The Financial Planners Standards Council at its annual meeting of members last week restructured its board of directors to focus exclusively on strategic policy issues.

The number of directors representing founding member organizations was reduced from 14 (two representing each of the seven founding organizations) to seven, and four independent directors.

“The restructuring marks a coming of age for FPSC,” says John Carpenter, the Council’s past chairman and a driving force behind the restructuring. “With an excellent staff in place, the board no longer needs to roll up its sleeves and help address operational issues. It can now focus fully on strategic policy issues.”

“Serving and anticipating the needs of all our stakeholders have always been major elements of our mandate,” says FPSC president Don Johnston. “The inclusion of four new independents to the Board brings important new perspectives to the table.”

FPSC’s current Board consists of the following:

  • Garry Duncan CFP, CA representing The Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (vice chair);
  • Keith Costello representing The Canadian Institute of Financial Planning;
  • Paul Duncan CFP representing Credit Union Institute of Canada;
  • Bob Fleischacker CFP, CH.F.C., CLU, RHU representing Canadian Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors;
  • Cynthia Kett CFP representing The Canadian Association of Financial Planners;
  • Margaret Koniuck CFP, CGA representing CGA-Canada; and
  • Don Nilson CFP, CMA representing CMA-Canada.

The independent directors include:

  • Dr. George Athanassakos, Professor of Finance with Wilfrid Laurier University;
  • Alastair Rickard, vice president, Financial Planning Services with Clarica;
  • Mark Thomas CFP, Independent Financial Planner; and
  • Peter Volpé CFP, senior vice president with Integra Capital Financial Corp.

Senior directors include:

  • Michael Lem CFP, CMA – chair, and financial consultant with Nesbitt Burns;
  • John Carpenter FICB, FCGA – past chair, and executive director and CEO of CGA-Alberta; and
  • Don Johnston FCA – president, Financial Planners Standards Council.