Meet the 2024 Class of Our FinServe Network

The six new ambassadors bring the group’s total membership to 22 professionals representing a cross-section of leaders and rising stars in financial services. The FinServe Network includes College alumni and dedicated volunteers who represent the uniqueness and diverse landscape of the profession.

“Through valuable connections and the networks derived from those relationships, we are advancing the conversation around what the financial services profession should truly be,” said George Nichols III, CAP®, president and CEO of The American College of Financial Services. “We couldn't be prouder to collaborate with these leaders and look forward to working together to help shape the future of financial services.”

Introducing Our New Ambassadors

The latest group of FinServe ambassadors bring with them a diversity of both geographical locations — stretching from Alaska to Puerto Rico and many places in between — and expertise in fields from retirement and tax planning to small business planning, wealth management, trust and estate planning, and more.

Mónica Clesse, MBA, FPA is the CEO and founder of Clesse Financial Strategies, LLC (CFS), a financial planning firm that specializes in helping clients develop customized retirement income and tax strategies. With 23 years of experience in the financial services industry, she is committed to guiding individuals and families toward financial security and independence. Her expertise spans across comprehensive financial planning, including tax-efficient strategies, retirement planning, and risk management. Clesse is known for her holistic approach, combining technical financial expertise with a deep understanding of her clients’ personal goals and aspirations.

Terrell Dinkins, ChFC®, RICP® is the president and founder of OBN Wealth Advisors, an independent registered investment advisor (RIA) firm that specializes in wealth-building strategies and comprehensive financial planning for women and small business owners. With over a decade of experience as an investment advisor, Dinkins expertly crafts financial roadmaps that help her clients thrive now and in the future. A true advocate for personal finance education, Dinkins is not only a wealth empowerment speaker, but also a best-selling author. Her books, One Bucket at a Time: A Woman’s Guide to Creating Wealth and Secrets of The 800+ Club: How to Raise Your Credit Score, Maintain Good Credit, and Live the Life of Unicorns have become go-to guides for those seeking financial freedom.

Ande Frazier CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, RICP®, BFA™, ChSNC®, CDFA®, CEPA, CExP is a partner at Peachtree Planning of North Georgia. She began working in the financial industry over 30 years ago, specializing in personal finance and wealth-building for individuals and business owners. Her skills led her to become a prominent speaker and thought leader in the financial services industry. After serving in various leadership positions, including running a multi-million-dollar fintech company, launching a media company focused on women and money, and serving as a vice president of distribution for a large insurance company, Frazier returned to private practice by rejoining Peachtree Planning Corporation, a premiere financial services firm with offices throughout the Southeast and clientele across the country.

Sahar Pouyanrad, EMBA, CTFA, AEP®, CEP®, ChSNC® is an executive director and the West Regional Trust Team Leader for the trusts and estates team for J.P. Morgan Private Bank. In this capacity, she is responsible for oversight and administration of trust accounts and related services for the firm’s fiduciary clients across the West Region, with a primary focus on ultra-high-net-worth families. Pouyanrad collaborates with colleagues across different business lines to deliver robust banking products for wealthy, complex, and multigenerational families. As the head of new business, she is responsible for partnering with legal, compliance, and risk management to drive new business, manage risk by overseeing review of potential trust and estate opportunities, and work with senior leadership to set new business parameters relating to trusts and estates.

Ryan Swenson, RICP® is the chief growth officer and a financial advisor at Cary Stamp & Co. in Tequesta, Florida. Since joining the firm in 2021, Swenson has brought a deep passion for helping others and a wealth of experience to his role. He cites his small-town upbringing in Minnesota for shaping his strong work ethic, energy, and enthusiasm for connecting with people. Swenson’s professional journey took him through various industries before he found his calling in finance. Swenson continues to grow both professionally and personally. He is a participant in The Ensemble Practice G2 Leadership Institute and a proud graduate of Leadership Palm Beach County in 2022. His dedication to leadership and community service underscores his commitment to making a positive impact in the financial world and beyond.

Dave Valdez, ChFC®, CLU®, AAMS®, CWS®, AIF® is the chief operating officer at Alaska Wealth Advisors, where he manages all aspects of the firm’s operations. This includes financial planning, investments, client service, advisor development and recruitment, compliance, and technology. In addition to this role, Valdez serves as the State Deputy Inspector General at Joint Force Headquarters on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. His unique combination of military leadership and financial expertise makes him exceptionally qualified to help investors with their financial wellness.

About the FinServe Network

The FinServe Network is a volunteer group that serves as a valuable resource for The College, advocating on behalf of its vast alumni network, providing unique perspectives and expertise on industry trends, and sharing a collective passion for lifelong learning. FinServe ambassadors often help provide a behind-the-scenes preview into the innovative ways The College is growing with the intent of sparking ideas to put forward in their own careers.

Issues such as training, retention, career development, access to financial services, practice management, and more were all discussed during The College’s inaugural FinServe Summit in 2023, and elaborated upon at the 2024 Summit in talks from College staff and special guests. FinServe ambassadors also have unique opportunities to play an active role in promoting College initiatives and receive exclusive opportunities to help them create content that builds their standing as leaders in the profession.

We congratulate the 2024 class of our FinServe Network, and look forward to working with them as we continue our mission to uplift the profession and benefit society.

More From The College

• Meet the Members of Our FinServe Network
• Read our 2024 FinServe Summit Recap
• Browse Our Programs