November 2019
Nov. 7 Reg BI Workshop
FSI Office, Conference Center (Lower Lobby), Washington, D.C.
January 2020
Jan. 27 – 29 OneVoice 2020
Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina, San Diego, CA
February 2021
Feb. 1 – 3 OneVoice 2021
Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, Orlando, FL
Watch our video to learn more about FSI Events and the benefits of attending.
FSI Events
1201 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20004
Toll free: 888 373-1840
Email FSI Events
Director, Marketing & Communications
Allison joins FSI with a broad range of experience in the communications field. Prior to joining FSI, Allison worked at the Insured Retirement Institute (IRI) as a Communications & Marketing Specialist. She has also worked as a Weekend Reporter at Lakeshore Public Radio in northwestern Indiana and was the News Director at WVUR-FM from 2008-2010.
Allison graduated with honors from Valparaiso University with a B.A. in Journalism and Political Science.
Dick has 30 years of experience in the financial services and legal fields. He has served since 2006 as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc. (NYSE MKT: LTS), headquartered in Miami, Florida and has been instrumental in guiding that firm’s evolution into a leader in the independent broker dealer and advisory space. Ladenburg engages in independent brokerage and advisory services, investment banking, equity research, institutional sales and trading, asset management services and life insurance brokerage through its principal subsidiaries, Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc., Investacorp, Inc., Triad Advisors, Inc., Securities America, Inc., KMS Financial Services, Inc., Securities Service Network Inc. and Highland Capital Brokerage Inc., which together have approximately 4,000 financial advisors and approximately $125 billion in client assets.
Dick also serves as Executive Vice President of Vector Group Ltd. (NYSE: VGR), a holding company that is engaged through subsidiaries in the real estate, tobacco and investment businesses, and as President and Chief Executive Officer of Castle Brands Inc. (NYSE MKT: ROX), a developer and marketer of premium branded spirits. He is a director of Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc., Castle Brands Inc. and Douglas Elliman Realty, LLC. Dick is a member of the Florida Bar and has served as Chairman of its Securities Law Committee.
Previously, Dick was an investment banker at Salomon Brothers Inc, where he was a Managing Director in the Leveraged Finance Group, and a partner and co-chairman of the Corporate Department at the Steel Hector & Davis law firm.
*Contact for firm/enterprise-level membership support
VP, Corporate Relations
Kevin.Whitehead@financialservices.org
(770) 980-8497
*Contact for financial advisor membership questions and campaign/CoveredAdvisor marketing support
Director, Corporate Relations & Culture
Nicki.Brown@financialservices.org
(202) 601-2500
*Contact for questions about state and federal regulations
VP, Regulatory Affairs & Associate General Counsel
Robin.Traxler@financialservices.org
Manager, Accounting & Customer Relations Systems
Wanda.Blevins@financialservices.org
(202) 350-3958
The best FSI promotion comes from the top and our firm member CEOs are key players in advisor participation.
Ex. One FSI firm member requires their 1100+ advisors to phone the CEO personally if they desired to opt-out of FSI membership.
CEOs can also send targeted communication encouraging participation in your annual financial advisor membership campaigns.
Campaigns that make membership mandatory or employ an opt-out process which require advisors to be proactive have the greatest chance for high participation rates. (See links below for suggested verbiage.)
The more visibility that FSI and our advocacy efforts have in front of your advisors, the better their understanding and the higher their likelihood to join/renew their memberships. Here are a few examples:
FSI has had success leveraging the influence of respected financial advisor members with their peers. Our Financial Advisor Council exists in large part to fill that purpose. Members of this Council are expected to assist with the following types of activities:
Strong CEO Support
The best FSI promotion comes from the top and our firm member CEOs are key players in advisor participation.
Ex. One FSI firm member requires their 1100+ advisors to phone the CEO personally if they desired to opt-out of FSI membership.
CEOs can also send targeted communication encouraging participation in your annual financial advisor membership campaigns
Robust Opt-Out or Mandatory Campaign Processes
Campaigns that make membership mandatory or employ an opt-out process which require advisors to be proactive have the greatest chance for high participation rates. (See links below for suggested verbiage.)
• CEO Memo to Advisors Template
• Example of Renewal Memos Sent Via Email
• Sample Renewal Memo on Internal Site
• Sample Language for Eblasts/Newsletters
• Example of Renewal Invoice Showing FSI Fee
Year-Round Marketing and Communications Support
The more visibility that FSI and our advocacy efforts have in front of your advisors, the better their understanding and the higher their likelihood to join/renew their memberships. Here are a few examples:
• Visibility at annual conferences
o FSI staff may attend/speak at your annual conference(s), subject to availability.
o FSI can provide talking points for your CEO to insert into his/her keynote presentation, a very short promotional video to be played during a general session, and/or handout flyers for distribution to attendees via chair-drop or at your registration desk.
• Promotion of FSI via your rep Intranet site, rep newsletter, etc.
• Adding “Proud FSI Member” logo to internal website and/or other advisor communications with a link to FSI’s website.
• Promoting FSI’s CoveredAdvisor Insurance Benefits program during your firm’s open enrollment period
Leveraging “Center-of-Influence” Advisors to Influence Their Peers
FSI has had success leveraging the influence of respected financial advisor members with their peers. Our Financial Advisor Council exists in large part to fill that purpose. Members of this Council are expected to assist with the following types of activities:
• Delivering short presentations or testimonials of FSI membership benefits to their peers at your conferences and Regional/OSJ meetings.
• Providing quotes or entire articles (perhaps ghostwritten) to be distributed to your advisors.
• Provide FSI with the names and contact info of your most influential advisors. FSI staff will reach out and introduce ourselves and work with them to become FSI ambassadors.
Denise B. Barrows, CPA, CFP® has been an independent financial advisor for over 20 years. In 1988, Denise earned her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM (CFP®) designation. She is the managing partner of The Barrows Sollenberger Group, PC, a Certified Public Accounting firm located in Chambersburg, PA, She is also managing member of Barrows Trostle Advisors, LLC, a financial planning firm with two locations in Chambersburg and Gettysburg, PA. Denise and her team specialize in helping to provide financial peace of mind to individuals, families, and small businesses with customized tax, accounting, and financial planning strategies.
Denise is a licensed financial advisor with 1st Global Capital Corp. located in Dallas, Texas. Denise and her team use a disciplined financial planning process that takes a holistic approach to their clients’ financial lives. Their vision is to help their clients make and keep more of their money.
Denise is a graduate of West Chester University where she majored in Business Administration – Accounting. She is married to Jeff Barrows and they have two sons, Brian and Benjamin.
Giving back to the community has always been a priority for Denise. She has served as a director on the Chambersburg Hospital Board and is currently a council member at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church. She is also a member of the AICPA, PICPA, and FSI (Financial Services Institute) where she currently serves on the FSI Advisor council. She frequently speaks on taxation and financial planning.
Carolyn Clancy is executive vice president, head of the broker-dealer segment for Fidelity Clearing & Custody Solutions® (FCCS), which offers a comprehensive clearing and custody platform, trading capabilities, and business process and operations consulting to broker-dealers, banks, RIAs, family offices, professional asset managers, strategic acquirers and retirement advisors and recordkeepers. She is responsible for ensuring the satisfaction of FCCS’ diverse broker-dealer client base, and helping them meet their business goals.
During her nearly 20-year career at Fidelity, Ms. Clancy spent six years as head of FundsNetwork® and also held various executive roles in Fidelity’s Personal Investing and Workplace Investing businesses.
Ms. Clancy received her bachelor of arts degree in business management from Assumption College in 1982, and her MBA from Babson College in 1989. She holds her FINRA Series 7 and 24 registrations.
Ms. Clancy currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Financial Services Institute. She is also on the Board of Trustees at Assumption College, The Board of Directors of the Big Sister Association of Greater Boston, and actively involved in several philanthropic organizations.
Fidelity Clearing & Custody Solutions® provides clearing, custody, or other brokerage services through National Financial Services LLC or Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC, Members NYSE, SIPC.
Third-party trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of FMR LLC or an affiliated company.
