From the
CEO... Leonard Simpson, RFC®
Finding a Home in the IARFC® It’s been 4 months since I started as Chief Executive Officer for the IARFC. My first trip to the home office is under my belt and I have gained an inspiring appreciation for the Middletown Team. The most notable impression is the family atmosphere of the office. I had no idea the interconnection. You don’t get that vibe, the supportiveness, and the dedication without talking personally to each and every one who works there. Being a long time California resident. I have not really experienced small town America. It’s an impact that warrants a different perspective. It’s not just employees supporting members, but almost a family-type consciousness. People are for the most part from this town, born, and raised here with deep kinship to each other and the community. This translates to how the staff connects to our Association members. It is almost the same, as consultants, how we feel toward our clients. Members in general don’t experience this behindthe-scenes bonhomie. And that…warms my professional soul! Our team is invested in expanding the IARFC. I did not talk to anyone who was negative or did not like what they do. People clearly enjoy working here. It is my belief that members will be treated and nurtured in the same way. Addressing my position on the Trustee Board, previously I had only two virtual meetings. Being the new person, I mostly listened and interjected where appropriate. As I write this recap of my first quarter, I will be making my way to Cincinnati, OH for my first personal interaction with all the Trustees. These in-person meetings have underlying merit. I know that a plan of action will be formulated, encouraged by the face-to-face dynamics, on how the Association should expand. This main goal, to broaden membership in the Association, has been the bottom-line plan as I got to know the Association more intimately. Take International Chapters as an example. I was not aware of what we were doing overseas. In the months to come, you will be reading more about my outreach to existing chapters and exploration for new ones. My first assignment is recording an interview with the Philippines Chapter for their 2022 International Podcasts season. Can’t wait to work with this group! Here at home, I am challenging the members to explore what value the Association holds for them. Over the years, I am guilty as charged for not understanding or paying attention to the resources that are available. If members would spend time on our website, read the White Papers, gain knowledge from the Registers and Journal, or share with clients the importance of their Ethics Approved Status, they would set themselves apart as life-long learners of the industry and ethically sound financial professionals. I am making it my Mission to get you all recognizing Association significance! All for now... stay tuned for the “rest of the story”! (Leonard can be contacted at ceo@iarfc.org) The Register | Spring 2022
Thank to Those Who Serve the Association Volunteering is a great opportunity to see leaders in action and test your own leadership skills. When you get more involved doing the things you enjoy, opportunities for growth and development naturally emerge...
Expand Your Leadership Skills There are many ways for IARFC members to get involved. Periodically through emails there are requests for Board positions, article writers, MRFC Subject Matter Experts, connections to Strategic Alliancs, and responses to surveys. We can only progress according to the enthusiam of the members, so please consider answering our calls even if it is only to give your opinion. For more information on how you can meaningfully contribute to the IARFC, contact susan@ iarfc.org.
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