Blaine Aikin, CFP® Elected 2016 Chair-Elect, Four New Members Elected to CFP Board’s Board of Directors

The Board of Directors for Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. has elected Blaine Aikin, CFP® as 2016 Chair-elect along with electing four new members.

“Blaine Aikin is a demonstrated leader who will utilize his in-depth knowledge and expertise to advance the mission of CFP Board, leading efforts to increase awareness of CFP® certification – among the public, advisors and firms alike,” said Board Chair Richard P. Rojeck, CFP®. “I have no doubt that Blaine will be successful in finding new ways to continue making the CFP® certification the must-have designation for those seeking and providing financial advice.”

Aikin is currently the Chief Executive Officer of fi360, a company founded in 1999 that provides a suite of services to financial services companies, including professional development, tools and insights. The company also provides the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® and Accredited Investment Fiduciary Analyst® designation programs.

Prior to joining fi360, Aikin was the Director of Product Development and Management at PNC Bank, CIO of Allegiance Financial Advisors and served in federal and local government. Aikin holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy and Management from The Heinz School at Carnegie-Mellon University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Political Science from Allegheny College. Upon completion of his graduate studies, Aikin was selected to the Presidential Management Intern Program and served in the U.S. Treasury and in the office of U.S. Senator John Heinz. 

“It’s an honor to have been selected by my peers for this prestigious position,” said Aikin. “CFP Board is uniquely positioned to serve the public and the financial planning profession by upholding and raising awareness of the highest professional standard for financial planners – the CFP® certification.”

Four New Board Members

In addition to the selection of Aikin as Chair-elect, the Board of Directors elected four new members: Phillip Cunningham, Michael Davis, Susan John, CFP® and Arlene Pietranton, Ph.D., CAE.

“These four new Board members are professionals dedicated to the mission of CFP Board. They bring new perspectives, ideas and energy that will be beneficial to the Board,” said Rojeck. “We are fortunate to have them join our Board.”

The four new Board members are:

Phillip Cunningham is Chief Executive Officer of Advicent Solutions, a provider of SaaS technology solutions for the financial services industry, servicing the world’s largest financial institutions, with products including NaviPlan®, Figlo®, Profiles® and Advisor Briefcase®. Previously, Cunningham held a variety of senior leadership positions including managing director of Vista Consulting Group, the operating arm of Vista Equity Partners and senior vice president of Sum Total Systems. He served as Chair of the Board of Directors for Sales Empowerment Group and is active in volunteer and community work within the Milwaukee area where Advicent Solutions is headquartered. Cunningham holds a Bachelor’s degree in Management and Marketing from Rockhurst University and an MBA from the University of Notre Dame.