In this special episode of our Shares podcast recorded at The College’s 2024 Conference of African American Financial Professionals (CAAFP), senior reporter for ThinkAdvisor John Manganaro speaks with President Nichols about his background at New York Life, his roles as the first Black president of The College and insurance commissioner for the state of Kentucky, and how his experiences working with diverse communities power his commitment to applied financial knowledge.

George Nichols III, CAP® currently serves as the 10th president and CEO in the storied history of The American College of Financial Services. Nichols joined The College after a 17-year stint at New York Life, where he held principal roles in sales, P&L, strategic initiatives, and public policy. In 2007, Nichols was named to the company's executive management committee. He also served as executive vice president in the Office of Governmental Affairs. Before joining New York Life, Nichols was the state of Kentucky's first Black insurance commissioner, leading regulation of the state's $10 billion insurance industry through his expertise in health insurance reform and financial services integration. He gained this knowledge through stints as the executive director of the Kentucky Health Policy Board, vice president of marketing for Athena of North America, executive director of product development with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kentucky, CEO of Central State Hospital in Louisville, and executive assistant to the Commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Mental Health Services.

Nichols has been acclaimed for his efforts to drive transformative change in diversity, equity, and inclusion in the financial services profession and elsewhere. Savoy, a leading Black business and lifestyle magazine, named him among the "Most Influential Black Corporate Executives" twice: in 2012 and 2018; and among the “Most Influential Black Corporate Directors” in 2021. He was named to Forbes' inaugural 2021 edition of "The Culture 50 Champions." Nichols was also honored as one of "The Ten to Watch in 2021" by WealthManagement.com, and in 2022, he won a ThinkAdvisor LUMINARIES award for Executive Leadership, followed by InvestmentNews’ recognition in 2023 for the year’s See It, Be It role model. Additionally, Nichols is the inaugural recipient of the Alonzo Herndon Award by Business Insurance Magazine.

This episode is a collaboration with ThinkAdvisor.

Any views or opinions expressed in this podcast are the hosts’ and guests' own and do not necessarily represent those of The American College of Financial Services.

More From The College

• Learn About CAAFP
• Visit Our Center for Economic Empowerment and Equality
• See More News From President Nichols

Yahoo Finance | Why 401(k) Investors Ignore “Keep Cool” Advice When Markets Tank
August 27, 2024

Professor of practice Steve Parrish, JD, RICP®, CLU®, ChFC®, AEP® discusses why many individuals impulsively sell off assets and lock in losses when markets dive, as well as what financial advisors can do to help avoid these situations.

Our regional alumni receptions unite alumni and students with a variety of designations and offer a social setting where they can connect. These events are a testament to our commitment to cultivating a dynamic, supportive, and thriving alumni network.

At the heart of these events is the desire to strengthen our alumni network. We believe in the power of connection and collaboration, so we want to facilitate just that. By coming together, we create opportunities for professional growth and support.

Our goal is to forge stronger ties among alumni, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. Each reception will be an opportunity to exchange ideas, discuss common interests, and build relationships that could lead to new ventures and collaborations.

Cultivating Connections

We held our first two Regional Alumni Receptions last month in Atlanta, GA following The College’s annual Conference of African American Financial Professionals (CAAFP). Looking around the room, we witnessed College alumni sharing experiences which highlighted their diverse career paths while also finding commonalities in their journeys.

In the words of one of our alumni, some who attended “took a walk down memory lane” while recounting fond memories of studying with classmates. Other alumni and students were just beginning to launch their careers in the financial services industry, having just received their first designation only two short months ago. College president and CEO George Nichols III, CAP® and our advancement and alumni relations team listened intently to the valuable insights shared by our talented alumni.

We raised a glass to honor the successes of individuals who have made a significant impact in financial services and in their communities. These celebrations are not just about recognizing past accomplishments, but also inspiring future greatness.

A Warm Invitation for Future Gatherings

We encourage you to look out for future alumni receptions coming to your area or planned with our upcoming College events. Whether you are a recent graduate, student, or a long-standing member of our alumni family, your presence will add to the richness of our gatherings. We are eager to celebrate with you, hear your stories, and build connections that will last a lifetime.

