Archives
Special Webinar Program
TOPIC: The Case For Low Correlation Strategies
SPEAKER: Kris Jaenicke
This is a special webinar program scheduled to make up for the last minute cancellation at the January Quarterly Meeting.
About the webinar: In the ever-changing landscape of financial markets, one principle has stood the test of time: Diversification. However, the traditional 60/40 mix can fall short if stocks and bonds move in lockstep, negating any diversification benefit. This presentation will explain how successful portfolio construction has evolved and the importance of correlation in creating an all-weather portfolio. We’ll discuss what you should expect from bonds going forward and how to build a sleeve of low correlation strategies that provides true diversification. In addition, we’ll examine the amount of time it takes, and the return required, to recover from market drawdowns, explore sequence of returns risk and introduce how institutions safeguard their portfolios from risk.
About the speaker: Kris Jaenicke leads LoCorr Funds’ distribution in the firm’s eastern division and directs the team’s delivery of the LoCorr product suite in that region. Kris is instrumental to the firm’s positioning in the industry, and his expertise guides the company’s development of educational materials for advisors and investors. Prior to this role, Kris was regional vice president, responsible for distribution through financial advisors in the Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky and western Pennsylvania territories. Focused exclusively on the distribution of alternative investments for over two decades, Kris offers advisors expertise in the sector, as well as more than 32 years of experience in a sales capacity within financial services. He was previously a senior regional vice president for Dividend Capital, Scudder Investments and MFS Funds. Kris is an accomplished speaker and expert on low correlating strategies. He was awarded the Sequoia Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010, an award recognizing field sales professionals who have demonstrated a commitment of excellence in their careers. Kris holds a BA in Finance from the University of Iowa. He serves on the board of Hudson Community Chapel and is active in mission work. He is a Chartered Life Underwriter and a Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor. He holds the FINRA Series 7, 24 and 63 licenses.
Continuing Education: FPA NEO will request credit for this programs, which will total one hour of CE from the CFP® Board of Standards for CFP® designation holders. A general certificate of completion and one for CPA designees who feel the program satisfies their continuing education requirements will also be available.
Reservation Policy: All attendees are encouraged to register in advance before noon 02/16/26. This virtual program cost is free for FPA members and $30 for non-members. You will receive Zoom webinar credentials by noon the day before the program.
November 2026 Quarterly Meeting
Save the date – more information coming soon!
September 2026 Quarterly Meeting
Save the date – more information coming soon!
November 2025 Education Meeting & Social
We’ll gather first at the offices of the Cleveland Foundation to hear from Katie Collin and Ginger Mlakar and then we’ll head across the street to the MidTown Collaboration Center for social time to enjoy food from Pearl Flower Kitchen and drinks from Black Frog Brewery!
“Giving Forward: Cleveland Foundation Insights for Financial Professionals”
About the Program…
As we wrap up 2025, join Ginger Mlakar and Katie Collin for a dynamic briefing on what’s new at the Cleveland Foundation and what’s shaping the charitable giving landscape. From year-end strategies to emerging legislative shifts, this session will equip financial professionals with the insights they need to guide clients and organizations into 2026 and beyond.
About the Speakers…
Katie E. Collin returned to the Cleveland Foundation at the end of July 2024 as the Director, Philanthropic Strategy. In this role she guides the team that introduces donors, families and organizations to the multitude of philanthropic tools the Foundation has to offer, and partners with the team that works with donors and organizational fund partners to help them achieve their philanthropic objectives. She first served with the Cleveland Foundation from 2016 – 2019 as a Gift Planning Advisor.
Since graduating from law school, Katie has gained extensive experience at the intersection of the legal, financial and charitable sectors through gift planning, non-cash assets, alternative investments and estate planning roles at Ren, American Endowment Foundation, Schneider Smeltz Spieth Bell, LLP, and The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. She is frequently requested as a speaker and can be found as a recurring guest on Season 2 of Ren’s Philanthropic Insights podcast.
