The FinServ Foundation has appointed Samantha Allen, Executive Vice President of Marketing at Merit Financial Advisors, as its new Mentorship Program Director, signaling an enhanced focus on developing emerging talent in the financial services sector.
The appointment comes at a critical time for the financial services industry, which faces ongoing challenges in attracting and retaining young professionals. The foundation's mentorship program, which impacts hundreds of NextGen leaders, plays a vital role in addressing these challenges through structured professional development and industry exposure.
Under Allen's leadership, the program will continue to support FinServ Foundation's extensive network of over 40 colleges and universities, reaching more than 600 FinServ Fellows. Program participants receive two years of group coaching, structured mentorship, and fully funded conference experiences, with the foundation having sponsored over 200 student conference attendees in the past year alone.
Allen, who brings more than a decade of experience in financial services and marketing leadership, succeeds Kellan Brown, who has transitioned to the role of Chief Operating Officer at 100 Women in Finance. Allen's appointment maintains continuity in the foundation's mission while leveraging her extensive industry experience from positions at Carson Group, FiComm Partners, and TD Ameritrade.
The foundation's comprehensive approach to professional development, combining mentorship with practical industry exposure, represents a significant investment in the future of financial services. This strategy addresses the critical need for sustainable talent pipelines and improved retention rates among young professionals in the industry, ultimately contributing to the sector's long-term stability and growth.
