Honoring 2024 Hall of Fame Inductee Jim Petersen
The American College of Financial Services’ Alumni Hall of Fame was established in 2005 to recognize graduates of The College's designation, certification, and degree programs who have made extraordinary contributions in time, treasure, effort, and energy to the institution, their community, and the financial services industry as a whole. The College is proud to announce Jim Petersen as the 2024 inductee.
Jim is the chief executive officer (CEO) and founding principal of Diversified Professional Coaching, LLC. Jim is also the president and owner of the Professional Business Coaches Alliance, LLC, which is committed to training and supporting the future of professional business coaches. In addition, Jim is a serial entrepreneur who is involved in a variety of businesses including a car wash and a bio-hazard cleanup company.
As Roger Hull/James S. Bingay Chair of Leadership at The College, Jim is the program director for the Chartered Leadership Fellow® (CLF®) Program and serves in an emeritus role on the Alumni Council, as well as the outgoing chair of the American College Center for Military and Veterans Affairs’ Advisory Council.
A seasoned financial services executive with more than 41 years of experience in the investment and financial services industries, Jim is an expert in the fields of financial planning, retirement planning, and leading large financial planning organizations.
2024 Second Century Society Inductees
Founded in December 2019, the Second Century Society recognizes generous benefactors who have made lifetime gifts reaching $1 million or more of philanthropic impact. The College is proud to announce Charles R. (posthumously) and Mary M. Wright as the 2024 inductees.
Charles (Chuck) and Mary Wright met at Yankton College in Yankton, South Dakota. Together, they were leading donors to The College, with an emphasis on the American College Center for Women in Financial Services.
Chuck was senior executive vice president and chief agency and marketing officer at State Farm Insurance Companies. He later served as chairman of the board of trustees and was a driving force behind the creation of the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® (CAP®) and Chartered Advisor of Senior Living® (CASL®) designations.
Mary’s years of service through philanthropy led her to complete her CAP® designation, which she would use to help others engage in philanthropic work as well. As a passionate lifelong learner, Mary continues to carry on Chuck’s legacy by laying the foundation for the Wright Fellowship under the Center for Women in Financial Services.
The College is proud to recognize Chuck and Mary’s continued impact.
2024 President’s Award Recipient
Conferred by The American College of Financial Services’ President and CEO, the President’s Award recognizes the leadership and generosity of select benefactors and volunteers. The College is proud to announce the 2024 winner: R. David Fritz Jr., CLU®.
David is the co-founder and managing partner of Executive Benefits Network and a 38-year veteran of the financial services industry. He began his career in the insurance industry in 1986 after graduating from Williams College with a BA degree. He started at UNUM Life Insurance Company as a group sales representative in Washington, DC, then later became an employee benefits manager in UNUM’s Milwaukee, WI office. He joined Northwestern Mutual in 1993 and founded Executive Benefits Network 23 years ago. He specializes in the design, funding, securing, and administration of non-qualified deferred compensation plans and bank-owned and corporate-owned life insurance programs.
David and his wife Molly are very active in philanthropic efforts. He is a past trustee of The American College of Financial Services and currently serves on The College’s President Council. He and Molly live in River Hills, Wisconsin with their six children.
2024 Huebner Gold Medal Recipient
In 1975, as The American College of Financial Services approached its 50th anniversary, the Board of Trustees decided to honor those whose role in the development of the institution was of special significance. The Huebner Gold Medal, named for Solomon S. Huebner, is The College’s most prestigious honor and is awarded to people who have moved the institution forward in its mission. The College is proud to announce Sy Sternberg, CLU® as the 2024 honoree.
Sy Sternberg is the former chairman and chief executive officer of New York Life Insurance Company. He joined the company in 1989 as a senior vice president, was elected vice chairman of the board in February 1995, and became president and chief operating officer in October 1995. He became chairman and CEO in 1997 and remained CEO until his retirement in 2008.
Sy is a former chairman of Northeastern University’s board of trustees. He is also a former director of CIT Group and Express Scripts. He currently serves on several non-profit boards including NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, the Hackley School, the New York Historical Society, Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City, and the Foundation for City College. He is also a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.