Stay tuned for details on the dates and locations of our regional alumni receptions. We hope to meet you in person soon! Let’s come together to celebrate collective achievements, nurture our connections, and embark on new journeys as one united alumni community.

Connect with our manager of alumni relations and volunteer management Meagan C. Ryer at Alumni@TheAmericanCollege.edu for more details on upcoming regional alumni receptions coming to a city near you.
 

More From The College

• Learn More About CAAFP
• Browse Our Upcoming Events
   

KING OF PRUSSIA, PA – August 29, 2024 - The American College of Financial Services is proud to announce the 10th annual Military Summit taking place in Philadelphia, PA on September 11, 2024, and the 12th anniversary of the founding of the American College Center for Military and Veterans Affairs. This prestigious event, hosted by the Center for Military and Veterans Affairs, will bring together members of the military community, financial professionals, and allies to honor veteran-scholars, celebrate donors and partners, and provide professional development opportunities.  

"We are dedicated to providing our transitioning service members and their spouses with the tools they need to succeed both in and out of uniform," said Phil Easton, CMSgt, USAF (Ret.), Managing Director of the American College Center for Military and Veterans Affairs.  "This event is not only about honoring their service but is also about equipping them with the knowledge and resources necessary for their financial and professional futures."

The highlight of the Military Summit will be the presentation of the Soldier-Citizen Award to Major General Suzanne Vautrinot, USAF (Ret.) and dinner at the National Constitution Center. With a distinguished 31-year career in the U.S. Air Force, Major General Vautrinot played a pivotal role in establishing U.S. Cyber Command and has continued to lead in her civilian life as a cybersecurity expert and board member for several prominent organizations.

“Receiving the Soldier-Citizen Award is a profound honor," said Major General Vautrinot. "I am proud to join The American College of Financial Services and its dedicated sponsors in our shared commitment to supporting the military community, and I look forward to celebrating the achievements of our veterans and scholars at this remarkable event."

The Summit underscores The College's steadfast commitment to the Center's mission of empowering those who serve, supporting military members and their spouses through career transition via educational and employment opportunities within the financial services. The day-time portion of the event will be held at the W Philadelphia and feature the Maury Stewart Lecture series, supported by Center Founding Partner and Sponsor Penn Mutual, with keynote speaker Michelle Caruso-Cabrera, CNBC Contributor and CNBC's first Latina Anchor, leading a session called "Building Leaders in the Financial Services Industry."

Following the lecture series, attendees will have access to three additional workshops with subjects on retirement income and wealth management, the impact of Artificial Intelligence on the financial services industry, and culminating with a fireside chat on leadership with the 2024 Soldier-Citizen recipient Major General Suzanne Vautrinot. The event will also feature a networking lounge specifically for Military Resource Groups (MRGs) and scholars, providing a unique opportunity to connect with industry leaders and peers. The Summit is designed to foster professional growth, networking, and a deepened commitment to giving back to the military community. Attendees will gain valuable insights from industry thought leaders, enhance their professional skills, and participate in sessions that qualify for CE credit hours.

Join us in Philadelphia to celebrate our veterans, learn from experts, and network with like-minded professionals who are committed to serving those who serve. For more information, visit https://events.theamericancollege.edu/military-summit-2024.

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ABOUT THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF FINANCIAL SERVICES

Founded in 1927, The American College of Financial Services is the nation’s largest nonprofit educational institution devoted to financial services professionals. Holding the highest level of academic accreditation, The College has educated over 200,000 professionals across the United States through certificate, designation, and graduate degree programs. Its portfolio of applied knowledge also includes just-in-time learning and consumer financial education programs. The College’s faculty represents some of the foremost thought leaders in the financial services industry. Visit TheAmericanCollege.edu and connect with us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Discover all the ways you can expand your opportunities with us.

Contact

Sarah Tremallo
908-967-0381 / Stremallo@jconnelly.com

Lindsey Allumbaugh
678-643-1310 / Lindsey.allumbaugh@theamericancollege.edu