Time Moves Forward

By Joni Alt, CFP^®, NAPFA Chair

Henry Ford said, “There is no standing still because time is moving forward.” It’s a new year for NAPFA! I would like to thank Daphne Jordan for her leadership and time over the last year. She has made an invaluable contribution to NAPFA. While she no longer will be chair, Daphne is not going anywhere; she will be providing her expertise as past chair to the national board and serving as a huge resource for me. We also have a couple departing board directors, Laura Barnett Lion and Deva Panambur. Both have contributed to the national board and our association over the last three years—thank you! Their departures mean there are two new board directors: Justin Nichols and Cheryl Sherrad. We welcome them and their fresh perspectives.

I am very excited and honored to take the reins from Daphne. I have been a member of NAPFA since 2009. My previous roles include serving as president of Northeast/Mid-Atlantic Region and contributing to several committees, including Public Policy, Education, Audit, and the Marketing and Communications Task Force. All of these experiences have provided knowledge to be part of the national board. Did I tell you what an awesome association we have? Our members are the biggest reason I and others serve in volunteer positions for NAPFA.

NAPFA Advisor

This month’s edition of "NAPFA Advisor" includes articles about continuity planning, a first-time NAPFA conference attendee’s perspective, resources as a military veteran turned student advisor, and resources for career-changers entering the Fee-Only financial planner space. 

2024 Fall Conference

The fall conference is fast upon us! Please consider joining your colleagues for networking and education in Nashville for Chart-Topping Strategies: Hitting High Notes for Your Clients. There will be great keynote speakers, sessions, and pre-conference sessions. I would like to give a big shoutout to our fall conference committee: 

• Scott H. Levin, J.D., LL.M, MBA, CFP^®, CAP^®, MCEP (chair)
• Zack Hubbard, CFP^®
• Cynthia Meyer, CFP^®, ChFC^®
• Amir Noor, CFP^®, EA  

Nashville will be a terrific time!  

Education Survey

NAPFA is dedicated to delivering exceptional educational experiences tailored to the needs and desires of our membership. We want our education to not only meet industry standards but set new benchmarks for excellence. Our commitment to continuous improvement ensures our education remains ahead of the curve and empowers you with the knowledge and skills to lead and succeed in your profession. NAPFA will be sending an important survey to help deliver on this promise and elevate our educational offerings. Your input is important! Please complete the survey now.

Strategic Framework

The national board will begin work on the strategic framework for 2025–2028 early next year. This framework will provide a strategic plan for our association to achieve its goals, vision, and mission over the near term with some long-term planning as well.  

New People

Kathryn Dattomo is in her second year as our CEO and continues to build her team. Please welcome Spencer Bone, managing director of Member Experiences and Tejuana (TJ) Baskerville, director of Professional Development & Education. Both bring many years of experience to their roles with NAPFA.

I look forward to seeing and interacting with our members in Nashville!