FAAA welcomes new board members

The Financial Advice Association of Australia (FAAA) has appointed three female financial advisers to its board for three-year terms, effective from 20 November.

Felicity Cooper, Deborah Kent and Sheila Gutierrez-Cabacungan succeed current members Kearsten James, Julie Matheson and Julian Place, whose tenures also end in November.

Cooper has spent six years as the director and authorized representative (AR) of her Gold Coast-based self-licenced Australian financial services licence (AFSL). She has over 20 years of industry experience and is a former Financial Planning Association (FPA) and Association of Financial Advisers (AFA) award winner.

The co-founder of Sydney-based boutique Integra Financial and financial adviser for 30 years, Kent has notched several achievements under her belt including FAAA Distinguished Service Award in 2004, AFA President, AFA NSW Director, AFA National Treasurer, Director of the AFA Foundation, President of the Western Sydney Business connection and FASEA Board Director.

Gutierrez-Cabacungan is the principal and owner of self-licenced practice, Wealth Forum, in Western Sydney. She is also a self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) Specialist Adviser.

“On behalf of the FAAA Board, we are pleased to welcome Felicity, Deborah and Sheila. Each bring important skills and experience which will add to the depth of knowledge on the FAAA Board. I would like to sincerely thank the three departing directors,” FAAA Chair, David Sharpe, said.

“Julie has been on the Board for over 10 years. During this time she has continued to be a staunch advocate for the CFP program and committed to promoting the highest professional standards in the profession.

“During Kearsten’s term she has been instrumental in bringing the AFA and FPA communities together, and worked tirelessly to ensure the highest quality of governance to the Board and the organisation.

“Julian has brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the FAAA Board, always focusing on members as a priority and working towards the highest education standards. Kearsten and Julian have also contributed enormously to the development of the hugely successful Masterclass series.

“On a personal note, it has been delight to have worked with Julie, Kearsten and Julian on the Board and their insight will be missed.”