CFS Advisory Council

The Center for Financial Services (CFS) is supported by the CFS Advisory Council, a select group of successful alumni and industry leaders, who provide the strategic vision necessary to guide the Center’s mission.

Key Contributions:
  • Strategic Guidance: Shaping the long-term direction and academic-to-industry alignment of the Center.

  • Symposium Leadership: Leading the CFS Annual Symposium by defining core themes and securing high-caliber sponsors and marquee speakers.

  • Industry & Student Engagement: Facilitating continuing education, professional networking, and mentorship opportunities.

  • Strategic Advocacy: Increasing the Center’s visibility and prestige among financial services professionals, alumni, and students.

Council Members

Seth Finkel '80 (Council Chair)
Managing Director, Neuberger Berman Wealth Management

Carter Lyons '97
Co-Chief Executive Officer, Two Sigma

Jeffrey Rutledge '88
Managing Director, Bessemer Trust

James Stone '88
Senior Project Manager, HPS Investment Partners

William Velekei '13
Director, Senior Wealth Advisor, Mariner Wealth Advisors

Ryan Wilson '97
Executive Vice President - Wealth Management, Janney Montgomery Scott LLC 

Emeriti Council Members

Hugo Barth ’90
Principal and Senior Portfolio Manager, Prudential Financial

Doug Borkowski ’96
Managing Director, Bank of America Merrill Lynch

A.J. De Rosa '95
Chief Revenue Officer, Evolv Technologies

John DiVito '93 (corporate member)
Director of Product Management, Refinitiv

Larry Gore ’78, ’17P
Senior Vice President, Tompkins Financial Advisors

Brodi Jackson ’98
Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Caerus Ventures

Sandi Klose (corporate member)
Global Head of Business Planning and Operations, Refinitiv

Labib Mahfouz ’91
Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, Evince Asset Management

Brad McGowan ’87 
Head of PE Coverage, Pickwick Capital Partners

John Melvin ’91
Chief Investment Officer, Sammons Investment Group

Chris Milner ’87, 89G
President and CEO, The Oakleaf Group

Matt Petrozelli ’03
Chief Executive Officer, Valley National Financial Advisors

Dan Pietrzak ’97 
Partner/Co-Head of Private Credit, KKR

Steven Ploder '91
Managing Director, Financial Advisor, Morgan Stanley

Hy Saporta '95
President & COO, Steward Partners Global Advisory

Julian Sluyters ’82
Advisor, GECKO Governance

Nikki Stefanelli ’04 
Head of Fixed Income Index Policy, Managing Director, FTSE Russell

Leigh Todd ’94
Managing Director, Portfolio Manager, Mellon  

Rick Van Benschoten ’87
Lenox Wealth Advisors