IRA Success is an innovative, continuing education eligible, self-study program covering the latest retirement distribution and tax planning laws and strategies under the SECURE Act and CARES Act. It combines the expertise and clear-cut language of America’s IRA Expert Ed Slott, CPA, founder of irahelp.com and Professor of Practice at The American College of Financial Services, and his team of IRA Experts with The College’s proven results in e-learning design and delivery. 

“The College is proud to partner with industry leader Ed Slott and his team, who have educated millions on the second half of retirement planning, to offer a one-of-a-kind educational program in the financial services industry,” said Nichols. “The IRA is a valuable retirement planning vehicle full of opportunities and obstacles currently owned by one-in-three U.S. households. IRA Success offers our students massive real-world applicability and potential business-building outcomes in a growing marketplace.” 

With an emphasis on the SECURE Act and CARES Act, the 12-course program covers everything from recognizing new backdoor Roth opportunities to identifying key beneficiary categories still eligible for stretch IRA provisions. Each course comes with a video presentation, resources to use with clients and a digital course manual as an extensive reference tool. 

“The financial industry has seen sweeping legislation and policy changes in recent years that have completely changed the retirement planning landscape. Now, more than ever before, financial professionals need access to the latest information available so they can serve clients in their best interest,” said Slott. “I am proud to partner with The College to provide the training advisors need on a robust e-learning platform.” 

As a leading source of timely IRA expertise and analysis to financial advisors, institutions, and consumers, Slott and his team greatly expand The College’s knowledge offerings by providing practical, easy-to-understand information on IRA and retirement distribution planning. This program will help financial professionals prepare their clients to secure hard-earned retirement savings and navigate potential tax pitfalls. IRA Success costs $195 per course or $2,100 for the entire program. Those that enroll by April 30, 2021, will receive a signed copy of Slott’s new best-selling book, “The New Retirement Savings Time Bomb” (Penguin Random House, 2021).

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.

ABOUT ED SLOTT 

Ed Slott, CPA, is the nationally recognized IRA and retirement planning distribution expert, best-selling author and professional speaker. His latest books include “Ed Slott’s Retirement Decisions Guide: 2021 Edition” (IRAHelp, 2021), “Fund Your Future: A Tax-Smart Savings Plan in Your 20s and 30s” (IRAHelp, 2021), and “The New Retirement Savings Time Bomb” (Penguin Random House, 2021). He has also hosted several public television programs, including his latest, “Retire Safe & Secure! with Ed Slott” (2021). As an AARP columnist, Slott also writes a Q&A column where he answers consumers' retirement planning questions. His company, Ed Slott and Company, LLC, is the nation's leading provider of technical IRA education for financial advisors, CPAs and attorneys. Ed Slott's Elite IRA Advisor GroupSM is comprised of nearly 450 of the nation's top financial professionals who are dedicated to the mastery of advanced retirement account and tax planning laws and strategies. Visit irahelp.com for more information and connect with Ed Slott and Company on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

Based solely on the feedback provided through an employee survey, The College has been named a Top Workplace in Philadelphia for midsized companies. 

“Being recognized as a Top Workplace is about more than just offering great benefits and vacation time. Employees want to align with a company’s vision, be challenged by a high-performance culture, and feel that they are valued and that their voices are heard,” said George Nichols III, President and CEO of The College. “Through the advocacy and ideas of our culture committee, leadership training, frequent surveys, virtual social events, and a clear mission and vision to rally around, this success is all of our success and we take pride in effecting this kind of change.” 

The Top Workplaces list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage LLC. The anonymous survey uniquely measures 15 culture drivers that are critical to the success of any organization: including alignment, execution, and connection, to name a few. The College also received specific badges for certain culture drivers ranked in the top 25% of organizations in our mid-sized company benchmark surveyed in the last 12 months, including: 

• Clued-in Employees – Employees feel well-informed about the important decisions at The College 
• Trusted Leader – Employees have confidence in the leader of The College 
• Company Direction – Employees believe The College is going in the right direction 

"During this very challenging time, Top Workplaces has proven to be a beacon of light for organizations, as well as a sign of resiliency and strong business performance," said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. "When you give your employees a voice, you come together to navigate challenges and shape your path forward. Top Workplaces draw on real-time insights into what works best for their organization, so they can make informed decisions that have a positive impact on their people and their business.” 