Jim Crowley is the Chief Operating Officer for BNY Mellon | Pershing. Jim ensures that Pershing has the operational controls, reporting procedures, systems and talent in place to support its business. He shares responsibility with the Chief Executive Officer for all Pershing affiliates globally and is a member of Pershing’s Executive Committee.
Prior to his current role, Jim served as the firm’s chief relationship officer, working side-by-side with clients to help them build sustainable and profitable businesses, serve their clients more effectively and deliver an exceptional end-to-end experience.
Jim is a frequent speaker at client and industry events on business trends, strategy and transformation. He is often quoted in the business press for his broad range of industry insights and experience.
During his career at Pershing, Jim has worked in various operating areas, including a stint on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange before leading marketing and business development for the fixed income business. Subsequently, Jim moved into relationship management, taking on increasingly senior roles while building the firm’s relationship management team. Jim began his career in the firm’s Corporate Trainee Program.
Jim earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from Florida State University. He is on the Board of Directors of the Financial Services Institute (FSI) and the Insured Retirement Institute (IRI). Jim has completed the Securities Industry Institute® (SII) program, sponsored by the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA), at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He has served on the SII Board of Trustees since 1988 and is a past chair (2007-2009).
Steve Horn, President, has worked with the Prosperity Financial Group since 2002. Steve assists individuals, business owners and not-for-profits in evaluating their financial planning and investment needs. An active member of his community, he recently proudly served as Treasurer for Children Inc, a regional non-profit focused on improving lives by providing high-quality childcare in underserved communities.
Steve is an Investment Adviser Representative, holds his series 7 and 66 securities registration, and recently became a Certified Wealth Strategist (CWS). While attending the University of Kentucky (BS, Economics, ’96), he was able to learn the game of rugby, eventually becoming co-captain of the squad. Steve also attended the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill’s Kenan-Flagler School of Business, receiving his MBA in 2003.
He resides in Independence, Kentucky with his wife, three daughters and golden-doodle. An active outdoorsman, he and his family can often be found on a hike, fishing or at the beach.
Chris Perry serves as President of Global Sales, Marketing and Client Solutions at Broadridge Financial Solutions (NYSE: BR). With over $4 billion in revenues and part of the S&P 500® Index, Broadridge is a global Fintech leader enabling corporate governance, powering capital markets, and helping wealth and asset management firms grow worldwide. The company provides communications, technology, data and analytics solutions around the world. Broadridge processes more than US $5 trillion in fixed income and equity trades daily, delivers essential communications for more than 5,000 brands to over 75% of North American households and manages shareholder voting in 90 countries. The company employs more than 10,000 associates in 18 countries worldwide.
Chris joined Broadridge in 2014 and as a member of the Executive Committee, he oversees all client and market-facing activities globally and is responsible for delivering the company’s annual sales targets spanning all business units and product lines. During his tenure, he has implemented both strategic and tactical programs aimed at achieving world-class service in customer support, account management, client training, lead generation and marketing. He has also been a driving force behind the transformation of the organization from a portfolio of companies to an enterprise cloud-based services provider. Broadridge has enjoyed five years of consecutive record setting sales under Chris’ leadership.
Over the previous 14 years, Chris has held numerous management and commercial roles at Thomson Reuters (NYSE: TRI), and its predecessor, Thomson Financial. There he served as Global Managing Director of Risk for the Financial and Risk Division, where he was responsible for overseeing Governance, Risk and Compliance, as well as Pricing and Reference services. He was accountable for all aspects of management—including P&L responsibility—for approximately $700 million in annual revenue during an active acquisition and growth phase. Previously, he served as President of Global Sales and Account Management of the Financial and Risk Division overseeing 4,000 professionals worldwide. Earlier in his career, Chris worked in institutional trading and retail brokerage.
Chris served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Jersey for over ten years and currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors for NPower, an organization that provides underprivileged youths and military veterans with the opportunity to build tech skills and achieve their potential. In addition, he is a sponsor of the Women on Wall Street Association, a New York-based business leadership organization that helps accelerate careers of women in financial services and unites business professionals in support of equality, executive leadership and breaking the glass ceiling. Until October 2018, Chris served as Chairman of BritishAmerican Business, a membership organization that enables transatlantic commerce, and continues to serve on their Executive Board.
Chris holds a B.S. in Finance and Economics from Northern Illinois University and an MBA in Marketing from Lewis University.
Director of Membership Engagement and Political Affairs
As Director of Membership Engagement and Political Affairs, Matt focuses on helping to mobilize FSI’s members, both independent financial service firms, and independent financial advisors. Matt previously served as the Director for Mitt Romney’s annual E2 Summit and has a wealth of political campaign and fundraising experience. Most notably, Matt has worked for now Senator Mitt Romney, Former Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, and America Rising PAC.
Matt is a graduate of St. Lawrence University, with a B.A. in Government.
Senior Meetings Manager
Jessica brings a broad range of experience in events and education to FSI. Prior to joining FSI, Jessica worked in various roles at the American College of Preventive Medicine, most recently as the Senior Manager of Meetings and Events, where she oversaw all events including the annual meeting. Before that, Jessica worked for several sports and entertainment entities including the Boston Red Sox, Calgary Stampede and Nashville Predators.
Jessica earned her Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation in 2016. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Communications, with a minor in Business, from Northwestern University.
Mr. Oros is the CEO of HighTower, a national wealth management firm that invests in and supports independent, fee-only advisors to accelerate their growth. Mr. Oros joined HighTower in January 2019 to expand M&A, build out the firm’s advisor-focused infrastructure and scale the company. He has more than 20 years of leadership, strategic and operational experience, with a strong track record of successfully recruiting, retaining, and supporting advisors at firms such as HD Vest, Fidelity and LPL Financial and Charles Schwab.
What is the initiative?
The SEC enforcement division launched the Share Class Selection Disclosure Initiative in 2018. It gave advisory firms four months to voluntarily identify and report fee disclosure and share class recommendations where the SEC may have deemed those disclosures to have failed to adequately disclose certain fees investors pay and recommendations of higher cost share classes when lower cost shares of the same investments were available.
But the SEC announced settlements, so isn’t it completed?
The original announcement for the initiative indicated that the staff expected to recommend stronger sanctions in any future actions against investment advisers that it alleges has engaged in the misconduct but failed to take advantage of the initiative.
According to news reports, some firms that did not self-disclose during the first initiative are already receiving document requests from the SEC. Industry experts are warning that the agency staff are likely emboldened by the recent initiative effort and will expand their scope to other areas that were not identified in the original initiative announcement or since.
What is the SEC regulation in question under the initiative?
In the 1980s, the SEC – by rule – allowed mutual funds to pay for their distribution provided certain criteria were met. Those fees are often referred to as 12b-1 fees, after the rule permitting these payments to intermediaries who sell fund shares. Not all mutual funds impose 12b-1 fees. The SEC enforcement initiative centers on advisers’ failure to adequately disclose conflicts of interest related to recommending mutual fund shares with 12b-1 fees for its clients when clients were eligible to own mutual funds without 12b-1 fees. In the vast majority of the cases the advisers provided robust disclosure, but these disclosures fell short of the SEC’s expectations. Advisers, however, were never alerted to these expectations because the SEC never set forth guidance or adopted regulations announcing these requirements. In fact, the SEC had performed numerous examinations of the investment adviser firms without raising concerns with their disclosures.
Weren’t these advisers overcharging investors? What’s wrong with putting a stop to that?
Companies should disclose any conflict of interest with enough specificity, and in plain and understandable English, to provide clients with the information that is important to their investment decisions. Over the years, the SEC has reviewed the practices in question during inspections and generally did not raise objections, leading the industry to believe that the practices were permissible and the disclosure surrounding them sufficient.
Investor fees are a serious matter that should be reviewed; however, the initiative effectively imposed new regulations on firms who were never notified nor given the chance to comment on these new requirements.
Why would nearly 80 investment advisers settle if they did nothing wrong?
Companies often “choose” to settle under coercive pressure from the SEC staff to either accept the terms being presented or possibly face more expensive – in terms of dollars and reputation – formal proceedings with the agency.
