Raymond James celebrates the launch of the Veteran Financial Advisors Network
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Raymond James celebrated the official launch of the Veteran Financial Advisors Network (VFAN) as the group gathered Friday in St. Petersburg, Florida and virtually to honor Veteran’s Day. VFAN is a professional network dedicated to supporting service veterans in the development of their businesses and careers and helping other veterans and military family members discover rewarding opportunities in the financial services industry.
To commemorate Veteran’s Day and the launch of the network, VFAN hosted a luncheon in partnership with Valor, the Raymond James associates veteran group, at the firm’s home office. The event featured Medal of Honor recipient, Ryan Pitts, as keynote speaker. Private Client Group President and executive sponsor of the Advisor Inclusion Networks, Scott Curtis, and Head of Advisor Inclusion Networks, Renée Baker, also spoke in support of the new network and its goals and objectives.
“Veterans represent the values of service and enduring commitment to others, having dedicated entire portions of their lives to protecting our country and the freedoms we enjoy. These qualities contribute to what makes many veterans outstanding financial stewards for their clients. Raymond James is honored to support them and their mission to advance the careers and businesses of other veterans,” said Curtis.
VFAN was founded and is led by financial advisors who make up the network’s advisory council, which holds the responsibility of supporting, recruiting and uplifting other veteran advisors as well as spearheading initiatives for the network. The inaugural council members are Gary Curry, AAMS®, CFP®, Matthew Fisher, CFP®, CRPS®, Kimberley Mondoñedo, EdD, CFP®, WMS, Matthew Pruitt, MBA and Patrick Scanlan.
Partnering closely with Valor, VFAN provides access to customized skills programs, development opportunities and mentorships. The network’s initiatives include outreach to veterans who are considering their next move after separation or discharge to share information about how their skills can translate to a successful career in the financial advice profession. VFAN advisors also give back to veterans and military family members through philanthropy and volunteerism in their local communities.
The network joins established professional groups at Raymond James including the Women Financial Advisors Network, Black Financial Advisors Network and Pride Financial Advisors Network. Together the Advisor Inclusion Networks provide year-round networking opportunities, symposiums and practice management programs which are open to all advisors who identify with or support the respective communities.
“The Advisor Inclusion Networks are built to be a place where advisors can learn from and rely on one another as they grow their businesses and advocate for important causes within Raymond James and in their broader community. The connection and sense of camaraderie between those who have served is clearly evident within VFAN as the network continues to pursue their goals,” said Baker. “This expansion of the advisor communities is an exciting and essential piece of our vision to be a financial services firm as unique as the people we serve.”
About Raymond James Financial, Inc.
Raymond James Financial, Inc. (NYSE: RJF) is a leading diversified financial services company providing private client group, capital markets, asset management, banking and other services to individuals, corporations and municipalities. The company has approximately 8,700 financial advisors. Total client assets are $1.09 trillion. Public since 1983, the firm is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol RJF. Additional information is available at www.raymondjames.com.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM, CFP®, (with plaque design) and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S. which it awards to individuals who successfully complete the CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.