FORT LAUDERDALE – Associated Financial Consultants & Investor Services, the independent financial services and corporate benefits firm, was named as a finalist for the 2023 InvestmentNews Excellence in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award. The awards recognize companies in the financial services industry that have made significant strides in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
“At Associated, diversity, equity, and inclusion are seen as essential components to the success of the firm and our clients,” Associated President Paul Vladem said. “We’re honored to be named finalists for our work within the space in a national and prestigious publication such as InvestmentNews.”
Associated was listed in the Firm Awards category as an “Outstanding Practice Finalist.” Also included as an Outstanding Practice Finalist was their national broker dealer, Advisor Group. Advisor Group serves over 10,000 advisors nation-wide, including Associated.
“One of the main reasons I joined Associated in 2020 was because I saw how committed the firm was to fostering a culture of inclusivity and promoting diversity at every level of the organization,” Associated partner and financial advisor Shawn Wooden said. “As a firm, we can continue to expand upon that foundation built on diversity & inclusion - well into the future. We believe that it’s not only the right thing to do, but also the smart thing to do as we continue to find success. We hope to set an example for the entire industry.”
In 2018, Associated President Paul Vladem won the inaugural Envestnet Institute on Campus (EIOC) Vision Award for, “truly redefining hiring practices and the traditional definition of diversity.”
“A dedicated effort to recruit diverse entry-level talent ripples up to diversify the senior ranks at this firm, which promotes from within,” read the InvesmentNews’ one-liner on Associated’s diversity & inclusion efforts.
The winners of the InvestmentNews Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Awards will be announced live on May 10, 2023, during the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Summit and Award event. The winners will also be profiled in the June issue of InvestmentNews.
ABOUT ASSOCIATED FINANCIAL CONSULTANTS & INVESTOR SERVICES
Associated launched in 1972 as an independent financial services & corporate benefits firm in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Associated continues to build a leading reputation within the financial services industry focused on developing comprehensive, tailored plans for its clients with a family-driven approach. In addition to wealth management, the firm has become a major player in the design, administration and implementation of investment strategies as well as employer-sponsored retirement plans and employee benefit and insurance plans.