When the Commission votes in favor of settlements predicated on the violations contained in prior settlements – essentially agreeing to hold prior settlements as normative guidance – this circular approach allows the SEC to completely bypass the rulemaking requirements under the APA, including the process of consultation and notice to potential affected entities, and it effectively gives settlements the weight of a new “rule.”
If the SEC has issued guidance on issues wouldn’t it be within its jurisdiction to take actions to ensure it is being followed?
Businesses and individuals rely on certainty and the regulated have a right to participate in the process of making those rules and having sufficient notice to adapt their business practices. The Supreme Court has upheld the principle that due process requires fair notice of agency interpretations in its decisions in Christopher v. SmithKline Beecham Corp. and FCC v. Fox Television Stations, Inc.
Why doesn’t the SEC just change the regulation?
The SEC has had many opportunities to establish clear rules of the road regarding the extent of the disclosure it believed was required when an adviser recommends a mutual fund with a 12b-1 fee. It could have engaged in broad rulemaking or engaged in rulemaking that would have added specific instruction in the Form ADV – the form which serves as the basis of an adviser’s disclosure obligations – setting forth the required disclosure. Either one of these routes would have established clear rules of the road for advisers.
What can be done to end regulation by enforcement through this initiative?
The Commission should review the initiative and the facts. We believe such an examination would justify calling for an end to the initiative.
If the Commission has lingering concerns with the disclosure provided by advisers regarding their receipt of 12b-1 fees or other types of compensation received by advisers, the SEC should either engage in broad rulemaking or through rulemaking to add specific instructions on the Form ADV. In either case, it should halt current enforcement efforts.
Does regulating without rules, or regulation by enforcement, occur at other agencies?
Yes, unfortunately the SEC is not alone in this practice. On April 30, the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs held a hearing examining precisely this issue, focusing on the prudential banking agencies. Also, in January 2018, in a Department of Justice memo, the Associate Attorney General emphasized that “[g]uidance documents cannot create binding requirements that do not already exist by statute or regulation” and “Department litigators may not use noncompliance with guidance documents as a basis for proving violations of applicable law…”
Historically, the SEC has been a principles-based regulator in this area. Isn’t it better to give firms flexibility, rather than impose rules for every situation? Isn’t the industry always arguing against heavy-handed rulemaking anyway?
The SEC has engaged in recent rulemaking in connection with its Form ADV on several occasions. During any of those efforts, it could have set forth the appropriate level of disclosure that should be provided by advisers to their advisory clients. This guidance from the Commission could have been done in a principles-based manner. As SEC Chairman Jay Clayton said himself, guidance:
Agency Staff Regulatory Guidance & the SEC’s Share Class Selection Disclosure Initiative, Federalist Society, 09/13/19
Regulation by Enforcement’ Battle Reaches Full Tilt, Think Advisor, 9/6/19
FSI blasts SEC disclosure cases as ‘regulating without rules, Financial Planning, 9/5/19
FSI: SEC Should Stop ‘Regulating Without Rules, Financial Advisor Magazine, 9/4/19
Former SEC Commissioner Slams Regulator’s Enforcement of 12b-1 Violation, Financial Advisor IQ, 8/21/19
Ex-Commissioner Attacks SEC’s Share-Class Sales Crackdown, Ignites, 8/20/19
Opinion: Yet Another Festering Regulatory Problem Growing in Washington (The Hill op-ed), ICI In the News Brief, 8/19/19
Yet Another Festering Regulatory Problem Growing in Washington, The Hill, 8/16/19
The SEC Should Follow Its Own Rules for Guidance, Wall Street Journal, 8/6/19
It’s Time to End ‘Rulemaking by Enforcement, InvestmentNews, 7/29/19
Reg BI Footnote Justifies Pausing SEC Share Class Disclosure Initiative, ThinkAdvisor, 7/19/19
Critics concerned with pending second wave of SEC share-class crackdown, InvestmentNews, 7/17/19
More SEC Cases Over High Investor Fees Expected, Official Says, Bloomberg Law, 6/25/19
Specificity’ Advised for RIAs in Wake of SEC Self-Reporting Initiative, ThinkAdvisor, 4/19/19
SEC Not Finished with Scrutiny of Self-Reporting Firms, Financial Planning, 3/26/19
Mandated Reporter – Yes; All Persons
Transactional Hold or Delayed Disbursement – No
Reporting Contact Info – Department of Family Services
Telephone Number – 1-307-358-3138
Mandated Reporter – No; but mandatory reporters include any professional in occupations required to be licensed under the Illinois Public Accounting Act; also any person may report suspected financial exploitation to certain state agencies
Transactional Hold or Delayed Disbursement – No
Reporting Contact Info – Department on Aging
Telephone Number – 1-866-800-1409
Accounting Manager
Jeremy joins FSI with a background in scientific research, IT and accounting. Prior to joining FSI, he worked for seven years as a database programmer at the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) followed by working in accounting for a few different for-profit companies. He is also Treasurer of the Board of Directors of Congregation Etz Hayim in Arlington, VA.
Jeremy earned his B.A. in Cognitive Science from Northwestern University in 2001 and his B.S. in Accounting from the University of Maryland University College in 2009. He is licensed as a CPA in the state of Maryland.
Mandated Reporter – No; but any person may report exploitation if reasonable belief of exploitation
Transactional Hold or Delayed Disbursement – No
Reporting Contact Info – Department of Health and Human Services
Telephone Number – 1-800-652-1999
Mandated Reporter – No; but any person, specifically including employees of financial institutions, may report suspected exploitation
Transactional Hold or Delayed Disbursement – No
Reporting Contact Info – Commission on Aging
Telephone Number – 1-877-471-2777
Mandated Reporter – Yes; any agent, IAR, or person serving in supervisory/compliance/legal capacity for a BD or IA
Transactional Hold or Delayed Disbursement – 15 business days
Reporting Contact Info – Adult Protective Services VT Securities Commissioner
Telephone Number – 1-800-564-1612
Mandated Reporter – Yes; any person with reasonable cause to suspect abuse shall report
Transactional Hold or Delayed Disbursement – No
Reporting Contact Info – Cabinet for Health and Family Services
Telephone Number – 1-877-597-2331
Vice President of Meetings, Marketing & Education
Michelle brings more than 20 years of association management experience specializing in events and education to FSI. She has spent her career working for various associations responsible for overall strategy and choreography of various size events. Michelle is credentialed in the meetings industry as Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) and Global Certification in Meeting Management (CMM). She also holds the Business of Meetings Certification (BOM) and is a Certified Association Executive (CAE). Michelle is an active member of ASAE and Meeting Professionals International (MPI).
She is the Past President of the Potomac Chapter of MPI and currently serves on MPI’s International Board of Directors. She continues to stay engaged within our industry and currently holds several leadership roles within industry related organizations. She received her Bachelors of Science with a minor in Business from Ithaca College, NY.
Director of Legislative Affairs & Senior Counsel
Hanna is one of FSI’s Legislative Affairs Counsel, focusing on federal regulation. Prior to joining FSI, Hanna worked on policy issues related to financial services and health care at a leading government affairs law firm. Additionally, she worked for several years as an E-Discovery attorney during the various phases of class action litigation.
Hanna earned her B.A. in English and French from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio and her J.D. from Northern Kentucky University’s Chase College of Law. She is admitted to practice law in Ohio and the District of Columbia.
PAC Chair
As President of Kestra Financial, Mr. Poer is dedicated to helping independent financial advisors fulfill client goals through a unique integration of technology and service. Kestra Financial serves independent financial advisory firms with varying business affiliations, including independent registered investment advisors (RIAs) and hybrid advisors.
Mr. Poer joined Kestra Financial in 2003 and has served as President of Kestra Financial since September 2008. Under his leadership, the business experienced unparalleled growth, increasing annual gross revenue by over $209 million in the past seven years. Through his support of the open architecture platform, Mr. Poer continues to position Kestra Financial as a leader in the independent financial services space. Prior to joining Kestra Financial, he held marketing and product development roles for two asset management companies and served as Director of Advisory Services for two AIG RIAs.
