Putting Investors First Month is a global initiative created to encourage financial professionals to place the interests of investors above their own, and build awareness of the duty to protect investor interests. The event is presented as a collaborative effort by societies of CFA Institute, the global association of investment professionals that sets the standard for professional excellence and credentials. Putting Investors First Month is part of the Future of Finance project, a long-term global effort to shape a trustworthy, forward-thinking financial industry that better serves society.
In 2013, when McGinnis was President of CFA Society Milwaukee, the society won the first-ever global CFA Institute Most Innovative Project award related to his efforts in conceptualizing and creating Putting Investors First. His work, which included a proclamation by Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker first establishing Putting Investors First Day on May 31, 2013, led to Putting Investors First Month being celebrated during the month of May across the globe in 2014 and 2015.
Over 95 CFA societies (66% of all societies globally) in 45 countries, representing 85,000 CFA Institute members, have participated. In only three years, Putting Investors First has become a global success.
McGinnis said “This award is a tremendous honor. CFA charterholders comprise one of the most dedicated, professional, and ethical organizations not only in the investment community, but also in the world. I’m tremendously proud of the CFA Institute mission, which is to lead the investment profession globally by promoting the highest standards of ethics, education, and professional excellence for the ultimate benefit of society. It’s exceptionally rare that a professional organization focuses on society, rather than its own members. As an organization, we are committed to and understand that doing what’s best for society truly is the right way to go. It’s a privilege to help carry that message to the public.”
In addition to Mr. McGinnis’ efforts related to Putting Investors First and his Presidency of CFA Society Milwaukee (2013-14), the Awards Committee also considered his six years on the Board of the CFA Society, three executive officer positions, and attendance at five global leadership conferences (Scotland, Hong Kong, London, and Washington, D.C. twice) and Americas leadership conferences as both a presenter and participant. He is also an instructor in investment industry standards of practice and ethics at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, a judge in the CFA Institute’s college Investment Research Challenge, a CFA Institute approved speaker on career development issues, and is a volunteer on the exam writing team for the U. S. Series 65 and 66 securities licenses.
The Committee also noted McGinnis’ work on his personal project, Team Comet Dog, which is a charitable organization raising money for wounded soldiers. As a part of this effort, McGinnis is writing a children’s photo-story book for soldiers and their families about deployment; it is titled "The Adventures of The Comet Dog: Missing Someone Is Hard." The book’s completed chapters are available free online (as will be the completed book) at The Comet Dog website (www.The CometDog.com).
Previously, he worked for various firms as a portfolio manager, sell-side investment analyst, buy-side investment analyst, and in investment banking. McGinnis was awarded the CFA charter in 1989.
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