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.

ABOUT ENERGAGE 

Making the world a better place to work together.^TM Energage is a purpose-driven company that helps organizations turn employee feedback into useful business intelligence and credible employer recognition through Top Workplaces. Built on 14 years of culture research and the results from 23 million employees surveyed across more than 70,000 organizations,  Energage delivers the most accurate competitive benchmark available. With access to a unique combination of patented analytic tools and expert guidance, Energage customers lead the competition with an engaged workforce and an opportunity to gain recognition for their people-first approach to culture. For more information or to nominate your organization, visit energage.com or topworkplaces.com.

The goal of Economic Empowerment Day is to create a collective focal point for the national conversation on the racial wealth gap and the inequality in access to capital. 

“The College’s commitment to Black America, and to the Greenwood District and the Tulsa community, transcends our sponsorship. We are proud to partner with and support philanthropic actions in Tulsa through The College’s Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® (CAP®) program and the CAP® Impact Scholarship,” says George Nichols III, President and CEO at The American College of Financial Services. “The spirit of Economic Empowerment Day mirrors The College’s mission to uplift Black and underserved communities across America.” 

Through the partnership with Economic Empowerment Day, The College is offering the CAP® Impact Scholarship to the Tulsa philanthropic community to support nonprofit gift planners from historically underrepresented communities in their pursuit of advanced knowledge that will enable them to better facilitate the generosity of donors for the benefit of their communities and society. 

Tulsa CAP® Impact Scholarship recipients will join The College’s Advisors of Color network, created in 2021 to engage 100 advisors of color with local communities in the program this year and are currently recruiting for a Tulsa CAP® study group for a fall launch. The College has longstanding partnerships with 19 community foundations across the country who host interdisciplinary CAP® study groups to amplify the impact of philanthropy through knowledge. 

“Hosting an economic empowerment conference of this caliber with a critical focus on closing the Black wealth gap is transformational,” said Phil Armstrong, Project Director of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission. “This discussion is essential to reviving the legacy of Black Wall Street and will help set the course for Black entrepreneurs to establish a legacy of wealth for themselves and generations to come.” 

The hybrid conference, held in person and online June 1, 2021, will have three tracks for different audiences focused on specific areas of wealth disparity. One track is for institutional investors, one is for entrepreneurs and business owners, and the third is for individuals and families. President Nichols and Dr. Pamela Jolly, Senior Strategist at The College and Founder and CEO of Torch Enterprises, will be participating in sessions throughout the day. 

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.

The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission pays homage to the martyrs of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre and celebrates the resilience of the Greenwood spirit and the Black Wall Street mentality. The projects of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission will educate Oklahomans and Americans about the Race Massacre and its impact on the state and Nation; remember its victims and survivors; and create an environment conducive to fostering sustainable entrepreneurship and heritage tourism within the Greenwood District specifically, and North Tulsa generally.

This is the inaugural year of the scholarship program, an unparalleled educational experience focused on transforming the way you approach wealth management through applied knowledge exclusively offered by The College in collaboration with Ameritas and WIFS. 

“At The American College of Financial Services, we’re committed to supporting women in their aspirations for success in the financial services profession through education, research, and awareness. This scholarship program aligns perfectly with our mission to attract and develop more women in the industry,” said Hilary Fiorella, Executive Director of The American College Center for Women in Financial Services. “Our partnership with industry leaders like Ameritas and WIFS allows us to provide our applied investment management knowledge to two dozen female financial professionals, who will in turn, provide comprehensive wealth management practice to their clients.” 

The College received nearly 50 applications for the newly created scholarship program, with 24 applications accepted, three of which will be mentors who will take part in the WMCP® program and were chosen by WIFS to lead three cohort groups. 