Mr. Poer received his Bachelor of Science from Texas Christian University and completed the Securities Industry Institute at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton Business School. He served on the advisory boards of the Financial Planning Association and the Investment Management Consultants Association, and is a licensed registered representative holding FINRA Series 7, 24, 63 and 65 licenses.
Vice Chair
John came to Commonwealth in 1988, after spending five years as a vice president at Moseley Securities in Boston. Arriving to work in the Product department, he handled mutual funds, partnerships, commodities, variable annuities, qualified plans, and individual issues. Over time, he has helped to engineer the growth of not only the Product department, but also of Commonwealth as a whole. He is relied upon by all parties for his advice and perspective on the direction of the firm.
John opened and now manages Commonwealth’s West Coast office in San Diego. He has been a guest on numerous television shows and nationally syndicated radio programs, and he is regularly called upon for his expertise by the financial industry’s trade publications. John is a graduate of Colby College with a BA in government, and he attended Harvard Business School’s Owner/President Management Program. He also holds FINRA Series 3, 7, 24, 63, and 65 registrations.
President and CEO of Cambridge Investment Research with over 25 years of industry experience, Amy Webber’s commitment to independent rep-advisors is demonstrated in her passion for delivering high level personal service and leading management solutions.
Amy’s personal interest lies with continually refining the independent broker-dealer model to best support the next generation of the financial services industry – including the creation of innovative programs such as the Cambridge Source outsourcing program, Cambridge’s New Century Council group, and the Cambridge Next Step™ internship program. In addition to the next generation, Amy’s profile showcases her passion for supporting women advisors in the financial services industry including the annual Cambridge Women Advisors Forum.
Her executive accomplishments include significant initiatives – such as the current development of WealthPort, Cambridge’s strategic integration of the managed account experience for advisors and their clients; the implementation of an industry-leading social networking pilot program; the introduction of BEST Service Standards and a white-glove Partner Support Center; as well as the ongoing commitment to helping advisors successfully navigate the ever changing regulatory landscape.
Amy’s management expertise includes leadership in compliance, finance, human resources, marketing, operations, service, and technology. In May 2012, she was recognized as a member of the IA25 by Investment Advisor magazine and in 2011, 2010, and 2009 as one of the “Top 50 Women in Wealth Management” by Wealth Manager. Amy holds FINRA Series 79, 24, 6, 62, 63, and 99 licenses.
Immediate Past Chair
Dean Harman, CFP® has been practicing in the financial services industry since 1994. He operates Harman Wealth Management, Inc. LLC. in The Woodlands, Texas. Harman Wealth Management Inc. LLC. specializes in working with clients who are business owners, executives and sports coaches.
In 2006 Dean purchased Estate Resources, a financial planning, RIA and asset management firm in Houston, Texas, which he merged into Harman Wealth Management Inc. LLC. In 2010 he purchased ETF Plan, Inc., and asset management, RIA firm which also merged into Harman Wealth Management Inc. LLC. He serves on the Advisory Board’s of Genworth Financial , Sagepoint Financial, The Financial Services Institute and The College of Business and Behavioral Sciences at Clemson University .
Dean is regularly quoted in the media and has been featured in: The Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, Newsweek, Kiplinger’s, Smart Money, CBS Market Watch, Men’s Health, Yahoo Finance, Google Financial News, Retire Smart, The Players Club, The Journal of Financial Planning, Investment News, Investment Advisor, H-Texas and local media. He also had an appearance in the movie Tin Cup.
He is a graduate of Clemson University where he played football from 1987-1991. Following college he had a brief stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1992 and 1993 before starting his career in financial planning.
Chair of the Board
David Knoch, CIMA serves as President and Chief Operating Officer for 1st Global. After joining the company in 2000, Mr. Knoch was promoted to his current role in 2008, with a focus on continuing the growth of the company’s capabilities for its affiliated CPA firms, as well as for the CPA profession as a whole. In his role, Mr. Knoch has direct oversight for 1st Global’s Wealth Management, Consulting, Investment Management, Research, Marketing, Service, Operations and Technology Services organizations. In his life, Mr. Knoch stands for creating better outcomes and fostering in others the courage to do the same.
Mr. Knoch is a member of Young Presidents Organization (YPO) and currently serves on the board of its North Texas Chapter. He is also a member of the Financial Services Institute (FSI) and served on its Board of Directors in 2009. Mr. Knoch has a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and is a Certified Investment Management Analyst professional.
President & CEO, ProEquities, Inc.
Senior Vice President, Distribution Companies, Protective Life Insurance Company
Chris has over 22 years in the financial services industry where he’s served as a sales, technology, compliance, operations, and distribution leader. Currently, Chris is President and CEO of ProEquities, Inc. and Senior Vice President, Distribution Companies for Protective Life Insurance Company. Prior to joining Protective Life and ProEquities in 2015, he served as the President of Lincoln Financial Securities and Senior Vice President at Lincoln Financial Group. Before his tenure there, Chris was a Senior Vice President at Securities America.
Chris obtained his M.B.A. and M.S. from Creighton University and his B.S. from The University of Alabama at Birmingham where he was a scholarship athlete. He holds his Series 4, 7, 24, 53, 63, and 66 as well as his CRPC designation.
Chris supports multiple charitable organizations including Ronald McDonald House, Heart Gallery of Alabama, and several international charities through a community coalition that partners with ProEquities. He is also a member of the Financial Services Institute (FSI) and served on its Marketing, Growth & Development Council.
Director of Information Technology
Thomas joins FSI with over 16 years of Information Technology and Cyber Security experience. He spent 5 years contracting for government agencies such as DOD, DOT and DOJ. While administering Sharepoint, Alfresco, Vignette, Drupal, WordPress and Joomla platforms, he customized j-query, java and html5 web applications focusing on consistant functionality and security. Thomas has designed and developed security awareness training modules for FAA and DHS using User Interaction technology. He has also designs and devloped mobile apps for Dell and The Smithsonian.
Thomas spent 10 years in the U.S. Marine Corps serving in Desert Storm and is a graduate of San Diego State University with a B.S. in Telecommunications and graduate of the University of Phoenix with a B.S. in Information Technology.
Senior Vice President, Policy & Deputy General Counsel
Robin comes to FSI with over ten years of diverse experience in the financial services industry where she has held legal, compliance and regulatory roles. Most recently, Robin lead a team of regulatory analysts in FINRA’s Office of Fraud Detection and Market Intelligence. Prior to her regulatory experience, Robin worked as the Agency Supervisory Officer for the mid-Atlantic regional office of MML Investors Services where she served as the agency’s Registered Principal. Robin also served as in-house Legal Counsel for the broker-dealer Thrivent Investment Management, where she counseled the firm’s Compliance and Field Force divisions. Robin is a 1998 graduate of Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida where she received a B.A. in Political Science and a 2002 graduate from William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota. She is admitted to District of Columbia bar as well as the state bar of Illinois. Robin has held the Series 7, 24, 53, and 66 licenses and was formerly a Certified Fraud Examiner..
