Kathryn Berkenpas, CFP®

As Chief Operating Officer of CFP Board, Kathryn oversees the organization’s core operations, including certification, marketing and communications. She also oversees key operational areas, focused on strengthening internal processes, driving strategic initiatives and enhancing experiences for CFP® professionals, candidates and other stakeholders.

Kathryn has extensive experience in operations, strategy and organizational leadership across the financial services and retirement industries. She joined CFP Board in April 2025 as Managing Director, Corporate Growth, where she focused on strengthening relationships with financial services firms and developing strategies to grow CFP® certification among firm employees.

Prior to CFP Board, Kathryn was Group Director at Morgan Stanley for The Chesapeake Capitol Group, with $2 billion assets under management. She also spent nearly 16 years at MissionSquare Retirement, where she held several leadership positions, including, Vice President of Client Enablement. In this role, she spearheaded strategic initiatives to expand retirement solutions and partnerships, driving growth and innovation in the public sector financial services space.

Kathryn earned her CFP® certification in 2004. She holds a master’s degree in public administration from George Mason University and a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech’s CFP Board registered program.