Winners of the 2021 scholarship program represent a diverse group of women, with 42 percent Black, 45 percent Caucasian, and 13 percent Hispanic/Latina participation. The range of tenure breaks down between early career, mid-career, and more tenured/experienced. (See full list of winners below.) 

“This scholarship is a creative and powerful way for us to bring together the strength of three influential organizations,” said Heather Nagengast, Vice President of Wealth Management and Investment Services at Ameritas. “Ameritas has long-standing relationships with both WIFS and The College. Funding this scholarship through our Pike Chair Endowment, we are doing something deeply impactful to grow our next generation of women in this great industry.” 

Ameritas has sponsored $75,000 to support the 24 WMCP® scholarship recipients and mentors in 2021. Starting in 2022, the company will contribute $25,000 for eight WMCP® scholarships each year. Funds for this new program were provided by the Larry R. Pike Chair in Insurance and Investments endowment, established by The College and Ameritas. Complimentary WIFS membership will also be provided by Ameritas. 

“WIFS is proud to partner with The American College of Financial Services and Ameritas on this exciting new scholarship opportunity for women in the profession," said Carrie D. Sayre, WIFS National President. “Our mentoring program continues to be one of the most highly-popular and well-attended programs we offer, and it is gratifying to help other women advance in their careers with this education program.” 

The scholarship program is available to those identifying as female who work in the financial services industry, are interested in earning the WMCP® designation and expanding their advanced financial planning skills, and are not being reimbursed with employer-sponsored education benefits. Ameritas employees are not eligible. 

2021 WMCP® Scholarship for the Advancement of Women in Financial Services Scholarship Recipients 

*2021 program mentors 

• Christy Aleckson, Single Point Financial Advisors, Inc. 
• Brenda Catugno, BPC, LLC 
• Alexandra Cepeda, Boundless Financial Consulting 
• Joanna Craney, 1847 Financial 
• Karen Darby, Jacobi Capital Management, LLC 
• Joan Gilles, Financial Planning Partners LLC 
• Carolyn Humphrey, Horner Townsend & Kent 
• Elyse Jurman, Diversified Financial Solutions, Inc. 
• Sophie Lancaster, Heritage Wealth Management 
• Patrisha Lee, Self Employed 
• Morgan Marlin, Cetera Advisors 
• Emily Miller, UCL Financial Group, LLC 
• Aywanna Monroe, Self Employed 
• April Murdaugh, National Life Group 
• Tracy Payne, Baltimore Life Companies 
• Ashlee Rehbein, Family First Life 
• Patricia Schutt-Aine, One South Florida Wealth Advisors, LLC 
• Karlene Sears 
• Davina Sims, Linda Mitchell State Farm Insurance 
• Diana Smith, Cetera Advisors LLC 
• Crystal Sudbury, Baacke Insurance & Financial Services 
• Kimberly Turner, Retirement Planning Doctors 
• Jodi Vawdrey, Jodi Vawdrey DBA OakBridge Asset & Tax Management 
• Clarissa Williams, Capital Financial Group/MassMutual Financial Group 

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.

ABOUT WIFS 

Founded in 1936, Women in Insurance and Financial Services (WIFS) is an association of financial services professionals working together to Attract, Develop and Advance women in an underrepresented profession. No other financial services organization provides programming designed for women, by women. WIFS is devoted to advancing career opportunities, providing professional development, and representing women's interests in a male-dominated industry. Through attraction, retention, and a unique focus on mentoring and networking, WIFS is the largest women’s association empowering women in the finance and insurance professions to succeed. For more information, visit wifsnational.org. 

ABOUT AMERITAS 

Ameritas is a marketing name for Ameritas Mutual Holding Company and its affiliated subsidiary companies, including Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. and Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. of New York. Founded in 1887, Ameritas offers a wide range of insurance and financial products and services to individuals, families and businesses. These products and services include life insurance; annuities; individual disability income insurance; group dental, vision and hearing care insurance; retirement plans; investments; asset management; and public finance. Securities offered through affiliate Ameritas Investment Company LLC (AIC), member FINRA/SIPC, and investment advisory services offered through the business name of Ameritas Advisory Services. AIC is not affiliated with any third-party entity mentioned herein. For more information, visit Ameritas.com.