About The College From The President Insights
Remembering Jayne N. Schiff
Jayne was a lifelong learner who seemed to have boundless energy when it came to anything in her life, including anything related to The College. The Master of Science in Financial Planning and six designations she earned from The College (in addition to her two bachelor’s degrees and another master’s) were just a few of the many ways she stood out among her contemporaries. Jayne loved The College and was incredibly generous in giving of her time, talent, and treasure to support its growth and impact.
Jayne was a trailblazer. I knew her to be the first to speak up if she had an idea or concern — a woman who would raise her hand without hesitation when we needed her perspective or support. Equally as important, Jayne would raise her hand to ask questions. And even if the answer wasn’t what she wanted, she would listen for the reasoning and support the outcome. But the paradoxical truth is: as bold as she was in advocating for, and serving, The College and the financial services profession, she was modest in acknowledging the major role she played in both. An industry leader and a 2017 inductee into the Alumni Hall of Fame, which recognizes graduates of The College who have made extraordinary contributions to the financial services industry, Jayne didn’t seek out recognition as much as it sought her.
Jayne had a deep respect for the founder and first president of The College, Solomon S. Huebner, PhD; we bonded over a shared appreciation for his legacy and his vision for our great institution. Like Dr. Huebner, Jayne was a first by her own right: she was the first female president of the Alumni Association, now called the Alumni Council, and she was involved in many firsts at The College, including my own story. I credit Jayne and Bud for recruiting me to my role as president and CEO of The College. Were it not for their persistence, their passion, or their persuasiveness, I don’t know if I would have sought the office myself to become the first Black president of The College.
Jayne was the kind of person who could plant an idea or inspire a change in a way that seemed effortless. Just ask my daughters, who may still remember being timid around dogs as children — that is, until Jayne introduced the girls to her pooches. I can’t pinpoint the exact moment it became inevitable that we would welcome a dog into the Nichols family, but I can trace it back to the experience and the confidence my daughters gleaned from being with Jayne.
As a student, Jayne was diligent, meticulous, and conscientious. She was the same way as an agent and agency leader, wanting only the best for her clients; and she was the same way as an alumna, holding The College to the highest standards.
Jayne was a singular woman and a force of change as an individual. Partnered with Bud, her husband of 53 years (together for 57 years) who is an Alumni Hall of Famer himself, she was unstoppable. As a team, they turned aspirations into impact for The College, and I daresay, for every organization and cause they championed. Personal passions and empathy inspired Jayne’s endeavors. As one example, Jayne was an educator, advocate, and knowledgeable advisor to the special needs community, recognizing the specialized financial planning required to help families navigate their unique challenges. Indeed, she served on the Advisory Board of The American College Center for Special Needs. And there were many other philanthropic and professional causes that benefited from Jayne getting behind them and pushing forward for the greater good.
Yet no cause was more important to Jayne than her family. CJ and I would like to extend our condolences, thoughts, and prayers to Jayne’s beloved husband Bud, her son Matthew E. Schiff, CLU®, ChFC®, WMCP®, who served on the Alumni Board, including as its chair, daughter Kara A. Schiff, and the entire Schiff family. May her memory be a blessing.
I ask our College community, please join me in sharing your sympathies and remembrances on LinkedIn or however you feel appropriate.
About The College Financial Planning Press
The College Launches Tax Planning Certification Program
KING OF PRUSSIA, PA – November 4, 2024 – The TPCP™ Program equips financial advisors, tax professionals, and CPAs with the knowledge and tools to develop and implement tax-efficient planning strategies for individuals and business owners. While enrollment is now open, access to the first course (TPCP 101) begins on January 6. The program has already seen nearly 5,000 professionals express interest.
As part of the launch, a live demo with Jeff Levine, CFP®, CPA/PFS, ChFC®, RICP®, CWS, AIF®, BFA™, Professor of Practice in Tax Planning, will be held on Nov. 12, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. ET. Levine, known for distilling complex tax strategies into actionable insights, will guide attendees through the program alongside The College’s academic support team, providing a first look at this new curriculum. You can register here.
“The TPCP™ Program fills a critical gap in financial education by offering advisors practical tools to meet client demands for informed, tax-aware financial strategies,” said George Nichols III, CAP®, president and CEO of The American College of Financial Services. “With the expertise of our faculty, we are thrilled to provide professionals with a credential that brings tax-informed planning to the forefront of comprehensive financial planning.”
The TPCP™ Program focuses on real-world application, covering topics such as tax legislation, retirement tax planning, estate planning, and strategies for individual and business taxation.