Mandated Reporter – No; but any person who has full or intermittent responsibility for the care or custody of an elder or dependent adult is required to report suspected financial exploitation
Transactional Hold or Delayed Disbursement – No
Reporting Contact Info – Adult Protective Services
Telephone Number – Contact your local office
Mandated Reporter – No; but Financial Services Professionals may report suspected financial exploitation to certain local officials or state adult protective services
Reporting Contact Info – Adult Protective Services
Telephone Number – 1-888-832-3858
Mandated Reporter – Yes; All Persons
Transactional Hold or Delayed Disbursement – No
Reporting Contact Info – Utah Department of Human Services
Telephone Number – 1-800-371-7897
Mandated Reporter – Yes; All Persons including employees of financial institutions
Transactional Hold or Delayed Disbursement – Yes; Financial Institutions who have submitted a report of suspected financial exploitation may place a hold on the suspicious transaction which will expire 10 business days after such hold
Reporting Contact Info – Department of Family and Protective Services
Telephone Number – 1-800-252-5400
Mandated Reporter – Yes; All Persons including Financial Institutions
Transactional Hold or Delayed Disbursement – Yes; Financial Institutions may place a hold on suspicious transactions for 10 business days if the transaction involved the sale or offer to sell a security, or 5 business days for other transactions
Reporting Contact Info – Adult Protective Services
Telephone Number – 1-888-277-8366
Mandated Reporter – No; but any person may report suspected exploitation
Transactional Hold or Delayed Disbursement – No
Reporting Contact Info – Department of Human Services, Long Term Services & Supports Offices
Telephone Number – 605-773-3165
Mandated Reporter – No; Financial Service Professionals not mandated by statute – however, “[a]ny other person who has actual knowledge that a vulnerable adult has been abused, neglected, or exploited shall report the incident…”
Transactional Hold or Delayed Disbursement – No
Reporting Contact Info – Adult Protective Services
Telephone Number – 1-803-898-7318
Mandated Reporter – No; but any person may report to protective services upon reasonable belief that vulnerable adult needs protective services
Transactional Hold or Delayed Disbursement – No
Reporting Contact Info – Department of Aging
Telephone Number – 1-800-490-8505
Mandated Reporter – Yes; IA or a person serving in supervisory/compliance/legal capacity for a BD or IA
Transactional Hold or Delayed Disbursement – Yes; A BD or IA may delay a disbursement up to 15 business days
Reporting Contact Info – Department of Consumer and Business Services and Department of Human Services
Telephone Number – 1-855-503-7233
Mandated Reporter – Yes; any person, including Financial Services Professionals
Transactional Hold or Delayed Disbursement – No
Reporting Contact Info – Adult Protective Services
Telephone Number – 1-800-522-3511
Mandated Reporter – Yes; investment advisers, financial planners, CPAs; employees of banks/credit unions are mandatory reporters – effective 9/29/18
Transactional Hold or Delayed Disbursement – No
Reporting Contact Info – County Department of Job and Family Services
Telephone Number – 1-855-644-6277
Mandated Reporter – Yes; banking institutions required to report disbursement holds to adult protective services
Transaction Hold or Delayed Disbursement – 5 days
Reporting Contact Info – Office of Children and Family Services, Adult Protective Services
Telephone Number – 1-844-697-3505
Mandated Reporter – No; but any person may report suspected exploitation to adult protective services
Transactional Hold or Delayed Disbursement – No
Reporting Contact Info – Adult Protective Services
Telephone Number – 1-800-792-8820
Mandated Reporter – Yes; any person suspecting exploitation
Transactional Hold or Delayed Disbursement – No
Reporting Contact Info – Deparment of Health and Human Services Bureau of Elderly & Adult Services
Telephone Number – 1-603-271-7014
Mandated Reporter – No; but any person may report exploitation if reasonable belief of exploitation
Transactional Hold or Delayed Disbursement – No
Reporting Contact Info – Aging and Disabilty Services Division
Telephone Number – 1-603-271-7014
Mandated Reporter – No; but any person may report suspected exploitation
Transactional Hold or Delayed Disbursement – No
Reporting Contact Info – Adult Protective Services
Telephone Number – 1-800-277-9300
Mandated Reporter – No; but Financial Service Professionals may report suspected financial exploitation to certain state agencies
Transactional Hold or Delayed Disbursement – 10 days
Reporting Contact Info – Department of Health and Senior Services
Telephone Number – 1-800-392-0210
Email Address – info@health.mo.gov
Mandated Reporter – Yes; Financial Services Professionals mandated to report
Transactional Hold or Delayed Disbursement – 15 days
Reporting Contact Info – MS Department of Health and Human Services Division of Aging & Adult Services
Telephone Number – 1-844-437-6282
Mandated Reporter – No; but Financial Services Professionals may report suspected financial exploitation to certain state officials and third-parties
Transactional Hold or Delayed Disbursement – 15 business days
Reporting Contact Info – Department of Human Services
Telephone Number – 1-800-882-6262
Email Address – DHS.AdultProtection@state.mn.us
Mandated Reporter – No; but any person may report to certain state agencies if reasonable belief that elderly person has suffered from abuse
Transactional Hold or Delayed Disbursement – No
Reporting Contact Info – MA Executive Office of Elder Affairs
Telephone Number – 1-800-922-2275
Mandated Reporter – Yes; Broker-Dealer, IA, Agent, IAR, or person who serves in supervisory/compliance/legal capacity for BD or IA
Transactional Hold or Delayed Disbursement – 15 days after the disbursement request
Reporting Contact Info – MD Securities Commissioner and the Department of Aging
Telephone Number – 1-800-243-3425
Mandated Reporter – Yes; all persons required to report exploitation; Financial Services Professionals may report suspected financial exploitation
Transactional Hold or Delayed Disbursement – 15 days
Reporting Contact Info – LA Commissioner of Securities and Department of Health Office of Aging and Adult Services
Telephone Number – 1-833-577-6532
Mandated Reporter – Yes; Officers of Financial Institutions
Reporting Contact Info – Department for Children and Families, Prevention & Protection Services
Telephone Number – 1-800-922-5330
Mandated Reporter – No; but any person, specifically including employees of financial institutions, may report suspected financial exploitation to the state department of human services
Transactional Hold or Delayed Disbursement – No
Reporting Contact Info – Department of Human Services
Telephone Number – 1-800-362-2178
Mandated Reporter – Yes; includes individuals associated with a broker-dealer or investment adviser who serves in a supervisory, compliance, or legal capacity as part of the individual’s job
Transactional Hold or Delayed Disbursement – 15 days unless extended by court order or order of the Securities Commissioner
Reporting Contact Info – Indiana Securities Commissioner and Adult Protective Services
Telephone Number – 1-800-992-6978
Email Address – SeniorProtection@sos.in.gov
Mandated Reporter – Yes; any person with knowledge or suspicion of abuse, including: bank, savings and loan, or credit union officer, trustee, or employee
Transactional Hold or Delayed Disbursement – No
Reporting Contact Info – Department of Children & Families, Adult Protective Services
Telephone Number – 1-800-962-2873
Mandated Reporter – Yes; any person, including employees of financial institutions
Transactional Hold or Delayed Disbursement – 10 business days
Reporting Contact Info – Adult Protective Services
Telephone Number – 1-800-223-9074
Email Address – DelawareADRC@state.de.us
Mandated Reporter – No; but any person may report suspected exploitation
Transactional Hold or Delayed Disbursement – No
Reporting Contact Info – Department of Social Services
Telephone Number – 1-888-385-4225
Mandated Reporter – Yes; Financial Services Professionals mandated to report
Transactional Hold or Delayed Disbursement – 15-days unless extended by court order
Reporting Contact Info – Commissioner of Securities who shall forward report to Adult Protective Services w/in 2 business days
Telephone Number – 1-720-596-6720
Mandated Reporter – Yes; Financial Services Professionals mandated to report
Transactional Hold or Delayed Disbursement – No
Reporting Contact Info – Securities Commissioner and Division of Aging & Adult Services
Telephone Number – 1-877-767-2385
Mandated Reporter – No; but any person may report exploitation of vulnerable adults
Transactional Hold or Delayed Disbursement – No
Reporting Contact Info – Office of Elder Fraud & Assistance
Telephone Number – 1-907-334-5989
Email Address – doa.opa.elder.fraud@alaska.gov
Mandated Reporter – No; but Financial Service Professionals may report suspected financial exploitation
Transactional Hold or Delayed Disbursement – 15 Days
Reporting Contact Info – Alabama Securities Commission and Department of Human Resources (Combined Reporting Form)
Telephone Number – 1-800-458-7214
Email Address – aps@dhr.alabama.gov
President & CEO
Dale E. Brown, CAE, is the founding president and CEO of the Financial Services Institute (FSI). Established in 2004, FSI is the only organization advocating on behalf of independent financial services firms and their affiliated independent financial advisors. FSI’s mission is to create a healthier regulatory environment for their members through aggressive and effective advocacy, education and public awareness. FSI represents more than 100 independent financial services firm members and their 160,000+ affiliated financial advisors.
