NASP Organizational Update: NASP President & CEO, Ronald C. Parker, announces his retirement

Mike Utaegbulam on October 13, 2023

Dear Members of the National Association of Securities Professionals and Strategic Partners:

Today, I am writing to inform you of a significant decision I have made regarding my professional journey. After much contemplation and reflection, I have decided to retire from my position as President and CEO of the National Association of Securities Professionals (NASP) at the end of this year.

It has been an incredible honor and privilege to serve as the leader of this esteemed organization. Throughout my brief tenure, NASP has been at the forefront of advocating for and advancing the business value of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the financial services sector. I am immensely grateful for your unwavering support and engagement in our mission.

I want to express my sincere gratitude to each and every one of you, starting with Past Chairs, Guy Logan and Donna Sims-Wilson along with NASP current Chair and Chair – elect, Richard Turnley, III and Erik Hall as well as the NASP Board for your active participation in the various programs and initiatives we have implemented throughout the years. Your commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive financial services industry has been instrumental in driving meaningful change and progress.

I would also like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the NASP Board of Directors for their guidance, wisdom, and dedication in steering the organization towards success, especially during the COVID years. Their continued support has been invaluable in shaping the direction and impact of NASP.

Furthermore, I extend my deepest gratitude to the newly formed NASP Advisory Council, strategic partners, and the entire NASP staff as well as the external legal and accounting teams of Lewis & Munday and Baker, Finley, White and our events planning team at The Baker Group for their unwavering support, collaborative efforts, and hard work, ensuring that the operational processes are in good standing and our programs were relevant and impactful. Their contributions have been instrumental in the achievements we have realized as an organization.

As I transition into retirement, rest assured that the NASP Board is already engaged in orchestrating a seamless succession plan. Over the next several weeks, your NASP Chairs will communicate the approach and process to name a successor, ensuring a seamless transition of leadership. NASP’s commitment to board representation, business diversity, and fostering a supportive environment will be at the forefront of this important decision.

I, along with the NASP Board kindly request your patience and support during this transition period. NASP remains steadfast to serving its members, partnering with its supporters in promoting excellence and inclusivity within the securities profession and advocating economic empowerment within diverse communities.

Finally, I want to acknowledge that my decision to retire would not have been possible without the support and understanding of my family. Their unwavering support throughout my career has been a pillar of strength and motivation.

Thank you once again for your unwavering dedication to NASP and the financial services sector. I truly look forward to working with each of you in my new retired capacity in driving the vision and mission of the National Association of Securities Professionals.

Wishing you all, continued success and the very best in your future endeavors.

Sincerely,

Ronald C. Parker
President & CEO
National Association of Securities Professionals

Black Asset Managers and the Fight for Investment Capital

nasptemp1@nasphq.org on May 17, 2022

Take a moment to read this article discussing the need for Black Asset Managers. Touching on the legislation, national public policy firms and others looking to create diversity in the industry, trade associations like NASP and other like-minded organizations are at the forefront of that fight.

Read more here: https://atlantatribune.com/2022/05/12/black-asset-managers-and-the-fight-for-investment-capital/

Moody’s: The Power of Capital Access and Impact

nasptemp1@nasphq.org on May 11, 2022

Moody’s is excited to introduce Creating Opportunities for Racial Equity (CORE), evolving how we engage, empower and invest in our diverse customers and underserved communities. During our first CORE event, you’ll hear from an expert group of panelists, who will share insights about the positive impact on diverse communities when emerging managers and diverse businesses access capital to grow and scale their businesses.

News Release: Shaundrawn Thomas

nasptemp1@nasphq.org on May 10, 2022

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NASP would like to wish Shaundrawn Thomas much success in his new venture, exiting as President of Northern Trust Asset Management on June 1. Mr. Thomas will be working to co-found a diverse-owned and led business that will provide debt and equity solutions to privately held U.S. companies.

We wish him much success in his new endeavor.

Read more here: https://www.pionline.com/money-management/northern-trusts-shundrawn-thomas-leaving-start-new-venture

2021 Tulsa Economic Empowerment Day

Mike Utaegbulam on August 27, 2021

On June 1, 2021. NASP participated in the 100th commemoration of the 1921 Tulsa Massacre in Tulsa, OK. Economic Empowerment Day was developed as a way to remember the 1921 massacre while looking forward to the future of black economic justice. More than 500 people attended the sessions on June 1st in person, and more than 1300 watched the proceedings online. The day was divided into three tracks that highlighted the different areas of black economic experience:

The institutional black Wall Street track focused on diversity in the financial services industry. Sessions were held on policy and regulation in financial services, asset allocators and diversity as well as empowering minority-owned firms today via corporate and educational partnerships.
The second track of Economic Empowerment Day focused on entrepreneurship and featured female venture capital leaders, as well as others focused on growing and creating minority-owned businesses.

The third track featured access to capital and the building of Black wealth via personal investing, homeownership, and overall financial literacy.

Our message of economic justice and empowerment was also covered favorably in the media. You can take a look at some of the day’s coverage via the links below:

If you missed the Economic Empowerment Day then you definitely want to check out the online link here: https://tulsa2021eed.vfairs.com/. You’ll be able to catch the entire conference until September 1st.

NASP and Cerberus Capital Management Launch Milestone Partnership to Support Minority Professionals in Finance

Mike Utaegbulam on July 20, 2021

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Association of Securities Professionals (“NASP”) today announced that it has launched a three-year partnership with Cerberus Capital Management (“Cerberus”). Cerberus will become the lead sponsor of The NASP Institute and a contributing sponsor of NASP Annual Financial Services Conference, Mentors Luncheon, and Women’s Forum. Cerberus will make a $300,000 contribution to NASP, which represents the organization’s largest donation to date. Expected to launch this year, The NASP Institute will provide research and insights on minorities and women in the financial services industry as well as professional development opportunities. The platform will also support NASP’s programming for college students and professionals from underrepresented communities. NASP currently hosts premier events to promote the sharing of information and create networking opportunities, such as:
  • NASP Mentors Luncheon: An annual showcase and interactive event for financial services firms to present internship and job opportunities for talented college students from underserved minority communities.
  • NASP Annual Pension and Financial Services Conference: A conference that brings together more than 600 financial services professionals to discuss issues pertinent to minorities in the industry as well as general trends within financial services.
  • The Women’s Forum: A space for women professionals in finance to gain insights from one another and connect with peers in the industry.
“This multi-year partnership with Cerberus is a great example of what NASP can do in collaboration with industry-leading firms,” commented Ronald C. Parker, NASP President and CEO. “The NASP Institute will help explore and analyze the state of play for minorities in the financial services industry. Cerberus’ additional support of our programming will also accelerate the impact we can have on women and minority professionals right away.” Doston Bradley, Managing Director at Cerberus, added, “NASP is an incredible change agent for the finance industry and we are proud to expand our partnership with them. Research is critical to increasing awareness and NASP’s platform will deliver data-driven insights on the importance of diversity. This partnership will also expand NASP’s reach by providing more resources and opportunities for women and minority professionals.” NASP greatly appreciates this strategic partnership with Cerberus. For more information, please contact Marshay Hall, Director of Programs and Communications at mhall@nasphq.org.

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