About

Advisory Councils

The following Advisory Councils have been created to allow volunteers to participate in smaller groups that focus on specific areas of interest. If you are interested in participating in an advisory council, please contact the chair listed below. If no email is available, please email info@cfala.org.

Alternative Investments Advisory Council
Chair: Allen Kim, CFA

Focuses on improving the basic understanding of the types and uses of alternative investments to CFA Charterholders and Candidates, the general investment public, and media
Provides an avenue for the exchange of new ideas involving alternative investments
Discusses, improves and proactively engages in the debate surrounding the special ethical circumstances that alternative investments often create

Candidate Engagement Advisory Council
Co-Chair: Larry Harris, Ph.D., CFA
Co-Chair: James Lewis, CFA, CIPM

Administers workshops, bootcamps, info sessions, socials and other candidate activities for each level of the CFA Study and Examination Program
Update the CFALA board on CFA Exam changes and candidate communications, hire instructors, liaison with CFA Institute and approve all collateral material.
Planning and preparation are year-round

Career Development Advisory Council
Chair: Roberto Hamilton, CFA

Manages the job opportunities and listings that are posted on the CFALA website and coordinates the Annual Career Development Expo each spring
Organize topical meetings on career programs throughout the year
Organize Career Chat Series
On-site participation at the Annual Career Expo may be required
Primary months of planning for the Expo occurs from January to mid-April
Participation is year-round

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Advisory Council
Co-Chair: Jeff Kuhlman, CFA
Co-Chair: Mary Machado Schammel

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations are increasingly being integrated into investment analysis. Evaluating how ESG factors potentially affect a company may provide analysts with a broader perspective on the risks and investment opportunities of a company’s securities.
Learn about ways in which companies can improve long-term performance by enhancing the value of all corporate stakeholders.
Understand how to reduce portfolio risk by looking at factors beyond typical financial metrics.
Discuss ways in which one can align their investments with their values.

FinTech Advisory Council
Chair: AJ Mildenberg, CFA

Promotes and fosters opportunities for learning, idea sharing, and networking among our membership and the FinTech community.
Members are distinguished practitioners with comprehensive expertise in every corner of finance.
Share collective knowledge and practice experience and connect with similarly curious and passionate members of the FinTech community.

Professional Learning Advisory Council
Chair: Rama Malladi, CFA

Develops professional learning programs, including seminars, Boot Camps, annual Fixed Income series, annual Alternative Investments series and other educational investment courses of interest to CFALA members.
Serves as a liaison with local colleges and universities in sponsoring student participation in the Society’s programs.
Professional Learning Chair approves all CFALA events for CFA Institute’s Professional Development Program (PL credits).
Participation is ongoing throughout the year.

Private Wealth Management Advisory Council
Chair: Yves-Marc Courtines, CFA

An educational forum for professionals associated with the Wealth Management industry
Presents the annual Wealth Management Excellence Series with speaking and networking events that touch all aspects of Wealth Management (e.g., Personal Financial Advisory, Capital Market Forecasts, Investments, Trust and Estate Planning, Practice Management, FinTech)
The Wealth Management League is a sub-group of the Private Wealth Management Advisory Council. Read the description HERE.

Santa Barbara Advisory Council
Chair: Falko Hoernicke, CFA

A network for financial professionals living in the Santa Barbara and nearby counties
Works toward providing educational and networking opportunities for CFA charterholders and other financial professionals

Women's Advisory Council
Chair: Arielle Bittoni, CFA
Co-Chair: Mariya Entina, CFA

Provides a network of CFA charterholders and candidates to provide mentorship and advice
Organizes panels, initiates discussion on social networks, mentors CFA candidates, and builds relationships at social events
An inclusionary network with the objective of promoting professional support and brand awareness of CFALA through teaming within CFALA and other professional women's organizations