Not Your Typical Charterholder Interview Series

CFA Society Minnesota is pleased to present this unique interview series called “Not Your Typical Charterholder.”

Why did we choose this title? The CFA Charter has become the most respected and recognized investment credential in the world. CFA Charterholders encompass a global network of investment professionals with a broad range of job titles, unique backgrounds and diverse perspectives. After chatting with a local CFA Charterholders, you’ll likely find that this holds true right here in Minnesota. Therefore we introduce this new interview series showcasing local CFA Charterholders, giving them the opportunity to share with you their background and why they chose to earn this designation.

These interviews are here to help up-and-coming financial professionals gain insight into the industry from those who have already begun advancing their careers.

Recent Interviews

Michael Anderson, CFA: Is a Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities (RMBS) Trader at Wells Fargo Securities.  He graduated from the University of North Dakota in 1999 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Finance and received his CFA Charter in 2012. Read Michael's interview

Ole Koppang, CFA: Is currently a Relationship Manager within the Corporate Banking division at Bank of the West, a wholly owned subsidiary of BNP Paribas.  He was born in Norway, graduated from Macalester College in 2005, and completed the CFA program in 2010.  He is also pursuing an MBA at the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management and expects to graduate fall of 2013. Read Ole's interview

Holland Stimac, CFA: Was a CFA Society of Minnesota member prior to accepting a position in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  He is currently a Vice President and Due Diligence Precision and Reporting Manager at Wells Fargo Global Financial Institutions. After graduating from the University of St. Thomas in 2006, he received his CFA Charter in September of 2011. Read Holland's interview

Jayson Alexander, CFA: Is an investment professional who received his CFA Charter in November 2012. He currently works as an Investment Research Specialist at JRA Financial Advisors.  He previously held positions as an Equity Research Analyst at Disclosure Insight, Inc. and as a Customer Service Representative at R.R. Donnelley. Read Jayson's interview

Jeff Branstad, CFA: Is a Senior Investment Product Specialist at Thrivent Financial, where he serves as an expert on investment products, portfolio construction and asset allocation strategies as well as serving as a resource for economic, financial market and specific asset class commentary. He also supports other areas including product management, product development and product marketing. He received his undergraduate degree from Luther College in 2004 and later earned his MBA from Augsburg College in 2007. He received the CFA Charter in 2010. Read Jeff's interview

Laura Whitaker, CFA: Is currently Director, Banking Analytics at Ameriprise Financial. A Minnesota native, she received her undergraduate degree in Finance from The Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota in 1998, and completed the CFA program in 2002. Read Laura's interview