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Alumni Awards

The Cal Lutheran Alumni Board of Directors Awards Program recognizes the outstanding achievements of California Lutheran University alumni. Nominations for awards in the five categories listed below are welcomed from all members and friends of the Cal Lutheran community.

We look forward to receiving your nominations and recognizing the outstanding achievements of your fellow alumni.

Timothy D. Pinkney, C.F.P.

Career Achievement

Tim Pinkney discovered the satisfaction and joy of doing many things well while a student at CLU.  That awareness motivated him to become a business owner, Navy flight officer, sculptor, mountain climber and recognized community leader.

Commissioned in the U.S. Navy four months after graduating from CLU in 1970, Tim earned his Naval Flight Officer wings the following year.  Subsequently, he was assigned to the legendary aircraft carrier USS Enterprise and flew combat missions over Vietnam.

After leaving active duty, he joined the Seattle Chamber of Commerce staff as Membership Manager, where he received consecutive “Best Retention” awards among the 25 largest U.S. chambers.  He also continued in the Naval Reserves, and his motivation to do well in his civilian job was matched in his military assignments.

As a Naval Reservist, Tim was selected as the West Coast “Junior Officer of the Year” in 1983 and the following year was the Navy’s national runner-up for the distinguished honor.  In 1987 he served as maintenance officer for an EA-6B “Prowler” jet squadron, and his unit was selected as the “Best Maintenance Department” in the U.S. Naval Reserves.

Along with his military accomplishments, Tim developed his civilian career earning his Certified Financial Planner designation in 1985.  In 1988 he was named President of the Seattle Chapter of the International Association for Financial Planning (IAFP) and later served as chairman of the 5,000-member IAFP Western Region.

In 1989, as Commanding Officer for VAQ-309, he led the 275-member, four aircraft squadron during NATO exercises in Italy and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for his “innovative leadership and exceptional management acumen.”

Tim moved to Sacramento in 1992 where he has served as Chairman of the Board, Golden Empire Council, Boy Scouts of America; and as President and board member of the Rotary Club of Sacramento Foundation.

The groundwork for his far-ranging career of service and professional excellence, Tim says, was laid during his four years at CLU.  Currently, he is a Principal in the Savant Group, an independent investment advisory firm managing $100 million for high net worth clients and foundations.

Tim married his high school sweetheart, Nancy, in 1971.  They have one daughter and a granddaughter.

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