Katie is a member of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners, the Northern Ohio Charitable Gift Planners, and the Estate Planning Council of Cleveland, where she serves on the membership committee. She is a dedicated community member, currently serving her second term on the board of the Cleveland Public Library Foundation, co-chairing the development committee, and as a member of LakewoodAlive’s development committee in her hometown of Lakewood.
Katie earned her Bachelor of Arts in art history, with minors in economics and Italian language & literature from Smith College, and her Juris Doctorate from the University of Akron School of Law. She completed training through the 21/64 Program to provide multigenerational advising, facilitation and engagement, so that multiple generations can work, give and serve together more effectively. Katie received her Certificate for the Fundamentals of Alternative Investments from CAIA in 2023.
Ginger F. Mlakar serves as in-house legal counsel and manages the Foundation’s legal affairs. Additionally, she oversees the gift planning team and works with charitably minded individuals and their professional advisors on achieving their charitable goals through simple to complex philanthropic strategies as the Senior Vice President, Philanthropic Strategy. At the same time, Ginger connects non-profits to partnership opportunities with the Foundation. She came to the Cleveland Foundation in July 2009 after 16 years practicing law in the area of estate and charitable gift planning and administration. Her previous positions include partner in the personal succession and planning practice group at Thompson Hine LLP and of counsel in the estate planning and probate practice group at Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP. She is also a certified public accountant.
Ginger has served on the boards of several area organizations, including the Girl Scouts of Lake Erie Council, the Estate Planning Council of Cleveland, the Bay Village Education Foundation, the Bay Village Foundation, the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland, the Cleveland Leadership Center, and as treasurer for the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Foundation, and Bay Soccer Club. She was the president for the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Foundation. She is currently on the board for the National Association of Estate Planners and Councils and is an AEP® Accredited Estate Planner. She has been a member of advisory groups for University Hospitals, the Cleveland Orchestra, and Case Western Reserve University. Additionally, she is an active fellow of the American College of Estate and Trust Council, and an Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law Council member for the Ohio State Bar Association. Ginger is a frequent speaker on legal and tax issues surrounding charitable giving.
Ginger has been named among the Best Lawyers in America and the Top 50 Female Ohio Super Lawyers List by Law and Politics magazine. She was a member of the Leadership Cleveland Class of 2014. Ginger has received the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association’s Women in Law Making a Difference and President’s Awards, the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Foundation’s Outstanding Leadership Award, and the Estate Planning Council of Cleveland’s 2019 Distinguished Estate Planner Award. She graduated summa cum laude from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and earned her juris doctorate from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law.
Continuing Education: FPA NEO will request credit for the first program, which will total one hour of CE from the CFP® Board of Standards for CFP® designation holders. A general certificate of completion and one for CPA designees who feel the program satisfies their continuing education requirements will also be available.
Reservation Policy: All attendees are encouraged to register in advance before noon 11/19/25 and walk-in reservations will be accepted on a space-available basis only. In person meeting cost is free for FPA members and $65 for non-members. If you reserve and are unable to attend, please call the office or email admin@fpa-neo.org to cancel by noon 11/19/25 to avoid a no-show reservation billing of $10.00.
March 2026 Quarterly Meeting
TOPIC #1: 2026 Policy and Planning Update: Helping your HNW Clients Leverage a New Planning Paradigm
SPEAKER: Lauren C. Liebes
About the presentation: Over the last several years, our concerns and conversations around tax planning have steadily evolved in response to policy changes and economic conditions. In 2025, the shifting policy focus of the Trump administration and passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill (“OBBB”) have ushered in a new period of both wariness and opportunity for our industry. HNW investors especially are focused on the effect recent changes in tax legislation and policy, and the economic climate, may have on their own tax and planning situations. During our session, Lauren will provide an of-the-moment policy update, as well as the top tax and planning considerations for HNW investors that respond to their real-time concerns and capitalize on the current state. Lauren will address the OBBB, as well as the creative income and estate planning strategies that leverage related planning opportunities and our current economic environment.
