The President's Blog

51 Blog Posts

Women in Research: Changing the Face of Financial Services

Mar 24, 2022

This month is Women's History Month, and it's also National Ethics Awareness Month. I believe that women's history, like that of Black history, should be acknowledged year-long, and strengthening the ethical decision-making of organizations should also be a continuous pursuit. However, it is very appropriate for women and ethics awareness to be acknowledged simultaneously.

Uncover the Meaning Behind Wealth with A Spectrum of Legacies

Mar 08, 2022

When we think of estate planning, we usually think about the fundamentals. Who are our heirs? How should our wealth be divided? What is the most tax-efficient manner for distribution? Yet, during this process, it's uncommon to discuss the meaning behind our wealth, the values we lived by as we created it, and what we dream our wealth can achieve for our family and others after we have passed.

The President’s Report 2021: Forging New Pathways to Trust in Financial Services

Feb 15, 2022

America's trust crisis, which emerged during the financial crisis of 2008, has been masked for some time by the longest-running bull market in history. The COVID-19 pandemic and America's awakening to social and economic injustice have stoked the flames of this distrust. Organizations looking to attract and retain today's values-driven consumers need a new plan, one that removes the mask and confronts the issues with collective, long-lasting solutions.

A Celebration of Black History in the Making

Feb 01, 2022

This month we celebrate Black History Month, a special time to recognize and honor the history of Black Americans and those who triumphantly blazed new paths, advancing the nation while contending with racial discrimination and inequality. We honor Maggie Lena Walker, Alonzo Herndon, O.W. Gurley, Ernesta Procope, Arthur George Gaston, and Clifton Wharton, Jr., the first Black pioneers in financial services. However, I've always loathed the notion of celebrating Black history for a month because Black history is steeped in our history; it's American history.

The Critical Role of Sponsorship in the Pursuit of Economic Justice

Jan 14, 2022

On Monday, America will honor the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. with a federal "day on, not off" for millions of Americans. Around the country, people will gather and volunteer to pay their respects to the late Dr. King, who recognized service as a means to bring people together and strengthen communities. Dr. King also recognized the importance of having mentors to help remove obstacles and bridge divides. This MLK Day, I invite you to explore the opportunity of serving - not only for a day but for a lifetime - as a sponsor.

Our New Year’s Call to Action

Jan 03, 2022

For decades, The American College of Financial Services has been a trusted source of applied financial knowledge and education. In an age of great skepticism, you can rely on us to be the beacon, navigating whatever lies ahead with the truth.

Gratitude and Grief

Dec 16, 2021

My hometown, the place of my roots, where my feet have left, but my heart still resides, is in Bowling Green, Kentucky. I was in Bowling Green when the tornadoes descended. Like everyone, I hunkered down, unable to imagine the destruction that was ensuing. On Saturday morning, I saw with my own eyes the devastation and learned of the awful impact on my niece's neighborhood, where several of her neighbors lost their lives, including a child. Since then, I have been filled with immense gratitude. Gratitude that my niece was not harmed, that there was only minor damage to her property and that those I know and love survived.

Is Your Culture Ready for DEI Progress?

Dec 06, 2021

Following the murders of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, a spike in Asian-American hate crimes, and the social unrest that ensued in 2020, DEI was propelled to the forefront of corporate America. DEI job postings increased by 123% between May and September 2020. Over 2,000 CEOs and presidents signed the CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion™ pledge, committing to advancing diversity and inclusion in their organizations and communities. And, since 2019, the number of Black board members in businesses has tripled. But can DEI progress be sustained?