There are so many benefits to membership, as AAPL is the most complete association in our space ( for a reason). It starts with education and all of the outreach done to keep the members informed with best practice and current market conditions, to opportunities for colleague interaction and quality participation. I think the certification classes are a MUST HAVE for any company who is serious in our industry. The member directory is also a powerhouse list of who’s who, and filled with quality people willing to help each other grow on every level.

I became a member with AAPL because I recognized two very important things that I needed to continue to grow and gain success. First, a quality education list of programs, and second I wanted to be aligned with the most respected names in our industry. APPL has both of these a much more, so joining was a no brainer for me! I want to also say the years have proven my assessment of those two thoughts wasn’t wrong.

My favorite AAPL memory was attending my first ” Super Bowl” in Vegas a few years ago. You will never forget having a badge and walking into the Annual AAPL conference for the first time. The feeling was pretty awesome. I felt like I had arrived and that I was in the “majors”.

I was given an opportunity over 2 decades ago by a close friend, and that decision has changed the course of my life, for the better. I love what I do and this industry!

I am really proud of the quality work we have done with the AAPL FUND FORUM, and the significant educational impact it has had. I am also proud of the work I have done with various funds over the past couple of decades.

My favorite book is (well, there are two actually), “Of Mice and Men“, as I see so many life lessons layered in by Steinbeck, and as I get older I get something different from it each time I revisit it. Secondly, “The Giving Tree“, by Shel Silverstein, it should be required reading by everyone (for obvious reasons).