Media and Press
2026 Ellis Island Medal of Honor
CHARLES ZHANG & LYNN-CHEN ZHANG 2026 ELLIS ISLAND MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT
Established in 1986, the Ellis Island Medal of Honor is widely recognized as one of the most prestigious national honors in the United States. Past recipients include eight U.S. Presidents, multiple Nobel Prize laureates, and distinguished individuals who have made exceptional contributions across business, public service, culture, and philanthropy.
The Medal honors individuals who have dedicated their lives to upholding America’s core values and who have made a profound and positive impact on society. The honor has been formally recognized by both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, and each year, recipients’ names are entered into the Congressional Record.
In 2026, Mr. Charles Zhang and Mrs. Lynn Chen-Zhang were simultaneously and independently awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, becoming one of the rare instances in the history of the award in which both spouses received this national honor in the same year, each in their individual capacity. This recognition was not based on marital status, but on each individual’s sustained, demonstrable record of public value creation and societal impact, following a rigorous and independent review process unanimously approved by the EIHS Board of Directors.
MLive November 7, 2025
Animal Rescue Project opens new $2.5M facility in Kalamazoo County
The Animal Rescue Project (ARP) has officially opened the doors to its new 11,000-square-foot, $2.5 million facility in Comstock Township. The state-of-the-art building is named The Charles and Lynn Zhang Animal Rescue Center, in honor of the project’s lead benefactors.
“Without Charles and Lynn Zhang as a catalyst to really get things moving, we wouldn’t have been able to pull it off,” said Sarah Torrence, Vice President of ARP’s Board of Directors. “We’re eternally grateful for their philanthropic efforts and for truly connecting with the heart of our organization.”
During the ribbon-cutting and grand opening ceremony on October 30, 2025, the Zhangs generously matched donations, allowing ARP to offer half-off adoptions throughout the day. As a result, 21 dogs and 16 cats found their new homes.
For more information about the capital campaign, ARP’s volunteer program and animals available for adoption, visit animalrescueproject.org.
WKZO October 29, 2025
Grand opening for new Animal Rescue Project facility
NowKalamazoo October 14, 2025
A Farmers Market Gets a Name
EightWest October 1, 2025
Planning for your financial future with Zhang Financial
Second Wave Media June 12, 2025
Cellist Yo-Yo Ma brings a full house to its feet in Miller Auditorium.
Lynn Chen-Zhang and Jessica Mallow Gulley attended a full house at Miller Auditorium’s Zhang Theater in anticipation of Yo-Yo Ma’s performance, marking his second appearance at the venue since 2011. Lynn reflected on her first encounter with Yo-Yo Ma’s music while waiting in line at Starbucks, which sparked a profound admiration for his music. Zhang Financial is honored to be a proud sponsor of this distinguished event, supporting the enrichment of culture and community through the art of music.
Barron's May 2, 2025
Stock Market Bulls Have Gone Into Hiding. Why Our Money Pros Are the Most Bearish in Nearly 30 Years.
Charles Zhang was quoted in an article written by Paul R. La Monica for Barron's Advisor discussing his thoughts on the topic of why "America’s money managers are more bearish today than they have been in nearly 30 years." In the article Charles tells Barron's that, "he likes both developed and emerging market stocks, and favors the iShares MSCI EAFE Value exchange-traded fund and the Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF. “The U.S. dollar is weaker; that and a stronger euro are helping international stocks,”
MLive January 30, 2025
Broadway’s ‘The Lion King’ opens in Kalamazoo with ‘nostalgia’ and ‘culture’
Lynn Chen-Zhang was quoted in an article about the return of the musical "The Lion King" which was last shown at Miller Auditorium in 2018. As Lynn states, "seeing the show on a stage adds another layer that you can’t see watching a film. What we see is on stage, but in the back so much hard work is put in to make it happen."
Broadway World January 14, 2025
Miller Auditorium Announces New Partnership with Zhang Financial
Zhang Financials' partnership with Miller Auditorium was featured in Broadway World’s article highlighting the newly named Zhang Theatre. The theatre, located inside Miller Auditorium, will officially bear the name "Zhang Theatre" in recognition of the generous support provided by Zhang Financial.
eightWest November 20, 2024
Keep your finances safe with Zhang Financial
Lynn Chen-Zhang was recently featured on Wood TV 8's lifestyle show, EightWest, in a segment titled "Keeping Your Finances Safe with Zhang Financial." During her appearance, Lynn emphasized the importance of conducting thorough due diligence by reviewing a firm’s regulatory filings before entrusting them with your life savings.