As the chief academic officer for the nation’s largest regionally accredited, nonprofit institution dedicated to financial services education, Hall will be responsible for advancing The College’s mission and vision to provide best in class applied financial knowledge and education, and broadening its reputation as the leader in e-learning within the financial and business sectors. 

“Gwen’s long-established career as a leader in higher education, government, and military service makes her the ideal choice to build upon The College’s recent significant growth in faculty thought leadership and investments that have transformed the delivery of our education and support to our students,“ Nichols said. “Her extensive experience with demonstrated success in academic organization and operations, strategic planning, and student success is pivotal in charting the way forward as we approach our centennial.” 

Hall joined The College in March 2020 as Associate Vice Provost and Vice President to establish the first Student Experience Department by reorganizing the admissions and enrollment management function, creating a dedicated team for program advising to support students, adding an academic technology support function for students, and automating many registrar operations. In addition to being responsible for ensuring that students receive a high-quality experience, she has shown College-wide leadership as active member of the President’s Leadership Advisory Council, supporting the development of The College’s strategic planning process, providing guidance on the COVID-19 Task Force, and serving as an advisor to The College’s newest Center of Excellence, the Center for Economic Empowerment and Equality. 

From 2005-2020, Hall held a number of leadership positions with American Public University System (APUS) serving over 80,000 online students, culminating to Senior Vice President and Vice Provost. Previous to that she held many roles of distinction at APUS including Chief of Staff, Office of the President; Associate Provost of Academic Effectiveness and Student Success; Senior Vice President, Academic Operations; Dean, School of Security and Global Studies; and Chair, Department of Homeland Security, and Transportation and Logistics Management. 

“I am honored to be named Provost and given the opportunity to further serve this academic institution with its rich history of advancing the financial services profession for the benefit of society,” said Hall. “I look forward to working closely with our esteemed faculty and talented professional staff to expand the catalogue of exceptional offerings and ensure the programs continue to be relevant for the students and industries we serve, and The College remains at the forefront of online financial education.” 

Hall’s career in government included consulting with the Department of Homeland Security on strategic planning, infrastructure planning, and resiliency planning. She also served as a professional staff member for the House Select Committee on Homeland Security responsible for maintaining the committee portfolio for all homeland defense issues. A retired Air Force Officer, Hall’s last assignment was Chief of the National Security Policy Division, Headquarters Air Force. Before arriving at the Pentagon in 2002, she was deployed as the Director of the Combined Forces Air Component Commander’s Action Group at Prince Sultan’s Air Base, Saudi Arabia. From 1999-2002, she was the Commander and Director of Operations of the Dean of Faculty Squadron at the United States Air Force Academy where she also served on faculty as a Professor of Political Science and President of the Faculty Advisory Group to the Dean of Faculty. 

In addition to her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Hall holds a Master of Public Policy and a PhD in National Security Policy Studies all from the University of Maryland. 

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.

The mission of CAAFP is to advance and foster professional relationships and development among African Americans working in the industry. 

#CAAFP2021 will be held virtually on August 10-11, and this year focuses on Four Steps Forward, a bold plan from The College’s Center for Economic Empowerment and Equality to foster upward mobility and wealth building in Black America. Racial injustice and inequality have continued for decades, but everyone is saying that this time feels different. The financial services industry has the opportunity – and the obligation – to make sure it really is different by coming together to create sustainable, generational change in Black communities across America. 

The two-day event features inspiring and thought-provoking keynote addresses led by change agents from a variety of backgrounds and industry experts delivering timely and engaging breakout sessions, including: 

Master of Ceremonies: Mike James, Head of Individual Solutions and President, NFP Life Solutions 

Keynote Speakers: 

• Tiffany Aliche, Author and Founder of “The Budgetnista” 
• Maggie Anderson, JD, MBA, Author, CEO and Founder of The Empowerment Experiment 
• Chris Gardner, Author, Entrepreneur, award-winning Film Producer, Philanthropist, and CEO of HappYness 
• Pamela Jolly, EdD, Author, CEO, and Founder of Torch Enterprises 
• Wes Moore, Author, Combat Veteran, and former CEO of Robin Hood 
• Ramesh Srinivasan, Author and Professor at UCLA 

