The Financial Advice Association of Australia (FAAA) has announced the results of its recent board elections, which have seen the addition of three experienced financial professionals to its board, including an SMSF specialist adviser.
The members of the industry body have elected Felicity Cooper, Deborah Kent and Sheila Gutierrez-Cabacungan to three-year terms to replace outgoing board members Kearsten James, Julie Matheson and Julian Place, who are coming to the end of their terms.
FAAA chair David Sharpe welcomed the new appointees, highlighting their expertise and experience, which he said will contribute to enhancing the organisation’s operations.
“On behalf of the FAAA board, we are pleased to welcome Felicity, Deborah and Sheila. Each bring important skills and experience which will add to the depth of knowledge on the FAAA board,” Sharpe said.
Cooper has been the director and authorised representative of her self-licensed business on the Gold Coast for more than six years and has more than two decades of experience in the finance sector. She has also been the recipient of several industry awards.
Kent has been a financial adviser for over 30 years and is the co-founder of Integra Financial Services, a boutique financial advice business based in Parramatta, Sydney. She brings extensive experience to the board, having held multiple leadership positions in the financial industry.
Gutierrez-Cabacungan is the principal financial planner and owner of Wealth Forum, a small self-licensed practice in Sydney, and is also an SMSF Association specialist adviser. She has also been engaged in the western Sydney business community, particularly in promoting women’s participation in the financial services sector.
Sharpe took the opportunity to express gratitude to the three departing board members for their dedication and service, stating: “On a personal note, it has been a delight to have worked with Julie, Kearsten and Julian on the board and their insight will be missed.
“Julie has been on the board for over 10 years. During this time she has continued to be a staunch advocate for the CFP (certified financial planner) program and committed to promoting the highest professional standards in the profession,” he said.
“During Kearsten’s term, she has been instrumental in bringing the AFA (Association of Financial Advisers) and FPA (Financial Planning Association) communities together, and worked tirelessly to ensure the highest quality of governance to the board and the organisation.
“Julian has brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the FAAA board, always focusing on members as a priority and working towards the highest education standards. Kearsten and Julian have also contributed enormously to the development of the hugely successful Masterclass series.”
The incoming board members are set to assume their roles following the FAAA annual general meeting scheduled for 20 November.