CFP Board Announces First Inductees in New Hall of Fame

CFP Board today announced the inaugural inductees to the Financial Planning Hall of Fame, a new annual recognition program honoring visionaries whose transformational contributions have shaped the profession and deepened its impact on society.

The 2025 inductees are Bill Anthes, Ph.D., and Alexandra Armstrong, CFP®, two leaders whose efforts established key frameworks and inspired practices that define how financial planning serves the public interest.

The Hall of Fame celebrates those who have driven meaningful progress, from expanding access to financial guidance and championing rigorous ethical standards, to deepening public awareness and helping the profession deliver greater impact. This program uniquely recognizes pinnacle achievements and their lasting influence on future generations.

“The Financial Planning Hall of Fame shines a light on the leaders whose vision and values have helped define this profession,” said CFP Board Chair Liz Miller, CFP®, CFA®. “It’s about more than looking back; it’s about celebrating the principles that continue to guide our future. This recognition affirms the power of leadership to elevate not just a profession, but the people it serves.”

Bill Anthes co-founded the organization that became CFP Board and was instrumental in establishing an independent credentialing body for financial planning, a defining move that safeguarded the CFP® marks and established a foundation for ethical oversight.

Alexandra Armstrong broke gender barriers as one of the first women in financial planning. Her enduring commitment to service, education and empowerment helped shape financial planning into a more inclusive, purpose-driven profession.

“Bill and Alex each changed the trajectory of financial planning — one by building the foundation, the other by expanding its reach and purpose,” said CFP Board CEO Kevin R. Keller, CAE. “Their influence is embedded in how we train, serve and show up for the public. The profession is stronger because of their vision, and more human because of their values.”

Eligibility and Selection Process

CFP Board invited Hall of Fame nominations through a transparent public process from February 20, 2025, through March 31, 2025.

Eligibility extended to anyone who has meaningfully advanced the financial planning profession for the benefit of the public, including financial planners, journalists, authors, academics and policymakers. Nominees did not need to hold CFP® certification to be eligible.

In January 2025, Miller appointed a Selection Committee to review nominations and recommend inductees to the Board of Directors of CFP Board, which made the final selections. The Selection Committee included the following:

• Karen Schaeffer, CFP®, Selection Committee Chair (2007 CFP Board Chair)
• Matt Boersen, CFP® (2024 CFP Board Chair)
• Bill Carter, CFP® (1994 CFP Board Chair)
• Ben Coombs, member of the first class of CFP® certificants (1973)
• Sue Meisinger, Public Board Member (2010-2013)
• Latha Ramchand, Ph.D., Board Member (2019-2022)
• Richard Salmen, CFP® (2017 CFP Board Chair)

CFP Board will celebrate this year’s Hall of Fame inductees at the 2025 CFP Board Connections Conference in Chicago, October 6-8, 2025.