Entertainment: 

• Spoken Word: Ras Asan, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of BREAUX Capital 
• Musical Entertainment: Rob Base, Recording Artist 
• Inspirational Message: Caroline Clarke, Author 
• Comedy Break: Dwayne Perkins, Comedian, Podcaster, and Actor 

“The CAAFP celebrates the history and accomplishments of African Americans in the financial services profession, empowers professional development, and facilitates learning to help professionals on their journey to success,” says George Nichols III, President and CEO of The American College of Financial Services. “Society’s commitment to fostering change can sometimes be fleeting, but we have a responsibility to make sure we don’t miss this opportunity to build solutions that live past the moment. Join us for this landmark event as we take Four Steps Forward to promote upward mobility and wealth-building in Black America and be part of a network of your fellow financial services professionals dedicated to creating lasting change.” 

Financial professionals are entrusted with the public’s financial well-being and play a significant role in helping individuals and families achieve long-term financial security. The CAAFP was designed to help advance participants’ careers and deepen their expertise to better serve their clients of all backgrounds in need of guidance and financial security.

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.

This is the first major gift The College has received in support and celebration of The College’s commitment to promoting economic justice with collective, community-focused solutions that last. It will help with the expansion of the Center’s Four Steps Forward initiative and programs to reach underserved communities and increase their opportunities for economic mobility, as well as educate and empower Black financial professionals as they start and grow their careers. 

“The College is tremendously grateful to Guardian Life for their generous support and the opportunity to collaborate with others seeking to write a new narrative in history around economic equity and social justice,” said George Nichols III, President and CEO of The American College of Financial Services. “This critical investment will allow the Center for Economic Empowerment and Equality to make a measurable impact in our collective effort to close the racial wealth gap and uplift underserved communities.” 

Guardian Life’s financial support is critical seed funding to expand the Center’s financial education programs for Black women, bolster the Center’s scholarship programs for HBCU and early-career financial professionals, and implement a new approach to study groups for Black financial professionals. Beyond the financial commitment, Guardian Life financial professionals will have the opportunities to play an active role in serving as financial education trainers, mentors, and sponsors within their communities and businesses. For their leadership, Guardian Life will be recognized as a Founder’s Circle donor to the Center. 

“At Guardian, we help communities thrive and we invest in creating more equity and access in underserved communities," said Andrew McMahon, Chief Executive Officer and President at Guardian Life. "We take pride in sharing our know-how to help individuals build the essential life skills needed to manage their own finances, plan for their financial futures and share the opportunities available in new and fulfilling career options within financial services.” 

Guardian Life’s important investment in the Center for Economic Empowerment and Equality underlines their focus on supporting their clients and their families at a time they need care the most; hiring and developing talent that can have a positive change in their communities, and giving back to the people they serve.

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.

Trexler brings to The College 16 years of marketing experience, including leadership roles in financial education, investment, assets, and wealth management. He will join The College on September 7, reporting directly to President Nichols. 

As the head of Marketing and Communications for the nation’s largest regionally accredited, nonprofit institution dedicated to financial services education, Trexler and his team of marketing and communications professionals will be charged with broadening The College’s position and reputation in the marketplace, expanding its brand in a rapidly-changing financial services profession, and driving enrollments and engagement that supports The College’s mission and vision to provide best-in-class applied financial knowledge and education. 

“The College’s mission to benefit society is a noble pursuit that continues to deliver significant impacts across the financial services profession and communities at large. We achieve that mission by engaging with a wide range of audiences, keeping our finger on the pulse of the profession, and delivering experiences that educate and empower people to expand their knowledge,” Nichols said. “Jared has spent the better part of his career working directly with financial advisors and partner firms across insurance, broker-dealer, and RIA channels, as well as industry thought leaders and the financial media. He understands how best to position our story and our strategy and communicate it dynamically to more people in more places.” 