Decrypt November 17, 2024
Personal Finance Advisors Caught Flat-Footed by Bitcoin Boom
Charles Zhang was interviewed for an article regarding bitcoin and the skepticism surrounding Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. As stated by Charles, "Every client has a different risk level,” he said. “If you’re a risk taker and you add Bitcoin as part of diversification, that’s understandable. But some people are very conservative, and maybe they should just buy gold."
USA Today September 5, 2024
Financial Experts Who Are Redefining Wealth Management
Associated Press June 21, 2024
EY Announces Charles Zhang and Lynn Chen-Zhang of Zhang Financial as an Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2024 Michigan and Northwest Ohio Award Winner
Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) announced that Charles Zhang, Founder and President and Lynn Chen-Zhang, CEO of Zhang Financial, were named an Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2024 Michigan and Northwest Ohio Award winner. Entrepreneur Of The Year is the preeminent competitive awards program for entrepreneurs and leaders of high-growth companies.
As stated by Charles and Lynn during their acceptance speech, "It is such an honor to be selected as an Entrepreneur Of The Year® award winner for the Michigan and Northwest Ohio region. We are very humbled to be standing here accepting this award. We would like to thank our clients who have entrusted us with their financial well-being, some of whom have been with us since we started in 1991. Our incredible team demonstrates, on a daily basis, their commitment to building strong client relationships. Finally, thank you to our community, that we love so much, and to which we will continue to give back."
MLive June 15, 2024
No-Kill Amimal Shelter Plans New $2.1M Facility in Kalamazoo County
Zhang Financial is proud to partner with the Animal Rescue Project to fund their capital campaign for a new larger facility.
"Having outgrown its home on Peekstok Drive, Kalamazoo County’s Animal Rescue Project is preparing to open a new facility later this year. The 11,600-square-foot Charles and Lynn Zhang Animal Rescue Center, at 1616 Construction Drive off Sprinkle Road in Comstock Township, will nearly double the footprint of its existing facility."
News Channel, 3 June 13, 2024
Kalamazoo Animal Shelter Launches $740K Campaign to Expand, Improve Facility
News Channel, 3 June 6, 2024
Zhang Financial Announces Yearly Donation of $30k to Bread of Life Food Bank
PR Newswire, May 1, 2024
EY Announces Charles Zhang and Lynn Chen-Zhang Of Zhang Financial as an Entrepreneur of the Year 2024® Michigan and Northwest Ohio Award Finalist
New Channel 3, March 28, 2024
Tackling Hunger: Local wealth management firm helps fight food insecurity
Lynn and Charles Zhang of Zhang Financial are excited to partner with News Channel 3 on their Tackling Hunger campaign - helping to serve those struggling with food insecurity.
InvestmentNews, November 6, 2023
Investment News - We Decided Not to be Each Other's Bosses
eMoney, September 27, 2023
6 Pieces of Advisor Career Advice from 3 Decades in the Industry
The Do Diligence Podcast January 25, 2023
Family Business Growth with Lynn Chen-Zhang
Wall Street Journal November 28, 2022
A Librarian Just Bought Her First Home. Now She Needs to Start Saving More.
BBB Torch Award for Ethics November 14, 2022
2022 BBB Torch Award for Ethics
Zhang Financial has been named the winner of the 2022 Better Business Bureau's Torch Award for Ethics. The Torch Award for Ethics is the most prestigious honor the BBB can present to exceptional organizations for their dedication to integrity and ethical practices.
Barron's Advisor November 13, 2022
How to Use This Year's Market Tumble to Reduce Your Tax Bill
Charles Zhang was quoted in the Barron's Advisor article about how to reduce your 2022 tax bill: "Investors who properly harness losses could enjoy benefits not just on their 2022 tax returns, but also on future returns, says Charles Zhang, a financial advisor in Portage, Mich."
Grand Rapids Business Journal October 14, 2022
Grand Rapids Business Journal - Grand Rapids 200
Both Charles Zhang and Lynn Chen-Zhang were selected and featured in the Grand Rapids 200 published by the Grand Rapids Business Journal. The Grand Rapids 200 is a comprehensive list of the most powerful executives in more than 20 industries in Grand Rapids. The 200 people profiled on the list are leaders in West Michigan. They make decisions on nearly a daily basis that have an impact on the community as a whole.
MLive October 5, 2022
Guests can fly over Michigan zoo on new $2M zip line and ropes course
BATTLE CREEK, MI -- Three stories overhead, taller than the giraffes, a new attraction aims to draw more young people into Binder Park Zoo and help it be a place for all ages to enjoy. The Charles and Lynn Zhang Skylark Ridge recently opened at the Battle Creek zoo. Charles and Lynn Zhang, who donated $1 million toward the $2 million project, celebrated its opening while touring and trying the new feature. Zhang Financial is the couple’s company, based in Portage, and it has had an office in Battle Creek for several decades, Lynn Chen-Zhang told MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette.
