’s. Read on to learn more about each winner, including highlights from their inspiring nominations.
Amy Courtright
Amy is one of the most tenacious and dependable people we know, never stopping until the job is done—and done right. She builds trust that lasts with clients, carriers, and coworkers, and she does it all with grace, grit, and heart. Whether she is solving tough client issues or simply sending a good morning message to a teammate, Amy’s presence lifts everyone up. Her carrier relationships are so strong that they greet her with hugs—and that says everything. She makes us better simply by being herself.
Sarina Khariwala
Sarina was the steady hand and strategic thinker behind our EPIC project, guiding us through one of the most complex system rollouts we have faced. She consistently held the team—and leadership—to a higher standard, often reminding us that “data is key.” Her calm presence, clear communication, and commitment to doing what is right made a lasting impact. From listening deeply to coworkers to raising money for the MS 150 bike ride, Sarina brings thoughtfulness and purpose to everything she does. We are fortunate to have her at CG.
Ashton Sabatino
Ashton is the definition of “make it happen.” She shows up every day with hustle, heart, and a can-do energy that inspires everyone around her. She manages big, complicated accounts with skill and ease, always putting the client and the team first. Ashton is a glue-person—mentoring teammates, leading volunteer efforts, and making every client feel like they are the only one. Her carrier relationships are unmatched, and her professionalism and positivity have become legendary in New Ulm and beyond. Ashton lives the 5 C’s every single day, which is why she is a 2025 Ardelle Award winner.
Matt Warren
Matt is the calm in the storm—the person who makes everyone breathe easier just by being involved. He bridges the gap between clients and carriers, bringing empathy, patience, and clarity to every claim, no matter how complex. Whether helping a teammate or guiding a client through a difficult moment, Matt leads with compassion, professionalism, and heart. He also shows up in the community, such as by taking the Polar Plunge to raise money for special needs. Matt does more than his job—he makes CG better.
Amy Courtright
Sarina Khariwala
Ashton Sabatino
Matt Warren
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Employees will be nominated by their peers and the winners will be selected by the Leadership Council. This is open to all departments* (Agency Services, Commercial Lines, Employee Benefits, Personal Lines, 401k).
*Leadership Council and Sales employees are excluded.
*An employee can be nominated multiple years in a row, but only can win the Ardelle Westman Award once every 5 years.
