The CFP Board marks a milestone in 2025 as it turns 40, but as well as an important anniversary it will also be marking a historic period for the diversity of its board of directors.
In announcing two new female directors Tuesday - Debra BenAvram and Rose Palazzo - the organization will have a majority-female board for the first time since it was founded in 1985.
CFP Board chair-elect Liz Miller, CFP, CFA, welcomed the two new members of the board and hailed their experience and values.
"Their diverse expertise and commitment to upholding ethical standards will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of financial planning. I look forward to partnering with them to serve the public and reinforce CFP certification as the standard for competent and ethical financial planning,” she said.
Miller will chair the board from 2025 as the terms of current Board Chair Matt Boersen, CFP, CFA, Aneri Jambusaria, CFP, MBA, Richard Sherlock and Nancy Smith, J.D., expire. Terri Kallsen, CFP, will become board chair-elect.
The board will include 12 voting members made up of nine CFP professionals and three non-CFP professionals. The organization’s bylaws require that at least two of the members are non-CFP to represent the public.
Debra BenAvram, FASAE, CAE, is one of the public-representing members and has CEO experience at several organizations including the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition and the Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies. She also chairs the Center for Survivor Agency and Justice.
Rose Palazzo is a principal of Edward Jones and is a fintech leader with more than 20 years of experience with specialism in building tech solutions that help financial advisors get better outcomes for their clients. She is a former Envestnet group president of financial planning and spent many years at both Merrill Lynch and Morgan Stanley.
Chuck Roberts and Stifel have been facing scrutiny due to sales of structured products and structured notes.
What will financial advice look like 20 years from now? Evan Vladem explores how AI may transform wealth management while reinforcing the enduring value of human guidance, trust, and empathy.
The Boston deal is set to push the PE-backed consolidator past $187 billion amid a broad RIA M&A slowdown and a potential shift in its ownership.
Anguilla-based affiliates may have been shams, the court said
Advisors with clients who own second homes in New York City face fresh uncertainty as the city seeks a stay and plans an appeal.
As AI makes financial information more accessible than ever, Lana Hock explains why human judgment, trust, and empathy remain the qualities clients value most in a financial advisor
Northern Trust’s Ken Lassner shows advisors how to convert volatility into after-tax portfolio gains