Trexler’s marketing leadership has extended to several areas of financial services, from heading content and branding at Ed Slott and Company, LLC, the nation’s foremost leader in retirement distribution planning education and training, to creating and executing marketing strategies and driving assets under management (AUM) and assets under advisement (AUA) growth in investment and private wealth management. 

Trexler also previously served as Director of Strategic and Executive Communications at The College, working with Nichols and The College’s leadership team to draft compelling narratives that best communicated strategic initiatives, new educational programs, and Centers of Excellence. He also drove an expansion of The College’s content marketing efforts, developed The Office of the President website, and supported The President’s efforts at industry meetings and events. He is a past recipient of the Mary Varner Award for Exemplary Service, The College’s highest honor for professional staff. 

“I’m very excited to partner with talented professionals across The College and lead a department with so many compelling stories to tell,” Trexler said. “We’ll continue to focus on delivering exceptional experiences that excite, engage, educate, and empower. Applied knowledge has a ubiquitous influence on professional growth and the financial security of consumers and their communities. As brand stewards and business builders, our team is responsible for communicating the profession’s most universal value.” 

Trexler holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Pennsylvania State University, where he returned to author a book on Penn State football in the years following his graduation. He’s a twice-published author, former columnist, and has offered his insights on financial marketing’s transformation in InvestmentNews, Financial Planning, and at numerous industry events, including the New York State Society of CPAs and the Financial Services Institute National Summit. ​ 

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.

The Clambake will be held virtually this year on September 9, 2021, featuring thought-provoking content and a moving, patriotic award ceremony. A key component of the event is The American College Soldier-Citizen Award, established in 2014 to recognize and celebrate the sacrifice and service of its recipients who have selflessly given back to society and their community. The 2021 Solder Citizen Award Recipient is Admiral Tom Fargo, USN (Ret). 

"The Penn Mutual Center for Veterans Affairs' goal is to empower deserving veterans and active-duty service members with career opportunities, and to infuse the financial services profession with a talent pool of determined, mission-minded individuals who are vital to the integrity of the profession,” said Ted Digges, Captain, SC, USN (Ret.), Executive Director of the Penn Mutual Center for Veterans Affairs. "We are grateful for the support of so many to our scholarship program supporting those pursuing success in their second careers." 

Amid preparations for the Clambake, the Penn Mutual Center for Veterans Affairs hit a major milestone by awarding their 1,000th scholarship. Craig Martin, the 1,000th scholarship recipient from Niceville, FL, is an example of the caliber of the Center's scholars. Martin served in the Army Special Forces for 17 years before retiring in 2018 with 100% disability from combat service. He describes himself as a strategic planner, serial entrepreneur, mentor, and leader who is skilled at developing effective teams and accomplishing goals. He is known for honesty, flexibility, results-based initiatives, and loyalty, and is a great father to his children. 

Martin successfully transitioned from the military to financial services, and is now a financial advisor and wealth manager servicing active-duty and retired military clients. He plans to obtain additional financial planning knowledge through the Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®) program so he can provide exceptional service and experience-based recommendations to his clients. “Financial planning has been a seamless transition from my military experiences. My plans are at a fiduciary level and include problem-solving, risk reduction, and life contingency planning,” said Martin. 

"At the heart of the excitement around the Clambake beats the mission of the Center: to provide educational support and career opportunities to men and women who have honorably served in the Armed Forces,” said George Nichols III, President and CEO of The College. “The Clambake's generous supporters have allowed more than 250 deserving veterans, active-duty service members, and their spouses to receive full scholarships to programs offered by The College in the past year alone.” 

The Penn Mutual Center for Veterans Affairs has experienced explosive growth since its launch in 2012 thanks to impressive support from corporate and private donors alike, as well as word-of-mouth advocacy from scholars. The annual Clambake continues to generate professional interest and garner financial support for the important mission of the Center. 

If you would like to learn more about giving a unique opportunity to active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their spouses seeking a new direction through flexible distance learning and training, visit veterans.theamericancollege.edu/scholarships. 

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.

The President’s Dinner will be the first in-person event The College has hosted since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, which forced the 2020 President’s Dinner to be held in a virtual format. 

