CFP Board Elected Three New Directors to Governance
The leadership change affects the board overseeing 110,000 certified financial planners across the United States.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Financial Planning
Live Poll
Should professional financial certification boards prioritize AI expertise when selecting new board members?
The CFP Board has elected three new members to its Board of Directors to guide the organization's governance. The new directors will serve three-year terms starting on January 1, 2027.
Why it matters
The board election ensures diverse viewpoints and experience in the regulation and oversight of financial planning standards. These governance decisions influence the professional benchmarks for the 110,000 CFP certification holders nationwide.
The board elected 3 new members who will join a 15-member voting group, serving as a governance body for 110,000 CFP certification holders. The total board composition will include 16 members including the nonvoting CEO.
The players
Evelyn Zohlen
A Regional Director and Senior Wealth Advisor at Apella Wealth, a firm providing comprehensive financial planning and investment management services.
Drew McMorrow
The President and CEO of Ballentine Partners, an investment firm that offers multi-family office and wealth management services to high-net-worth households.
Zar Toolan
The CEO of Archevia Advisors, which provides financial planning and advisory services.
Martin Seay
The incoming Board Chair for the CFP Board who oversees the organization's governance of certification standards.
Terri Kallsen
The outgoing Board Chair for the CFP Board who directs the organization's standards and policy initiatives.
The details
The CFP Board's Nominating Committee utilized a gap analysis to identify recruitment priorities and select candidates who offer diverse experience and perspectives. These new directors, including Evelyn Zohlen, Drew McMorrow, and Zar Toolan, will begin their three-year terms on January 1, 2027. This governance structure oversees the standards and certification requirements that impact financial planners and their clients throughout the country.
Timeline
October 1, 2026: The CFP Board announced the election of three directors.
December 31, 2026: Terri Kallsen's term as Board Chair expires.
January 1, 2027: New three-year director terms begin and Martin Seay becomes Board Chair.
December 31, 2029: New director terms expire.
Money Landscape
This election follows the established governance cycle required to maintain the integrity of the CFP Board's professional certification standards. Leadership shifts on this board are central to the regulatory framework that shapes financial planning practices across the industry.
These board changes influence the certification and ethical standards for financial professionals you may consult for your household budget and retirement planning. Investors should periodically verify their advisor's certification status through the board's public registry.
The takeaway
Governance changes within the CFP Board shape the baseline expectations for the planners helping households manage complex financial goals. If you work with a certified planner, you can continue to monitor their professional status through the official board directory.
What happens next
Martin Seay will assume the role of Board Chair on January 1, 2027, marking the beginning of the new three-year director terms.
Further reading
For more information on the standards governing your advisor, visit the Financial Planning section.
Live Poll
Should professional financial certification boards prioritize AI expertise when selecting new board members?
