Every year since 2007, Franklin Templeton has recognized employees who make extraordinary contributions to their communities with the Harmon E. Burns Award.
The award is named after long-time employee Harmon Burns, who worked for the company from 1973 to 2006, holding a number of senior-level positions, including vice chairman and member of the Board of Directors. Throughout his tenure with the company, he played a crucial role in shaping the culture of the firm and lived the values that are still held today.
Sunil Kumar Somanagurthy
Winner of 2025 Harmon E. Burns Award
Joining prior winners from across the globe is Sunil Kumar Somanagurthy, Intermediary Oversight Consultant from Hyderabad, India. He has been recognized for his active role as the lead of the Hyderabad volunteer group and for his work with the Society for Cyberabad Security Council (SCSC), educating communities about cyber safety.
Joining Franklin Templeton in 2009 and connecting with Involved, the firm’s employee volunteer program became a turning point for him, transforming intention into structured, sustained impact.
From charity coordination, budgeting and approvals to on-the-ground execution, he has been a connective force behind the firm’s annual month of service, Impact Days events and year-round volunteering in Hyderabad.
In an era of growing digital risk, Sunil has become a trusted voice and an active educator on cyber safety. As a key member of the Cyberabad Police’s Cyber Awareness Team, he has conducted over 70 sessions across schools, colleges and neighborhoods. He has helped citizens recognize and prevent online frauds, scams, bullying and cybercrimes, and his project P.R.O.T.E.C.T. stands out. Leading a cross-functional team of five to 10 volunteers and law enforcement officers, Sunil developed and executed a cybercrime awareness campaign, continuously refining content and delivery based on community feedback.
Sunil’s personal commitment extends to orphanages, government schools and nursing homes. He supports rural outreach through food and grocery drives and coordinates medical aid. He feeds stray dogs and distributes blankets to the homeless during winter.
Alongside Sunil, Franklin Templeton has honored two other employees as finalists for the 2025 Harmon E. Burns Award.
April Goodman
2025 Harmon E. Burns Award Finalists
April Goodman, Portfolio Manager and a breast cancer survivor, April channels her experience into advocacy, partnering with Susan G. Komen and Runway for Recovery to raise awareness and funds for families affected by cancer. Her resilience and openness remind everyone that strength and empathy can coexist powerfully.
Sean Howsie
2025 Harmon E. Burns Award Finalists
Sean Howsie, Associate Director, has been recognized for his volunteer work with several nonprofit organizations focused on uplifting underserved communities and individuals experiencing homelessness.
To recognize the contributions of the winner and finalists, charitable donations have been made to their selected charities.