“My heart was beating so fast,” Chen-Zhang told MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette about her first experience at the new zip line. “It’s so fun,” Chen-Zhang said.
Battle Creek Enquirer, September 25, 2022
Binder Park Zoo opens $2 million Skylark Ridge zip line attraction
BATTLE CREEK — Local politicians, business owners, community leaders and their families recently took to the sky at Binder Park Zoo. The zoo, 7400 Division Drive, hosted a private ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday, which also gave attendees an opportunity to be the first to ride the new SkyLark Ridge high ropes course and zip line aerial attraction.
The $2 million project was made possible by lead donors Charles and Lynn Zhang, who launched the fundraising campaign with an historic $1-million gift and naming rights for the 36-foot high structure, along with the smaller Consumers Energy Foundation "Little Larks" structure for guests under 48 inches tall.
MLive, August 23, 2022
Tour around the newest Kalamazoo Humane Society facility
The new Charles and Lynn Zhang Animal Care & Resource Center, located at 2272 River Street in Kalamazoo, held its official ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022. The below article from MLive provides a tour of of the Center and all the many resources the facility has to offer.
MLive June 6, 2022
Take a look inside the new Portage Senior Center
Portage’s new community center for seniors is set to provide area residents with more amenities. The new facility at a different location is more than three times the size of the previous center, providing 32,000 square feet of space for a range of activities. MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette got an up-close look at the newly constructed Charles & Lynn Zhang Portage Community Senior Center last month.
Watch the video to see an inside tour of the new facility.
MLive, May 20, 2022
Gov. Whitmer attends ribbon-cutting ceremony for new Portage community center
The Charles & Lynn Zhang Portage Community Senior Center.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joined hundreds of community members Friday, May 20th, for the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Charles & Lynn Zhang Portage Community Senior Center. "This new senior community center is a testament to what happens when businesses and government work together and put the needs of Michiganders first,” Whitmer said... Some of the senior centers new amenities include a fitness center, commercial kitchen, performance platform, cafe and two indoor pickleball courts. The facility is open to those age 50 and older and you do not have to be a city resident.
Fox 17, May 20, 2022
City of Portage hosts ribbon cutting for new 32,000 square foot senior center
The Charles & Lynn Zhang Portage Community Senior Center.
The city hosted a ribbon cutting to commemorate its new senior center. The 32,000 square foot facility is five times larger than the previous senior center, and those involved said it was much needed due to the elderly population outgrowing their old space... Lynn Chen-Zhang was one of the speakers at the event. She said "We hope this place is going to be for you to enjoy your freedom, and you are going to come here to catch up with your old friends and make some new friends, and you’re going to come to share your life stories and create some new chapters of freedom with splendid adjectives."
NAPFA Advisor Magazine
NAPFA Advisor Magazine
Charles Zhang was featured in the latest edition of the NAPFA Advisor magazine. NAPFA is the leading association of Fee-Only financial advisors in the nation. In the article Charles states:
Barron's October 22, 2021
Barron's - The Big Q
First & 42 September 15, 2021
Ascension Borgess Cancer Center Set to Open at WMU BTR Park 2
Kicking off the celebratory presentations by local community leaders was Lynn Chen-Zhang, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Compliance Officer of Zhang Financial who also serves as chair of the WMU Board of Trustees and president of the WMU Foundation. “A ceremony like today, reminds us of why we choose Kalamazoo to be our home. It takes committed organizations and individuals working together to ensure the continuing success of the community. The expansion of the BTR Park as well as the establishment of this beautiful facility is essential to ensure the health and well-being of the residents of the community,” said Chen-Zhang.
Barron's September 4, 2021
Barron's, The Big Q - Covid-19 Is Still Raging. How Advisors Are Keeping Their Workplaces Safe.
Charles Zhang was interviewed for an article written by Steve Garmhausen for Barron's weekly feature, the Big Q, in which wealth management professionals are asked for their best answers to challenging questions. This week's discussion was on the topic of how advisors are keeping their workplaces safe.
