Jason Kley, MBA, CFP®, AIF®, Elected Financial Planning Association's 2027 President-elect

Newly elected members of the FPA Board of Directors to bring fresh perspective and leadership

DENVER, Nov. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Financial Planning Association® (FPA®), the leading membership organization and trade association for CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professionals, announced today that the Board of Directors elected Jason Kley, MBA, CFP®, AIF®, as the 2027 FPA President-elect for a one-year term. Kley's term will begin Jan. 1, 2027, when he succeeds incoming 2027 FPA President D. Crystal Alford-Cooper, CFP®.

Kley is Vice President and Associate Advisor Group Lead at Sequoia Financial Group in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he partners with clients and their families to provide a fully integrated wealth management experience and leads a team of wealth advisors. He has served on the FPA Board of Directors for the past two years.

"While Jason has been an impactful leader on our national board over the past two years, his leadership in the Association extends many years through his dedicated service to his home chapter, FPA of Minnesota, and to his local community," says 2026 FPA President Dan Galli, CFP®. "Our association, and the entire financial planning profession, will be the direct beneficiary of Jason's steady leadership over the next three years. I look forward to seeing the progress we make with him at the helm."

Kley is widely recognized for his commitment to expanding financial literacy and strengthening communities. A passionate advocate for youth financial education, he played a key role in advancing Minnesota legislation requiring high school students to complete a personal finance course and continues to champion the issue through service with the Minnesota Council on Economic Education, engagement with the Jump$tart Coalition, and his work as co-founder of the Financial Literacy Coalition of Minnesota. His community leadership also includes past service with the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce DRIVE Emerging Leaders Board, BestPrep's Minnesota Business Venture Advisory Committee, and the City of St. Louis Park Police Advisory Commission.

Jason Kley says, "I look forward to advancing the mission of the Financial Planning Association in this leadership position, and I'm excited to further develop and implement the strategic initiatives to strengthen our communities."

Juan G. HernandezAriano, CFP®, is completing his second year on the FPA Board of Directors and was elected to continue his role as 2027 FPA Treasurer, a role he also held in 2026. Prior to serving on the Board, HernandezAriano was chairman, president, and education director of FPA of Houston. In addition to his work with FPA, HernandezAriano has been constantly involved in community and research programs in South America.

FPA is pleased to also announce the election of three new members to its Board of Directors. The FPA Nominating Committee recommended the new board members, who will serve three-year terms starting on Jan. 1, 2027. These individuals bring their diverse experiences and backgrounds to guide FPA's mission and lead its efforts to elevate the financial planning profession. The newly elected board members are: 

• Judith Brown, MBA, CFP®, CPA: Principal and Wealth Advisor at SC&H Wealth in Maryland, which works with individuals, families, businesses, and non-profits to provide integrated tax, investment, and financial planning guidance. A member of FPA since 2016, Brown previously served on the FPA of Maryland board and chaired its community outreach committee.

• Matt Goren, Ph.D., CFP®: Chief Strategy Officer at Brett Danko Education Center, Dr. Goren founded the Global Financial Planning Institute and serves on its board of directors. Prior to switching his career into financial planning, Dr. Goren was CEO of organizational psychology consulting firm Beyond Berkeley. He has worked with the American College of Financial Services, CFP Board, Dalton Education Services, and was a professor of personal finance at the University of Georgia.

• Michael P. McMeans, CFP®: Owner and President of Silverling Financial in Columbus, OH, McMeans has been an FPA member for 14 years and an important leader in the FPA of Central Ohio chapter, where he helped bring the three FPA Ohio chapters together by leading the FPA All-Ohio Symposium. McMeans chaired the FPA national conference task force in 2024 and 2025 and has served his local community by providing pro bono financial planning services.

"We appreciate Judith, Matt, and Michael for their dedication to our association and look forward to seeing their impact on the FPA Board of Directors over the next three years. Each brings a unique skill set and perspective to their new roles on the Board, which will further position our association for success in the years ahead," Galli said.

The FPA Board of Directors sets FPA's vision and strategic direction. The 2027 Board will comprise 14 members, including the newly elected members and FPA CEO Dennis J. Moore, MBA, CFP®. 

For more information about FPA or to join the organization, go to https://www.financialplanningassociation.org/

About the Financial Planning Association
The Financial Planning Association® (FPA®) is the leading membership organization and trade association for CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professionals and those engaged in the financial planning process. FPA is the CFP® professional's partner in planning by helping them realize their vision of professional fulfillment through practice support, learning, advocacy, and networking. Learn more about FPA at financialplanningassociation.org 

SOURCE Financial Planning Association