In recent weeks, CFP Board has begun an important new chapter in our planned leadership transition. This month, we welcomed Terri Kallsen, CFP® as our new Board Chair, and we announced that K. Dane Snowden will become CEO in March. Together, these developments reflect something I’ve long believed about successful organizations: enduring strength is about positioning them to thrive beyond any one person.
Terri brings exactly the kind of leadership this moment calls for. She leads with judgment, perspective and a keen focus on what CFP® certification represents to the public and the profession. I’m grateful for her partnership and for the strength of a highly accomplished Board of Directors committed to thoughtful, disciplined stewardship.
As we prepare for the CEO transition, Dane shared a perspective that has stayed with me. His approach is rooted in evolution, not revolution — building on what works, listening closely and strengthening the value and impact of what we do over time. CFP Board is well served by his experience, his values and his respect for what has come before.
That same mindset is clear in the Board’s recent approval of updates to the Competency Standards for CFP® certification. These updates reflect a commitment to rigor and long-term impact, helping keep the certification modern, relevant and practical as consumer needs and the profession change.
Across leadership transitions and the evolution of certification standards, the focus remains on strengthening today’s foundation so the profession can thrive for years to come.
Terri Kallsen, CFP® Begins Board Chair Role
With the new year comes a new Board Chair: Terri Kallsen, CFP® has officially assumed the role of Board Chair of CFP Board on January 1, 2026. As Chair, Kallsen will champion efforts related to artificial intelligence (AI), ethics, client service and the quality of financial planning. She will foster innovation and support the continued evolution of planning models, including responsible technology adoption, always guided by what best serves clients. Read more about Kallsen here.
K. Dane Snowden Named as New CEO
Board of Directors has selected COO K. Dane Snowden as CFP Board’s new CEO, effective March 16, 2026. Snowden will succeed Kevin R. Keller, CAE, who is retiring after nearly two decades of transformative leadership. The appointment follows a comprehensive, year-long national search. Read more here.
Updated Competency Standards Explained
This week, CFP Board announced updates to the Competency Standards, affecting both candidates for CFP® certification and CFP® professionals. The updates do not take effect immediately and will be phased in over time. Learn more about the updated Competency Standards here.
New Kevin R. Keller Scholarship Fund to Help First-Generation Students Become CFP® Professionals
In honor of Kevin Keller’s two decades of impactful leadership as CEO of CFP Board, the Kevin R. Keller Scholarship Fund will support first-generation college students on the path to CFP® certification. The program provides financial support, a strong peer community and professional development opportunities to help recipients succeed on the path to CFP® certification. Once the fund reaches a $1 million endowment, it will award four scholarships annually.
To support the Kevin R. Keller Scholarship Fund and the students it serves, consider making a donation at CFP.net/donate, or by contacting Tessa Shambaugh at tshambaugh@cfpboard.org.
Latest Research Illustrates Benefits of Working with a CFP® Professional
CFP Board’s new report, Trust. Confidence. Impact: 2025 Financial Planning Longitudinal Study, highlights findings from the second year of this decade-plus-long study. The results reinforce meaningful advantages in financial preparedness, client satisfaction and comprehensive planning for households advised by CFP® professionals.
For example, 94% of CFP® professional-advised households feel confident in their ability to achieve financial goals, compared to 85% of those working with other advisors and 81% of unadvised Americans. Read the report here.
To learn more, register for the February 3 CE eligible webinar at 1 p.m. ET, where members of the research team will explore the findings and answer questions. Register here.
CFP Board Ambassador Program Welcomes Four CFP® Professionals
Four CFP® professionals have joined the CFP Board Ambassador Program, expanding our nationwide network of volunteer leaders dedicated to raising public awareness of CFP® certification and the value of working with a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional.
With midterm elections later this year, 2026 is shaping up to be an active policy year. While a busy legislative calendar is expected, it remains to be seen how much will advance amid ongoing national tensions. One thing is clear: Regulatory activity is likely to increase now that key leadership positions have been filled across federal agencies, including at the Department of Labor, the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Department of the Treasury.
To make it easier to contact your elected officials on key issues, CFP Board will be rolling out Voter Voice, a new grassroots advocacy platform. No activation will be required on your part. When an issue
arises, you’ll receive an email with a link to prewritten messages addressed to your elected officials based upon your mailing address. You may customize the message with personal details or stories. Look for more information in the coming weeks.
New Web Feature to Stay Informed
To stay up to date on Public Policy developments, visit the Public Policy page on CFP.net and scroll to the new “Latest Policy Updates” section. This feature highlights CFP Board’s legislative and regulatory activity at the state and federal levels, including letters, statements and key updates on issues that matter most to the profession. You can also visit CFP.net/news and filter by “Public Policy Updates.”
CFP® Exam Update: Register for the March CFP® Exam
Ready to sit for the exam? There’s still time to register for the March testing window. Learn more at CFP.net/exam.
From LetsMakeAPlan.org: 'Midlife Money Check: Is Your Retirement Plan on Track, Gen X?'
A recent CFP Board survey, Lessons Learned: A Survey of American Gen Xers, found that only 37% of Generation X say they are satisfied with their retirement savings. CFP Board Ambassador Cary Carbonaro, CFP® outlines a “midlife money check” to help Gen Xers assess whether their retirement goals align with their financial plans.
Your time and talent make a real difference, and it matters that we capture everyone’s contributions. Please be sure to report your pro bono hours so we can recognize your work and highlight the collective impact of our community.
Looking to get involved? Check out www.ProBonoPlannerMatch.org to find virtual or in-person opportunities with nonprofits and community organizations that need your expertise.
Questions? Contact Moley Evans, Director of Volunteer Engagement, at mevans@cfpboard.org.
Donate to Support the Center's Initiatives
Consider including CFP Board Center for Financial Planning in your 2026 charitable giving plans. The Center expands access to CFP® certification, strengthens the talent pipeline and helps more Americans benefit from competent, ethical financial planning advice. Support this work with a charitable gift through your CFP Board Account or at CFP.net/donate.
At CFP Board, we believe each employee contributes directly to our organization's growth and success. We're currently looking to fill several positions in our Washington, DC, office. View the list of currently open positions, and please share these opportunities with your colleagues who may be interested.
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