In response, Charles stated, "We do require vaccination, but we haven’t put out a policy; we’ve talked with staff individually. So we’re all vaxxed. Employees wear masks in the common areas. If you have any flu-like or cold-like symptoms, one, you stay at home, and two, you get a Covid test before you can come back. " To read more, click the link below:
Second Wave August 10, 2021
Women leaders of Asian background connect others with their heritage in Kalamazoo
Lynn Chen-Zhang was featured in an article written by Caroline Bissonnette for Second Wave Southwest Michigan. Here is an excerpt from the article:
"Lynn Chen-Zhang is smart, quick, and responds promptly to questions with a businesslike efficiency. She doesn’t have a lot of time to spare in her busy schedule as the COO of Portage’s successful Zhang Financial, but it is clear from speaking with her that when it comes to giving back to her alma mater, Western Michigan University, and the Kalamazoo community in general, she can always find the time. Along with her CEO husband Charles Zhang, the couple prioritize giving back to WMU through both extensive volunteer work and financial contribution. “I always just view myself as any other member of the community,” says Chen-Zhang, and it’s “my firm belief that no matter where you are, you have to be a contributing member of the community,” she says."
News Channel 3 July 13, 2021
Child tax credit eligibility: Who gets IRS payments this week?
Starting July 15, 2021, $3,000 to $3,600 per child will be available to eligible families under the #AmericanRescuePlan, which President Biden signed in March. Lynn Chen-Zhang shares her insight on the child tax credit in this video from News Channel 3:
FOX17 June 8, 2021
Western Michigan University lands largest private donation to a public university ever
MLive June 3, 2021
$12.5M community senior center takes shape in Portage
News Channel 3, May 5, 2021
Experts: It could take a decade before Kalamazoo catches up to affordable housing demand
Charles was quoted in an article written by Callie Rainey for WWMT New Channel 3 regarding affordable housing. Here is an excerpt: "According to Charles Zhang of Zhang Financial, households should spend no more than 30% of gross monthly income on housing. A single person who is living at the federal poverty level in Michigan according to the ALICE data, made $12,490 per year, meaning they should spend $312 or less a month on housing. With that price point, according to Apartments.com, there were zero affordable apartment options that were available for rent. Federal poverty level for a household of four was $25,750, which left $639 a month for housing."
NerdWallet, February 26, 2021
Wealth Advisors: Where the Affluent Go for Advice
Charles Zhang was quoted in an article written by Alana Benson for NerdWallet entitled "Wealth Advisors: Where the Affluent Go for Advice". Below is an excerpt from the article in which Charles responds to the question, what to look for when interviewing wealth advisors:
"If you have a hefty amount of money and you’d like to hire a wealth advisor, there are some important things to consider. Charles Zhang, a CFP and founder and CEO of Zhang Financial in Portage, Michigan, says that an advisor should have at least one of the four following designations: certified financial planner (CFP), chartered financial analyst (CFA), certified public accountant (CPA) or chartered financial consultant (ChFC).
Zhang also emphasizes the benefits of working with a group of advisors who each specialize in a particular area, such as having one member who works in estate planning and another in taxes.
“It’s important that the team has some different expertise,” Zhang says."
GRBJ, Grand Rapids 200, October 2020
The Grand Rapids 200
Charles Zhang was chosen by the Grand Rapids Business Journal as one of the Grand Rapids 200. As stated by Tim Gortsema, Editor, Grand Rapids Business Journal, in his Letter from the Editor entitled "Responsibility Weighs Heavily":
"Grand Rapids 200 represents the cream of the crop when it comes to leadership in West Michigan. These are the people making decisions every day that affect not only them and their business or organization, but the entire business community. You have to earn your place in this publication. It’s not something we put to a vote of the people. These individuals are selected by the Editorial Department based on our news coverage, source networks and general knowledge of the inner workings of West Michigan. These 200 leaders do not shirk responsibility; they welcome it."
Investment News, September 25, 2020
Adviser recognized for 25 years of dedicated support for students.
Invest in Others Charitable Foundation named Lynn Chen-Zhang of Zhang Financial its 2020 Lifetime Achievement award winner.
The winner of the Invest in Others 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award is Lynn Chen-Zhang, COO of Zhang Financial, for inspiring students and donating both her time and money to Western Michigan University Foundation for more than 25 years.
“Lynn Chen-Zhang’s dedication to Western Michigan University is unmatched. She has given back to her alma mater so many different ways, as a leader, fundraiser and on-campus volunteer, to ensure all students have the opportunity to reach their goals and future potential,. Lynn has truly made a lasting impact on this community.,” said Megan McAuley, executive director of the Invest in Others Charitable Foundation.
Invest In Others, September 25, 2020
Invest In Others Lifetime Achievement Award
Small Business Association of Michigan, June 18, 2020
SBAM Political Impact Award Recipient
On Thursday, June 18, 2020, during the Small Business Association of Michigan's (SBAM) Annual Meeting, Zhang Financial was recognized as being a Political Impact Award recipient. The SBAM Annual Meeting is a celebration of Michigan Small Business resiliency and entrepreneurship, featuring a presentation by US Treasury Secretary, Steven T. Mnuchin.
