FinServ Foundation Appoints Samantha Allen as New Mentorship Program Director to Empower NextGen Leaders

The FinServ Foundation, a nonprofit organization with a mission to bolster the financial services sector by supporting its future leaders, has announced the appointment of Samantha Allen as its new Mentorship Program Director. Allen, who brings over ten years of industry experience, including her current role as Executive Vice President of Marketing at Merit Financial Advisors, is set to lead the foundation's efforts in empowering the next generation of financial professionals.

Under Allen's leadership, the mentorship program is poised to continue its impactful work, offering two years of group coaching, a structured six-month mentorship program, and valuable conference experiences to approximately 600 Fellows across more than 40 colleges and universities. This initiative is part of the foundation's broader strategy to address retention challenges in the financial services industry by creating structured pathways for career development and fostering a diverse professional ecosystem.

Jamie Hopkins, President of FinServ Foundation, commended Allen's appointment, underscoring the critical role of mentorship in ensuring the success and longevity of emerging talent in the industry. Allen's extensive background in senior marketing roles at leading financial firms equips her with the unique insights and skills necessary to drive the program's success and inspire innovation among participants.

Allen steps into the role following the foundational work of Kellan Brown, who has transitioned to become the Chief Operating Officer of 100 Women in Finance. The foundation's Advisory Board member, Kate Healy, acknowledged Brown's contributions in establishing the mentorship program as a vital resource for aspiring financial services professionals.

Expressing her enthusiasm for the new role, Allen highlighted the transformative power of mentorship in shaping careers and lives within the financial services industry. Her vision for the program aligns with the foundation's overarching goal to cultivate a robust, inclusive professional community by providing the tools, resources, and support necessary for the next generation to thrive.

This development marks a significant step forward in the FinServ Foundation's commitment to enriching the financial services landscape through education, mentorship, and professional development, ensuring a brighter future for the industry and those who aspire to be part of it.