“I’m excited to help financial professionals close the knowledge gap in this high-demand area with the launch of The College’s TPCP™ Program,” said Levine. “Tax planning is financial planning, and the TPCP™ provides the first comprehensive, in-depth education on tax strategies that directly align with clients’ goals and needs across their lifetime.”
To enroll in the program, visit TheAmericanCollege.edu/TPCP.
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 profession.
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Contacts
Sarah Tremallo
908-967-0381 / Stremallo@jconnelly.com
Jared Trexler
610-526-1268 / Jared.Trexler@theamericancollege.edu
2024 FinServe Network Class
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
FinServe Network Convenes for 2024 Summit
The 2024 FinServe Summit opened with a presentation from Jared Trexler, chief marketing and strategy officer, to the 13 ambassadors present – including several new members. Trexler covered the latest developments and initiatives from The College, from upcoming events like the Horizons 2025 conference to new programming like the Tax Planning Certified Professional™ (TPCP™) Program, and more.
Following Trexler’s presentation, Senior Vice President of Advancement and Alumni Relations Carol Parlin Prushan discussed philanthropic giving and some of the advancement and alumni relations team’s ongoing work to engage The College’s students and alumni.
“We’re like the filter for our clients,” said Ande Frazier, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, RICP®, BFA™, ChSNC®, CDFA®, CEPA, CExP, one of 2024’s new recruits to the FinServe Network. “We need to get them information that is true, real, and important to them – and which reflects their values.”
Ambassadors present at the 2024 Summit came from across the country, including such locations as Alaska and Puerto Rico.
Practice Management and Personal Growth
The first day of the Summit ended with special guest Marc Butler, an author, entrepreneur, and financial advisor, speaking to the ambassadors about how to organically grow an advisory practice, as well as the obstacles independent wealth management firms face in technology, talent acquisition, business development, leadership, and operations.
“Many businesses and professionals have ideas, but many don’t have a strategic plan,” Butler said. “Having that plan is critical because that’s what really brings a team together.”
“Many businesses and professionals have ideas, but many don’t have a strategic plan. Having that plan is critical because that’s what really brings a team together.”
—Marc Butler
Butler also discussed potential uses of artificial intelligence (AI) systems to reduce demands on advisors’ time, as well as the importance of a practice’s vision, mission, and core values as a value proposition to clients – especially in the critical focus area of retirement planning.
Strengthening the Foundations of Financial Services
In keeping with tradition, the second day of the FinServe Summit began with an early morning conversation over coffee and breakfast with George Nichols III, CAP®, College president and CEO.
In his talk with the ambassadors, Nichols highlighted the differences between the financial services “industry” and “profession,” including the duty of financial professionals to benefit society as well as influence the direction of the industry for the better. He especially called attention to the subject of recruitment and retention in the field, saying The College is dedicated to addressing both areas, but that in some cases, retention has become the more pressing concern.
“The fact is 72% of people who start in this business leave after only a few years,” Nichols said, citing research from Cerulli. “A lot of the time we focus on the diversity of the industry and bringing more people of color, women, and others on board – but if we don’t fix this retention problem, we’re still failing them, and we’re failing white men, too.”
After the conversation with The College president, members of The College’s marketing and communications team led a workshop on social media usage and content creation for the ambassadors. They were welcomed into brainstorming sessions for future College content and various video clips and segments to use in their own personal branding and for The College’s marketing efforts.
“72% of people who start in this business leave after only a few years…if we don’t fix this retention problem, we’re still failing [diverse professionals], and we’re failing white men, too.”
—George Nichols III, CAP®
Further activities included individual interviews with new ambassadors, as well as group panel discussions on some of The College’s most important areas of focus: financial products and planning strategies for retirement; philanthropy and donor-advised funds (DAFs) for giving; tax and small business planning; and the future of specialized knowledge in the financial services industry. Associate Professor of Business Planning Sophia Duffy, JD, CPA, AEP® and ThinkAdvisor senior reporter John Manganaro joined President Nichols in hosting those panel discussions.
After the individual and group sessions were concluded, Trexler reconvened the ambassadors for a final thank-you and farewell.
“We’re incredibly lucky to have you all on our team,” he said. “You are the people who will help carry our mission forward.”
More From The College
- Learn more about the FinServe Network
- Meet the New FinServe Network Ambassadors