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MLive, May 5, 2020
Feeding the Frontlines will bring Michigan's Best to over 2,000 health care workers.
On Wednesday May 6, in honor of National Nurses Day, MLive is partnering with Michigan businesses from across the state to provide meals to over 2,000 health care workers who have been working the front lines during this difficult time.
”We at Zhang Financial are incredibly thankful for the work of nurses, doctors, and other health care workers during this difficult time," said Charles and Lynn Zhang, owners of Zhang Financial, one of the Frontline sponsors. “We are living through a historical moment filled with, among many other things, a pervasive sense of fear and uncertainty. It is important to support the individuals who are risking a great deal to save lives each and every day. The work of these heroes allows us to feel safe in our community.”
Academically Talented Youth Program (ATYP), April 21, 2020
WMed Health, April 20, 2020
GENEROUS DONATION OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT FROM CHARLES AND LYNN ZHANG KEEPS WMED HEALTH PROVIDERS SAFE WHILE SERVING THE COMMUNITY
A generous donation of about $150,000 worth of personal protective equipment from Charles and Lynn Zhang has allowed the medical school to keep its providers safe while they serve the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“All this started when this virus started hitting the community,” Lynn Zhang said. “We really wanted to do something to help. I read the stories about how our frontline doctors and nurses were fighting it and lack of equipment and that broke my heart because they are risking their lives and we don’t have enough protection to give them. I thought, how can we take care of the patients, of the community?”
Bronson Health Foundation, April 10, 2020
Grand Rapids Business Journal, April 3, 2020
Despite the downturn and fluctuation, Charles Zhang, founder and CEO of Zhang Financial, said this is not the time to panic.
“Please don’t focus on one month’s return or two months’ return,” he said. “People are always confused about this, saying ‘I lost 20% this month and if I continue to do that, in five months I will have nothing.’ That is not logical because, for the next five months, it will not be down every month 20%. We always tell clients, look at one-year returns, two-year returns, three-year returns, don’t look at a one-month return.”
A result from a study commissioned by Towneley Capital Management and conducted by professor H. Nejat Seyhun at the University of Michigan showed that 96% of market gains occurred in 0.9% of trading days from 1963 to 2004.
As a result, Zhang said investors must stay in the market because people will be missing that 0.9% of trading days and the resulting higher returns.
In addition to being aggressive in maintaining extreme patience during this volatile time, he said, investors always must be smart and assess the risk level in the amount they can afford to lose in the short-term.
Grand Rapids Business Journal, March 10, 2020
Rachel Watson of the Grand Rapids Business Journal published an article announcing the opening of Zhang Financial's new Ada, MI office. The article entitled "Financial Firm opens office In Ada Village" can be found online at the below link. Here is an excerpt from the article: "Zhang Financial said the new office will aid its team in meeting an increasing market demand for National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA)-registered financial advisers in West Michigan. We are so thankful for our clients who have supported us in developing this new office, said Charles Zhang, co-founder and CEO of Zhang Financial and asset manager for all of the firm’s clients."
US News and World Report, March 9, 2020
Charles Zhang was recently quoted in an article by Emily Brandon of US News and World Report entitled "7 Tips to Live Well on Social Security Alone". Here is an excerpt from the article:
"Moving to a lower-cost area of the country could help your existing Social Security check to pay more of your bills. If people live in a very expensive place when they retire, they can cash out their house and exchange to a below-national-average price house and have a very comfortable retirement, says Charles Zhang, a certified financial planner for Zhang Financial in Grand Rapids, Michigan."
MLive, March 6, 2020
KVCC and Michigan Women Forward partnered to present messages of empowerment from two local women, Carolyn Williams and Lynn Chen-Zhang. Both presenters were honored as Women of Achievement and are Courage Award winners. The event will have lunch, the presentation and the panel discussion.
Grand Rapids Business Journal, January 8, 2020
Lynn Chen-Zhang was chosen as one of the 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan for 2020. Here is an excerpt from the story:
"From a record 248 applicants, the Grand Rapids Business Journal selected the 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan for 2020. The biennial event celebrates West Michigan women who are making a difference in the community in a variety of ways."
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Zhang Financial
5931 Oakland Drive Portage, MI 49024
List of office locations
Email: clientservice@zhangfinancial.com | Toll-Free: 888-777-0126
Minimum investment requirement: $1,000,000 in Michigan, $2,000,000 outside of Michigan.
Investment Advice offered through Zhang Financial, a Fee-Only Wealth Management Group.