Brown brings more than 30 years of association management experience to FSI with broad leadership in government relations and constituent advocacy. He leads FSI’s advocacy strategy, interacting frequently with regulators and policymakers in Washington, D.C. Prior to joining FSI at its launch, Brown guided the government relations, corporate and broker-dealer programs for the Financial Planning Association (FPA) and the International Association for Financial Planning (IAFP). Brown led the successful fight in the mid-1990s against the IRS’s attempts to force broker-dealers to re-classify independent contractor representatives as statutory employees.
Brown was named a Certified Association Executive (CAE) in 1995. He is a past president of the Georgia Society of Association Executives (GSAE), and a recipient of GSAE’s President’s Award in 1995 and 2001. In May 2002, Brown received GSAE’s highest honor, the Clifford M. Clarke Award, given annually to an association executive who has demonstrated exemplary personal leadership and service to his or her own association, the association community and the general community.
Dale is an elder at Redeemer Church of Arlington, VA. He also serves on the board of Orphan Prevent Community, an Atlanta-based 501(c)3 ministry to at risk families in Guatemala.
Brown has been recognized by Registered Rep magazine as one of “Ten to Watch” in 2005; included in Boomer Market Advisor’s “Forward Thinking Five” in 2006; and was named for nine consecutive years as one of ThinkAdvisor’s 25 most influential individuals in and around the planning profession. He was named by InvestmentNews as one of the Power 20 for 2012.
Brown attended the University of Georgia and graduated from Georgia State University with a bachelor’s degree in political science.
Chris Paulitz
Senior Vice President, Membership & Marketing
202-204-6424
Email Chris
Associate Vice President, Corporate Relations
Kathryn has 22 years of experience in the financial services industry where she has held private banking, sales and national accounts roles. Currently, Kathryn is responsible for the strategic management of relationships with approximately 100 sponsor companies that partner with FSI. Prior to joining FSI, she spent over 12 years in sales and national accounts for Wells Real Estate Funds where she was responsible for developing strategic relationships with independent broker/dealers and financial institution broker/dealers across the country. At Wachovia Bank, she was a senior relationship banker where she worked with consumers and businesses to proactively capture full client relationships that included deposits, lending, treasury services, and investments. She is a 1996 graduate of the University of North Georgia with a B.S. in Accounting. Kathryn has held the Series 7, 63, Life and health insurance and real estate licenses.
*Contact for questions about federal legislation
Director, Legislative Affairs
Maurice.Jackson@financialservices.org
*Contact for questions about state legislation and to schedule meetings with state legislators
Associate Vice President, State Affairs
michelle.foster@financialservices.org
Vice President, Corporate Relations
Kevin is responsible for FSI’s member and sponsor relationships. He entered the financial services industry in 1991 as a financial advisor and obtained the CFP® designation in 1993. Prior to joining FSI in 2007, he was the Director of National Accounts for the AXA Enterprise Funds. He also served AXA Enterprise as Director of College Planning, and acted as product manager of the Texas 529 plan from 2002-2007.
Kevin earned a B.S. in Business Administration from Tennessee Technological University. In his spare time, he does volunteer work for Reasonable Faith, the Institute of Biblical Leadership, and Cru Albania.
Thank you for your interest in donating to FSI PAC. Grassroots donations like yours are some of the most important support we get, and we greatly appreciate your help advocating for the industry. Choose your preferred method of donation below.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or learn more about our advocacy priorities.
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President and Chief Executive Officer
Ed Forst is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certificant and has been dedicated to helping individuals with all aspects of financial planning since 1980. As president and chief executive officer of the Lincoln Investment Companies, Ed oversees the activities of over 1,100 licensed advisors and more than 300 full-time operations and support personnel.
The Lincoln Investment Companies include a full-service broker-dealer and registered investment advisors serving the diverse and changing financial needs of more than 270,000 individual investors, representing over $24.7 billion in assets. For almost 50 years, Lincoln Investment has been committed to helping individuals and families achieve long-term financial well-being through the expert guidance of independent financial professionals.
Finance Chair
As president of Raymond James Financial Services, Mr. Curtis directs Raymond James’ independent contractor and financial institutions businesses that combined include 3,250 retail financial advisors and generate over $1.3 billion in annual revenues. He was promoted to his current position in January 2012 following six years as senior vice president of Raymond James & Associates Private Client Group where he was responsible for directing numerous initiatives focused on revenue growth, margin enhancement, service improvement, and risk mitigation. Scott joined Raymond James in February 2003 as president of Raymond James Insurance Group. Scott spent the prior thirteen years of his career with GE Financial Assurance in a variety of senior leadership roles – including as national sales director for mutual funds and annuities and as president of the firm’s FINRA-registered broker/dealer.
J. Scott Spiker joined First Command Financial Services in September 2007, becoming the first Chief Executive Officer recruited from outside the company. Effective January 2017, the company’s Board of Directors also elected him as Chairman/CEO. In this dual role, Scott focuses on the continued development of the strategic direction of First Command, reaffirming and strengthening the company’s historic commitment to serving our nation’s career military families in their pursuit of financial security.
This emphasis aligns with Scott’s own history of military service. As a commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy, he served as the navigator aboard a frigate, undertaking a three-year tour of duty with extensive travel to the Indian Ocean. Scott also served as Head of Enlisted Recruiting for the Midwest Region at Great Lakes Naval Training Center.
Following his military service, Scott served in a number of senior executive roles in the investment, insurance and banking industries. His previous executive leadership positions include:
President and CEO of Destiny Health, President and CEO of the Stanton Group, President and COO of Definity Health, and President of the Business Services Group at Dain Rauscher (now RBC). He also served in senior leadership positions at Norwest Corporation (now Wells Fargo Corporation) and Mark Twain Bancshares.
Scott is actively involved in both his community and the financial services industry. In August 2014, he became the Chairman of the Board for United Way of Tarrant County and held that position until July 2016. Since his term ended, he has continued to serve as a member of the Board of Directors. He was also recently elected to the 2018 Board of Directors for the Financial
Services Institute, an organization dedicated to ensuring all individuals have access to competent and affordable financial advice, products and services. He will assume this position in January 2018.
A 1977 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Scott holds an MBA in Marketing and Finance from the University of Chicago Booth Graduate School of Business. He is married and has two daughters.
Chris has over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry and as a senior level executive. He has additional experience in client services, cost containment, marketing, sales and quality within diversified financial firms. He was hired with Signator Investors in May 2007 and is currently the President for Signator Investors, Inc.
Prior to that he was the President for Equity Services, Inc. and he also served as the Chief of Broker Dealer Operations with NYLIFE Securities where he worked for nine years.
In 1990, Mr. Maryanopolis obtained his Master of Business Administration from Fordham University and in 1986, his Bachelor of Arts from the State University of New York at StonyBrook.
In 2007, Chris was responsible for the Operations, Service and Trading areas for Signator Investors. Soon after starting he was given the additional responsibility of President for the Broker Dealer and Registered Investment Advisor. Chris set out to transform the business into a world class broker dealer. To increase service to the advisors and clients, he merged the trading and service areas, creating a one stop shop for the calls and service. He upgrading the broker dealer business processing technology, bringing together advisor business held at different financial institutions into one easy to use business system. He introduced many tools and services to the business through the clearing relationship with National Financial to attract more advisors and clients. He has also brought more products to the business to better serve the client’s investing needs and has introduced a sales consultant team to help the advisors with sales ideas and to better navigate the products that are offered. Now the Brokerage Services area and the broker dealer are praised for their high level service, expertise, and product offerings from the Advisors we serve.
Shawn McLaughlin serves as president and CEO, McLaughlin Ryder Investments
With more than 30 years of investment experience, Shawn specializes in helping individuals, businesses and associations achieve their investment goals through careful and thorough financial planning. He began his career with a major regional brokerage firm where he spent 20 years building his practice. Shawn has established a reputation for delivering customized retirement plans for both medium and small businesses, as well as not-for-profit organizations and associations.
Shawn holds an Accredited Investment Fiduciary™ (AIF®) designation. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Georgetown University and remains active as a mentor to students in Georgetown’s business school. He also regularly speaks to local honor students through the Alexandria Summer Economic Institute.