As in years past, The College is proud to honor several individuals at the year-end gala who have made significant and meaningful contributions to The College, its programs and initiatives, the financial services industry, and society at large. These include honors such as the Solomon S. Huebner Gold Medal, the President’s Award, the NextGen Financial Services Professional Awards, and the 2021 Alumni Hall of Fame induction. 

“We’re incredibly excited to return to the tradition of our in-person President’s Dinner and recall why it’s one of our favorite times of the year,” said George Nichols III, President and CEO of The American College of Financial Services. “Getting to celebrate the connections, camaraderie, and commitment to the community that tie us all together is exactly what The College is all about, and I know I’ll be honored to be able to actually shake the hands of this year’s deserving award recipients.” 

Presented annually since 1975, The College’s Huebner Gold Medal is named for Solomon S. Huebner—financial services, education, and insurance pioneer who founded The College in 1927—and is the highest honor bestowed by The College. Individuals receiving the Huebner Gold Medal are those whose leadership and support have advanced the mission of The College in significant ways. This year, The College will honor a pair of recipients with the Huebner Gold Medal: 

• Michael Corey, Managing Partner of MJC Ventures, Advisory Board Member Emeritus for The American College Penn Mutual Center for Veterans Affairs, past member of The American College Board of Trustees, past member of The American College Foundation Board, and member of The College’s President’s Roundtable 
• James Meehan, MSM, Managing Partner at 1847 Financial, immediate past Chair and current member of The American College Penn Mutual Center for Veterans Affairs Advisory Board, and current member and former Chairman of the Board of Trustees 

Specifically, Corey and Meehan are honored this year for their leadership roles with The College’s Board of Trustees and The College’s Penn Mutual Center for Veterans Affairs immediate past Chair and Advisory Board Member Emeritus respectively. Both men have played a vital role in helping The College and its Center for Veterans Affairs serve the military community, including active-duty, guard, and reserve service personnel, veterans, and their families with educational opportunities to find second careers in financial services. 

Established in 2005, the Alumni Hall of Fame award recognizes graduates of The College’s programs who have made extraordinary contributions in time, talent, and treasure to the institution, their community, and the financial services profession. This year, The College recognizes Michael “Mickey” Rosenzweig, CLU®, ChFC®, AEP®, Founder, President, and CEO of Rosenzweig Financial Services and Trustee at The College, for his over four decades of dedication to the betterment of the financial services profession and stewardship of The College and its mission. Rosenzweig is a past member and Chair of The American College Alumni Association Advisory Board and past member of The College Foundation. 

Conferred by the President and CEO of The American College of Financial Services, the President’s Award recognizes the extraordinary leadership and generosity of benefactors and volunteers for The College. The 2021 President’s Award recipient is Susan Cooper, MSM, RICP®, ChFC®, CLU®, CAP®, CFP®, Managing Director at Prudential Financial. Cooper has been a critical and valuable partner in many of The College’s initiatives and serving in many leadership roles including a current member of the Board of Trustees and past member of The College Foundation. 

Intended to recognize the significant contributions made to the financial services industry by individuals under the age of 40, the NextGen Financial Services Professional Award is given each year to a group of talented and deserving young professionals making their mark on the industry. The 2021 group of award recipients include: 

• Amie Agamata, CFP®, AIF®, RICP®, ChFC®, CLU® 
• LeTian Dong, CFP®, RICP®, ChFC® 
• Shellie Haluska, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, AAMS® 
• Michael Sise, CFP®, ChFC®, CPFA®, AIF®, CRPC® 
• Andrew Tudor, CFP®, RICP® 
• Lauren Yamaoka, CAP® 

To ensure the health and safety of event attendees, The College will adhere to all COVID-19 guidelines within the City of Philadelphia. Vaccination against the COVID-19 virus is encouraged. To learn more about the 2021 President’s Dinner or to register, visit here or call 610-526-1338. 

The College is accepting President's Dinner tributes for those that want to offer congratulations to the 2021 honorees in the form of donations that will allow the institution to continue to serve the industry and benefit society. 

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.