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We couldn't think of a better way to close out AAPI Heritage Month than by celebrating our very own Associate General Counsel Jennifer C. Wang, who was recognized as the Wealth Solutions Report General Counsel of the Year in their Top AAPI Industry Leaders of 2024 awards! We're extremely grateful that Jennifer and her talents reside within the hashtag#AvantaxCommunity, serving both our Home Office staff and community of Financial Professionals with an abundance of professionalism and passion. Read more here: https://bit.ly/3Kk90g1
Cetera Financial Group has named Michael Molnar Head of Corporate Development. "Looking ahead, we're excited to have Michael in this important role, and view this rapid transition as an early success of our Avantax integration," said Cetera Financial Group CFO Jeffrey Buchheister. Read more in the press release: https://bit.ly/44cS4kJ
We're wrapping up National Volunteer Month by spotlighting Laura Gillen, CFP®, LPC, who volunteers as an Advocacy Champion with the PKD Foundation. This cause is very personal to Laura, as her mother passed away in 2022 from polycystic kidney disease (PKD). The Advocacy team convenes monthly to brainstorm ways to raise awareness and meets annually with state lawmakers to advocate for new legislation to develop therapies for PKD patients. Laura met with her local senators and house representatives for the first time this month to advocate for living donor protections and research funding. "I really want to honor my Mum's courage and do what I can to help improve treatment options and find a cure. The PKD Foundation works hard to help those affected by the disease and I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve as an Advocacy Champion."
We continue celebrating National Volunteer Month by recognizing those in the #AvantaxCommunity who give back to their community. Jordan Lowder finds fulfillment outside of work by volunteering with the Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star mentor 2.0 program. Every week, she spends time with her Irving High School student mentee diving into important topics like goal setting, preparing for college, and potential career paths. When asked why she enjoys volunteering with this nonprofit, Jordan said, "There can be a lot of unknowns about life after high school, and many students in the program will be first-generation college students. Having a mentor in their corner to provide additional guidance and support can be key to their success."
What a privilege to have so many strong women leaders on the Avantax team who are always willing to share their knowledge! Regional Director, Business Development Samantha Dunn and Growth Marketing Manager Najla Missaoui, MS, AMC joined fellow female industry professionals at this week's AdvisorHub Women Advisors Summit. In her presentation, Strategies in M&A and Succession Planning, Samantha explored deal structures, effective practices for buyers & sellers and the importance of succession planning.
The Avantax team spends their time and talents outside of work giving back to their community in a variety of unique ways - including Kristy Schneider, who volunteers with Ankeny After Prom. This nonprofit provides a free, safe and entertaining event for students and their guests to attend after prom. Over the past few years, Kristy has served as a committee member assisting with parent donations and event marketing. But this year, she went a step further and put her creative talents to use by helping decorate the circus-themed event. Kristy reported to the Ankeny High School at 10:00 p.m. on a Friday and volunteered through the night to ensure the students had a memorable time.
There's a reason Avantax was named a Finalist in the 2023 Wealthies' Service Excellence Category: Our Client Services Team is exceptional. They put their dedication into overdrive during tax season, which includes being available to our Financial Professionals on Saturdays as we march toward the April 15 tax deadline.
Ted Ferik, CFA and Trevor Langmeier, CFA from the Avantax Portfolio Management team met with portfolio managers at the recent Citywire Pro Buyer Due Diligence Retreat to discuss macroeconomic themes, fixed income and domestic equity markets, emerging markets, opportunities in technology, and much more. Seeing our wonderful partners at Invesco US was a highlight of the trip to NYC!
As the #AvantaxCommunity continues celebrating #WomensHistoryMonth, we've enjoyed our time this week at Financial Advisor Magazine's Invest In Women conference. Avantax Vice President, Business Development and Head of the Avantax Women's Advisor Forum Laurie Stack moderated "Knowing Your Purpose – Building Meaningful and Enduring Client Relationships" featuring independent Avantax Financial Advisors Diane DeOliveira, CFP®, AIF®, CRPS®, Caroline Piehl, CFP® and Kami Zonin, CFP ®, CDFA™. We're thankful for the collaboration and conversations surrounding the unique perspectives and strengths women bring to the table.
As an industry veteran and Head of the Avantax Women's Advisor Forum, Laurie Stack knows firsthand the competitive edge women possess when it comes to multitasking - a trait that serves them well in the finance industry. We hope you've enjoyed our series of women's perspectives this week from the hashtag#AvantaxCommunity. Happy International hashtag#WomensDay!