Shawn has been active in the Northern Virginia business and civic communities for over 28 years, including serving on the Inova Health System Board of Trustees, the Board of Directors of Burke & Herbert Bank, the Board of Visitors of the School of Business at Marymount University. He is also the past chairman of the Inova Foundation and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Virginia College Savings Plan (VCSP). In 2014, he was appointed to the Virginia Baseball Stadium Authority by Gov. Mark Warner.
In 2003, Shawn helped establish the Alexandria Police Foundation and continues to serve as the foundation’s first Chairman. He also served on the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for over 12 years. Shawn was elected Chairman of the Board of the Chamber in 1994, and was named the 2005 Business Leader of the Year.
Shawn holds Series 7, 9 and 10, 24, 63 and 65 licenses along with his Virginia Life, Health, and Variable Life annuity insurance licenses.
Mandated Reporter – Yes; Employees of Banks or Other Financial Institutions; also includes any agent, investment adviser representative or person who serves in a supervisory, compliance, or legal capacity for a brokerdealer or investment adviser
Transnational Hold or Delayed Disbursement – 15-days
Reporting Contact Info – Arkansas Securities Commissioner and Arkansas Securities Commissioner
Telephone Number – 1-800-482-8049
Email Address – aging.services@arkansas.gov
Mandated Reporter – No; Financial Service Professionals not mandated by statute
Transactional Hold or Delayed Disbursement – No
Reporting Contact Info – Department of Health and Human Services
Mandated Reporter – Yes; Bank managers and financial managers are mandated by statute
Transactional Hold or Delayed Disbursement – No
Reporting Contact Info – Adult Protective Services
Telephone Number – 1-202-541-3950
Mandated Reporter – No; Financial Service Professionals not mandated by statute
Transactional Hold or Delayed Disbursement – No
Reporting Contact Info – Department of Health and Human Services
Telephone Number – 1-800-352-6513
Mandated Reporter – Yes; Financial Institutions
Transactional Hold or Delayed Disbursement – 10 days for securities transactions; 5 days for non-securities transactions
Reporting Contact Info – Department of Social and Health Services
Telephone Number – 1-800-737-7931
Mandated Reporter – Yes; Any Person
Transactional Hold or Delayed Disbursement – No
Reporting Contact Info – Division of Elderly Affairs
Telephone Number – 1-401-462-0555
Mandated Reporter – Yes; any agent, IAR, or person serving in supervisory/compliance/legal capacity for a BD or IA
Transactional Hold or Delayed Disbursement – 15 days
Reporting Contact Info – Vulnerable Adult Protective Services and the Securities Commissioner
Telephone Number – 1-855-462-5465
Mandated Reporter – Yes; Financial Institution, Officer or Employee
Transactional Hold or Delayed Disbursement – No
Reporting Contact Info – Deparment of Health and Human Services
Telephone Number – 1-800-662-7030
Mandated Reporter – Yes; securities professionals are mandated to report suspected financial exploitation
Transactional Hold or Delayed Disbursement – 15 days
Reporting Contact Info – NM Adult Protective Services and Securities Division; also requires disclosure to a designated 3rd party
Telephone Number – 1-866-654-3219
Mandated Reporter – No; Financial Service Professionals not mandated by statute
Transactional Hold or Delayed Disbursement – No
Reporting Contact Info – Department of Human Services
Telephone Number – 1-855-444-3911
Mandated Reporter – No; Financial Service Professionals not mandated by statute
Transactional Hold or Delayed Disbursement – No
Reporting Contact Info – Department of Professional and Financial Regulation
Telephone Number – 1-877-624-8551
Mandated Reporter – Yes; Employees of Financial Institutions
Transactional Hold or Delayed Disbursement – No
Reporting Contact Info – Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Telephone Number – 1-808-832-5960
Mandated Reporter – Yes; Employees of Financial Institutions
Transactional Hold or Delayed Disbursement – No
Reporting Contact Info – Georgia Department of Human Services, Division of Aging Services
Telephone Number – 1-866-552-4464
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Jillian joins FSI with a wide range of experience in communications and public relations, and will serve as FSI’s Marketing & Communications Coordinator. In this role, she will support the marketing team in promoting information to FSI’s members and the public. Prior to joining FSI, she worked at Dewberry, a professional services firm, as a Communications Coordinator.
Jillian is a graduate of Old Dominion University, where she received a Bachelor of the Arts in Journalism.
Executive Assistant
Andress comes to FSI with a background as an Executive Assistant and a Certified Paralegal. Prior to joining FSI, Andress worked in the General Counsel’s Office for Children’s National Health System both as an Executive Assistant and Risk Management Paralegal.
Andress attended University of Maryland Baltimore County and Catholic University for her undergraduate studies.
Senior Vice President, Finance & Operations
Brett joins FSI from another 501(c)6 Washington D.C. based association where he served as the Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President of Operations for 6 years. In this role he managed the day-to-day finance and operations, including business and strategic planning, the Board’s finance committee that oversaw budgeting and audits, and several member outreach programs. He was successful in improving internal operating processes, strengthening the balance sheet, and creating a 9 month reserve. Prior to that, Brett worked for a world-wide management consulting firm specializing in transportation, and as a partner or the firm managed several lines of business including financial planning, commercial development, organizational reviews, and preparation of official statements to accompany bond issuances. Brett has over 24 years of business and finance experience. Brett received a B.A. in Economics and Finance from Carleton University.
Manager, Accounting & Customer Relations Systems
Wanda comes to FSI with an extensive background in association operations. Prior to joining FSI, Wanda worked at the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) in its membership department, and in a variety of positions at the American Coatings Association (ACA).
Wanda earned a B.A. in Foreign Affairs at the University of Virginia.
Director of Corporate Relations & Culture
Nicki joins FSI with a broad range of experience in project management and member services. Prior to joining FSI, Nicki worked at the Association of Clinical Research Professionals as Membership Administrator, where she managed the Association’s 60+ chapter affiliates and special interest groups. Before that, she was a Senior Consultant at Booz Allen Hamilton, providing project management and communications support to the Federal Aviation Administration.
Nicki earned her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Tennessee in 2007.
Accounting & Customer Relations Systems Specialist
Matt joins FSI with a background in both research and IT. Prior to coming to FSI he worked doing research for a media company located in Washington, DC and has also previously worked at a healthcare software company.
Matt earned his B.A. in Political Science from Northwestern University in 2013.
Senior Vice President, Membership & Marketing
Chris is a veteran of Capitol Hill, spending more than a decade in presidential and congressional campaigns, working as a spokesman and strategic advisor for both U.S. House and Senate leadership offices, the Republican National Committee, the National Republican Congressional Committee and the Bush administration. After directing the communications department for U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), Chris ended his public service as Senior Advisor to former U.S. Senator George V. Voinovich of Ohio. For the last two years before joining FSI, he served as Senior Vice President of Communications, Marketing and Public Affairs for the Insured Retirement Institute. Chris earned a bachelor’s degree in communication and journalism from The Ohio State University.
Executive Vice President & General Counsel
David Bellaire works to prevent unintended consequences. As the Financial Services Institute’s executive vice president & general counsel, David leads FSI’s team of lawyers and lobbyists in pursuit of a business environment that frees its member broker-dealers and financial advisors from the unintended consequences of federal and state legislation and regulation. David has more than 25 years of broker-dealer advocacy, compliance, legal, and operations experience. Prior to joining FSI, he served as vice president of operations and general counsel at Securities Service Network, Inc. He also previously served as special investigations attorney and regional compliance manager with InterSecurities, Inc. (now known as Transamerica Financial Advisors), assistant director of compliance at Commonwealth Financial Network, Inc., and assistant to the executive director at the Institute of Certified Financial Planners (ICFP). David earned a B.S. in business management from Providence College and a J.D. from the University of Denver, Sturm College of Law. He is admitted to practice law in the states of Massachusetts and Tennessee. In his free time, he enjoys listening to music, reading and spending time with his wife Sara and their two children.
