The Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards announced Thursday that it has hired John Loper to be director of corporate relations, a position the board says is "vitally important to increasing top financial service firms' preference for and investment in CFP certification."
Loper, who will help the CFP Board strengthen its presence in the financial services marketplace and serve as a contact for key executives at financial service firms, will focus on boosting the CFP Board's overall growth strategy and will lead key initiatives.
Loper reports to Joseph Maugeri, managing director of marketing and corporate relations, who was recently promoted from Loper's new position.
Additional responsibilities within Loper's new position include supporting efforts to incorporate CFP certification in firms' practices as well as their new advisor training and professional development programs.
"Developing strong relationships with firms is critical as we seek to grow the number of CFP professionals to meet the needs of consumers, who want to work with an advisor who has demonstrated competency, ethics and professionalism," said CFP Board CEO Kevin Keller, in a statement. "As a CFP professional, John understands the value of the CFP certification to advisors, firms and clients. He will be an invaluable member of our team as he works with firms to institutionalize the certification and promote financial planning as a benefit for firms' clients."