About the speaker: Lauren C. Liebes is a wealth strategist at Capital Group. She has 18 years of related industry experience and has been with Capital Group for one year. Prior to joining Capital, Lauren worked as a wealth planner at Citi Private Bank. Before that, she worked as an attorney with the Tax and Estate Planning Practice Group at Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP. She received an LLM in taxation and certificate in estate planning from Georgetown University Law Center, a juris doctor from Southwestern Law School and a bachelor’s degree from Boston University. Lauren is based in Washington, D.C.
TOPIC #2: The Value of Personalized Longevity Projection for Retirement Income
SPEAKER: Xianwu (Sean) Zhang, Ph.D. CFP®
About the presentation: Retirement planning often uses generic lifespan estimates, creating suboptimal decisions. This study shows that personalized longevity projections based on demographics and health attributes and derived from Cox proportional hazards models improve Social Security claiming strategies. Personalized longevity estimates applied to respondents of the University of Michigan Health and Retirement Study increased the average value of lifetime benefits by $9,000 (women) and $12,000 (men) relative to other approaches. Optimized claiming based on individual health/demographics attributes outperformed both standard actuarial assumptions and common recommended ages. The results demonstrate how personalized longevity assessments can enhance retirement income planning, financial security, and client-advisor alignment.
About the speaker: Dr. Zhang is an Associate Professor of Finance and the CFP® Program Director at John Carroll University, where his commitment to teaching excellence has been recognized by the Boler College of Business for three consecutive years (2022–2025). He holds a Ph.D. in Personal Financial Planning from Texas Tech University, dual Master’s degrees in Finance and Mathematics, and the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification. His research focuses on household finance and investor behavior, exploring how people make important financial decisions, and has been recognized nationally with three “Best Paper” awards: at the 2025 Financial Planning Association (FPA) Conference for The Value of Personalized Longevity Projection for Retirement Income(with K Jeremy Ko, and Qi Sun); at the 2018 American Council on Consumer Interests (ACCI) Conference for Framing Longevity Income(with Michael Guillemette, Jesse Jurgenson, and Deanna Sharpe); and at the 2017 Academy of Financial Services (AFS) Conference for Do Investors’ Subjective Risk Perceptions Influence Their Portfolio Choice?(with Charlene Kalenkoski)
TOPIC #3: The Emotional Journey of the Ultra-High-Net-Worth Client: Understanding the Advisor’s Job to Be Done
SPEAKER: Scott Tatum, CIMA®, CFP®
About the presentation: The sudden arrival of significant wealth may seem like an entirely positive event, but in reality, the swiftness and magnitude of the shift represent an emotional challenge for anyone receiving the newfound prosperity. In this program, we focus on the psychological and emotional dynamics associated with the ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) client’s financial journey and explore how it is significantly different than the journey of the mass-affluent client or the high-net-worth client. We then consider the emotional impact of that journey on the client, how the implications of wealth seriously impact the individual’s capacity to make high-quality decisions, and the impairments that grow out of significant wealth events. The ultimate goal is to explain how the UHNW client’s emotional journey creates five specific opportunities for a financial professional to reach out, make meaningful contact and potentially forge new working relationships with these clients. We close by offering guidance on the types of messaging that work best in each circumstance.
About the speaker: Scott Tatum is the Director of the AB Advisor Institute, where he delivers consulting and training to financial advisors at AB’s partner firms, specifically in the areas of client acquisition, client communication and team management strategies. His goal is to help advisors, teams and managers be more effective in their roles. Tatum joined AB in 2008. His professional experience in the investment industry began in 1985 and includes sales and sales leadership positions. Tatum has held positions with OppenheimerFunds, HD Vest and MFS Investment Management, where he was a regional vice president. He holds a BBA (cum laude) in marketing from the University of North Texas. In addition to being a Certified Financial Planner® professional and a Certified Investment Management Analyst®, Tatum carries NASD Series 7, 24, 53 and 63 licenses. He is based in Dallas, Texas.