Seth Miller currently serves as the CEO of Transamerica Financial Advisors, Inc. (TFA). Prior to working with TFA, he served for four years as President of Life Investors Financial Group (LIFG), an AEGON marketing group focused on the middle- and upper-income market, headquartered in Cedar Rapids, IA. Prior to his role with LIFG, Mr. Miller led AEGON’s Independent Producer Marketing Group, working with various national independent marketing organizations. Mr. Miller’s first position with AEGON was as Director of Business Development for AEGON Direct Marketing Services in Baltimore, MD. He came to AEGON from General Electric, where he graduated from GE’s Financial Management Program and is also a graduate of the University Notre Dame. Mr. Miller is also a retired Captain, United States Air Force Reserve. Mr. Miller, his wife Kelley, and their three young daughters reside in Tampa Bay, FL where they are active in their local school, parish, and United Way.
Tony LaJeunesse is the founder of TL Financial Group, an independent financial planning firm where he also serves as president and chief executive officer. His firm, located in Southgate, Michigan, specializes in retirement planning for those who are about to retire or have already retired.
As a full service investment services firm, Tony and his team provide dedicated assistance to helping enrich the lives of individuals, families and business owners at every stage of life. They are committed to providing a superior level of service by developing retirement income strategies that align with their clients’ lifestyle goals and desire for financial independence. Through this commitment many of their client relationships have grown to become cherished friendships and have expanded to encompass multiple generations of the families.
Tony is licensed as a General Securities Represenatative, Investment Advisor Representative and also maintains a life and health insurance license. He is a senior partner and acts as a director on the board for Advantage Financial Group (“AFG”) a privately held partnership that also manages Advantage Investment Management, a wholly owned subsidiary. He serves on many other boards, community councils and is active in his community and charitable organizations.
Kimberly Kropp is owner/partner of Moylan Kropp Retirement Planning in Omaha, NE. She will celebrate her 20th year as an independent business owner in February 2016. She began her financial career in 1982 managing and directing two unique Financial Advisory Services including two different banks in Omaha, Nebraska in the first 14 years of her career. In 1996 she moved on to create the firm Moylan Kropp Retirement Planning which she owns today. She graduated from Wayne State College with a BA in Elementary Education and Learning Disabilities. Since starting her financial career, she has earned designations including the CFP, CHFC, CLU, and CASL. She is insurance licensed and holds the 7, 24, 63, and 65. She is a member of the Financial Planning Association, The National Association of Professional Women, and The Society of Financial Professionals. She serves on the Financial Services Institute Advisory Council, and serves as a board member on the Iowa School for the Deaf and Immanuel Charitable Council Board. Kim is married to her husband Bob and they have one daughter and one son, Chelsea and Andrew. Kim’s greatest passion – people. She loves serving others in the best way possible whether it is on the job or in her free time.
Joe Himelick MSFS, CHFC, CLU, has worked as a Financial Planner with individuals and businesses for over three decades. As the President and Co-Founder of the Himelick Financial Group, the firm’s primary focus is assisting in the realization of their clients financial objectives. The evolution and range of services provided is exemplified by Joe’s average client tenure of over 20 years, and the firm views the financial planning process as a lifelong event that includes multiple dimensions and interrelated parts.
Within the financial services industry, Joe has been engaged in a range of issues that are intended to both improve the client’s experience, while maintaining a lens that is holistic in its view of the clients evolving needs. His peers have referred to Joe as a “thought leader”, while others in the industry describe him as “driven”.
Joe has spoken at multiple national meetings, mentored various advisors and individuals, and provided training to his industry peers as well as those individuals and businesses who are interested in expanding their financial knowledge. He has also served in leadership positions in various industry associations with a keen interest in the regulatory environment.
Joe has been a recognized multiple years by Texas Monthly as a 5 Star Wealth Manager. In a larger sense, Joe appreciates the long term relationships that his clients and their families represent as part of his life.
Bill Dowell serves as Founder & President, Vision Financial Group.
Bill is a graduate of Birmingham- Southern College. After his graduation in 1978 he began his career with Protective Life Insurance Company. In 1983 he was a co-founder and principle of First Financial Center of Birmingham, Inc., serving as its President from 1987-1996. In 1996 Bill formed Vision Financial Group, Inc.
Bill is active in industry and community affairs. He was a Board member of the Birmingham Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors from 1985-1996 and served as its President in 1993 and 1994. He has served on Birmingham-Southern`s Alumni Board since 1980 and was its president from 1990-1992. He is also a charter member of the Endowment Builders Society for Birmingham-Southern. Bill was a board member of the Alabama Planned Giving Council from 1993 to 1999 and served as its President in 1997. He has served in various PTO Board positions at Inverness Elementary, Oak Mountain Middle and Oak Mountain High School. In 2001 Bill was the Shelby County chairperson for the United Way campaign, helping raise over $600,000 for the various agencies of United Way in Shelby County.
Bill and his wife Sandra have been married since 1979 and have two daughters, Logan and Crawford. They attend Asbury United Methodist Church. His hobbies include traveling with family and friends, golf, hunting and fishing.
Kent Christian serves as president of Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, where he sets strategic direction for the management, satisfaction, retention and organic growth of Wells Fargo Advisors’ independent financial advisor business.
Kent spent the majority of his professional career at Bank of America Corp., serving in various leadership and management capacities in capital markets, retail securities and private banking for the company and its predecessors. He then moved on to become executive vice president of Sales and Marketing for Plan Member Financial Corporation, and then became national sales director at Raymond James Financial Services, where he managed the activities of more than 4,300 independent advisors nationwide. In 2005, he joined Wachovia Securities (now Wells Fargo Advisors) to serve as president of the firm’s Independent Brokerage Group, and, three years later, was asked to lead the Financial Services Group, where he provided executive leadership for the firm’s investment, advisory and banking products, research and advice, as well as the client and FA platform.
Kent is a graduate of Duke University with a degree in Economics and holds Series 7, 24, 53 and 63 registrations.
Kent currently serves as a board member for the Financial Services Institute. He has also served on the executive committee and board of directors for SIFMA. Kent is a prior board member of the United Way of Greater St. Louis and the United Way of Greater Richmond and Petersburg.
Co-founder of the Capital Investment Companies and has served as an executive officer and principal of the companies since 1984. He has been in the financial services industry since 1982 and graduated from NC State with a BA in Business Management. Richard is married with two children and enjoys traveling, sports, music and cars.
Valerie G. Brown is Executive Chairman, Advisor Group, Inc., one of the nation’s largest networks of independent financial advisors with over 5,000 independent advisors and approximately $160 billion in client assets under management. Advisor Group provides comprehensive broker-dealer services, technology, and advisory programs through its four registered broker-dealers and Registered Investment Advisors: FSC Securities, Royal Alliance Associates, SagePoint Financial, and Woodbury Financial Services. Before assuming her current position, Ms. Brown served as Chief Executive Officer of Cetera Financial Group from the company’s formation in 2010 until its sale in 2014. In 2009 she led the spin out of the Cetera companies from ING to Lightyear Capital. Prior to Cetera, Ms. Brown was chief executive officer of ING Advisors Network, having previously served as its president for five years.
Ms. Brown currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Financial Services Institute. She has previously served on the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association Board of Directors, the membership and District 7 committees of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, and the Blackrock Equity/Bond Funds Board of Directors. Ms. Brown has been honored with a number of industry awards. She is actively involved in charitable arts organizations and a member of C200, an invitation-only membership organization of the world’s most successful women business leaders. Ms. Brown holds a bachelor’s degree with high scholarship in chemical engineering from Oregon State University and a master’s degree in business administration from Stanford University.
Adam Antoniades is President of Cetera Financial Group. Prior to this role, Mr. Antoniades was President and CEO of First Allied, where he was instrumental in driving the strategic direction of the firm. As one of First Allied’s founding members, he also spearheaded several strategic acquisitions including the 2002 sale of First Allied to Wells Fargo.
Prior to First Allied, Mr. Antoniades held senior management positions at major financial institutions around the globe including Berkeley Administration Inc., a foreign currency retail trading organization, in Belgium and A. J. Bekhor and Company, an independent financial services company, in the United Kingdom.