Tuttle to step down as FPA executive director in 2014

Marvin Tuttle, executive director of the Financial Planning Association for the past eight years, will be stepping down from his leadership position in 2014, he said Sunday at the association's annual retreat in Scottsdale, Ariz. Mr. Tuttle's recently extended contract will end May 31, 2014, he said in an interview. “My time is coming,” he said of his decision to step aside. “This is my move to the next phase.” Mr. Tuttle told FPA members at the meeting that he thought the FPA would benefit from “fresh eyes” in the leadership post as the group works to build its membership and the CFP brand, and lobby Washington on the key issues of adviser oversight and fiduciary duty. The FPA board will begin a search late this year or early next year and hopes to have candidates to succeed Mr. Tuttle identified by the end of 2013, he said. Mr. Tuttle plans to remain active in the financial planning community after leaving his current post. His future plans remain open, “but my dream job would be as an ambassador to these student [financial planning] programs” at colleges, he said. FPA officials have been visiting schools with CFP-training programs and encouraging members to reach out to graduates. Mr. Tuttle said his successor would ideally be “someone stronger to position financial planning from an advocacy standpoint” and “a savvy business person to develop more revenue streams.” FPA leaders also announced Sunday that the organization would be creating three membership categories: the “CFP professional” for CFP designees, the “financial services professional” for members with other designations, and the “allied professional” for other types of professionals. The categories are intended to better promote the CFP mark. Mr. Tuttle also announced an FPA strategic initiative, which includes a task force to look at peer review, while also focusing on a nationwide advocacy message aimed at all the states. Additionally, the FPA is in the process of working on a fiduciary educational program with a certificate.