Continuing Education: FPA NEO will request credit for these programs, which will total three hours of CE from the CFP® Board of Standards for CFP® designation holders. A general certificate of completion and one for CPA designees who feel the program satisfies their continuing education requirements will also be available.
Reservation Policy: All attendees are encouraged to register in advance before noon 03/24/26 and walk-in reservations will be accepted on a space-available basis only. In person meeting cost is free for FPA members and $65 for non-members. If you reserve and are unable to attend, please call the office or email admin@fpa-neo.org to cancel by noon 03/24/26 to avoid a no-show reservation billing of $10.00.
January 2026 Quarterly Meeting
TOPIC #1: Insuring the Journey: Navigating P&C Needs Through the Family Lifecycle
SPEAKER: Michelle Hirsch
About the presentation: As clients move through life’s stages, their property and casualty insurance needs shift in ways that can have major financial implications. This session will explore how evolving family dynamics — from teenage drivers and college-bound children to divorces, second homes, and retirement transitions — impact coverage requirements and risk exposure. We’ll discuss practical strategies for advisors to proactively identify gaps, adjust liability limits, and coordinate umbrella and specialty policies as family circumstances change. Attendees will gain insights into best practices for communicating these changes with clients and collaborating effectively with P&C professionals. With households becoming more complex and risks more interconnected, understanding the insurance lifecycle has never been more timely or essential for fiduciary advisors seeking to provide comprehensive planning guidance.
About the speaker: Michelle Hirsch is the co-president and third generation family business owner of Brunswick Companies. She leads the Brunswick Private Client, where she partners with financial advisors and planners to design bespoke insurance strategies for high-net-worth individuals and families. With a focus on lifestyle-aligned coverage and multigenerational protection, Michelle takes a consultative, relationship-driven approach to risk management—helping clients preserve what matters most while simplifying complex insurance decisions. She serves as an extension of the advisory team, bringing concierge-level service and deep industry expertise to every client interaction.
TOPIC #2: Business Succession Planning
SPEAKER: Tom Zucker
About the presentation: Trusted advisors engaging with their clients in advance can unlock significant value and reduce transaction and relationship risks.
About the speaker: Tom serves as the President of EdgePoint, managing client transactions, overseeing its day-to-day management, and executing strategic initiatives. Tom uses his extensive business and financial experience to assist business owners in completing transition events, acquisitions, or recapitalizations. His diverse experiences range from executing corporate divestitures for General Electric to assisting small closely held businesses in executing family ownership transitions. Prior to founding EdgePoint, Tom had almost a decade of financial and transactional experience at Ernst & Young and Arthur Andersen. Early in his career, Tom had a significant experience participating in a family business. He is active in several civic and professional leadership roles. He is also an advisor and board member of several private and public companies. Tom’s educational background included a B.S. in Accounting from Case Western Reserve University. Tom is also a CPA (Inactive) and maintains the FINRA Series 7, 24, 28, 63, and 79 licenses.
Cancelled as of 1/21/26 – will be rescheduled as webinar in early February
TOPIC #3 The Case For Low Correlation Strategies
SPEAKER: Kris Jaenicke
SPEAKER: Kris Jaenicke
About the presentation: In the ever-changing landscape of financial markets, one principle has stood the test of time: Diversification. However, the traditional 60/40 mix can fall short if stocks and bonds move in lockstep, negating any diversification benefit. This presentation will explain how successful portfolio construction has evolved and the importance of correlation in creating an all-weather portfolio. We’ll discuss what you should expect from bonds going forward and how to build a sleeve of low correlation strategies that provides true diversification. In addition, we’ll examine the amount of time it takes, and the return required, to recover from market drawdowns, explore sequence of returns risk and introduce how institutions safeguard their portfolios from risk.
About the speaker: Kris Jaenicke leads LoCorr Funds’ distribution in the firm’s eastern division and directs the team’s delivery of the LoCorr product suite in that region. Kris is instrumental to the firm’s positioning in the industry, and his expertise guides the company’s development of educational materials for advisors and investors. Prior to this role, Kris was regional vice president, responsible for distribution through financial advisors in the Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky and western Pennsylvania territories. Focused exclusively on the distribution of alternative investments for over two decades, Kris offers advisors expertise in the sector, as well as more than 32 years of experience in a sales capacity within financial services. He was previously a senior regional vice president for Dividend Capital, Scudder Investments and MFS Funds. Kris is an accomplished speaker and expert on low correlating strategies. He was awarded the Sequoia Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010, an award recognizing field sales professionals who have demonstrated a commitment of excellence in their careers. Kris holds a BA in Finance from the University of Iowa. He serves on the board of Hudson Community Chapel and is active in mission work. He is a Chartered Life Underwriter and a Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor. He holds the FINRA Series 7, 24 and 63 licenses.
Continuing Education: FPA NEO will request credit for these programs, which will total two hours of CE from the CFP® Board of Standards for CFP® designation holders. Additionally, FPA NEO will request 1 hour of credit for the first program “Insuring the Journey” for Insurance CE credit in Ohio. A general certificate of completion and one for CPA designees who feel the program satisfies their continuing education requirements will also be available.
Reservation Policy: All attendees are encouraged to register in advance before noon 01/21/26 and walk-in reservations will be accepted on a space-available basis only. In person meeting cost is free for FPA members and $65 for non-members. If you reserve and are unable to attend, please call the office or email admin@fpa-neo.org to cancel by noon 01/21/26 to avoid a no-show reservation billing of $10.00.
Special Webinar: Designing a High Impact Summer Internship: From Recruitment to Execution
About the session: Join us for a 30-minute webinar where we’ll delve into the essential components of building a successful summer internship experience for both advisory firms and students. We’ll explore strategies for sourcing interns, best practices for interviewing candidates, structuring internships with clear goals and mentorship, and importantly, mistakes to avoid. Attendees will gain actionable insights to start or enhance their internship programs and are encouraged to ask questions during the concluding Q&A segment. Join us in preparation for our FPA Student and Advisor Networking Event on October 15th where you’ll have an opportunity to network with students from Northeast Ohio who are interested in finding an internship in Summer 2026.
About the Presenters:
Mac McLaughlin, CFP®
Mac joined Wellspring in 2017 and currently serves as a Senior Wealth Advisor. He is responsible for providing financial, estate, tax, and investment planning for ultra-high-net-worth clients and families in addition to overseeing his client service team.
Prior to Wellspring, Mac served as an Assistant Portfolio Manager at Private Harbour Investment Management and began his career as a Financial Representative Full Trader at Fidelity Investments. Before joining the wealth management industry, he was a Professional Golfer for two years, playing on tours throughout the U.S. and amassing two professional victories in tournament play.
Mac graduated from the University of Virginia as an Academic All-American with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science. He is also a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and serves on the Board of Directors for FPA NEO. Mac is actively involved in various nonprofit organizations, including serving on the Board of Directors for Engage! Cleveland as well as the Pro-Am Committee for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Ohio.
Elizabeth Scheiderer, CFP®
With over fifteen years of experience in the financial services industry, Elizabeth Scheiderer serves as a trusted advisor for a wide range of clients. Her mission is to help clients focus on enjoying life rather than worrying about financial concerns or market fluctuations. She has a passion for educating and empowering clients, and she believes knowing your financial standing is a powerful advantage for clients to have.
Beyond serving clients, Elizabeth is dedicated to educating the public on the importance of financial planning and to advancing the financial planning profession for future generations. Her expertise has been featured in the media, including regular appearances on television and radio and she has served in various leadership positions including President of the Financial Planning Association of Northeast Ohio. She has received several awards recognizing her leadership including being named on the Crain’s 40 Under 40 List and as a Financial Professional to Watch by the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Residing in Pepper Pike, Ohio, Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her husband and their two children, Emilee and Bennett. Outside the office she can be found running 5ks and exploring the vibrant community of Northeast Ohio with her family.