CFA Society Rochester connects and supports investment professionals across Central and Western New York through ethics, education, and community.
As part of the global CFA Institute network of 160+ societies, we uphold the highest standards of ethics, education, and professional excellence in the investment industry—for the ultimate benefit of society.
Founded in 1955, our society serves as a trusted local resource for investment practitioners, academics, students, and community partners committed to advancing the future of finance.
Our Mission
Our mission is to promote the highest ethical and professional standards within the investment profession while providing lifelong learning, career development, and community for finance professionals in our region.
We are committed to:
- Promoting integrity and ethical leadership
- Delivering high-quality educational programs and professional development
- Creating spaces for meaningful connection and collaboration
- Supporting investment professionals at every stage of their careers
These priorities align with the mission of CFA Institute: to lead the investment profession globally by promoting ethics, education, and professional excellence—for the ultimate benefit of society.
Our Vision
We aspire to cultivate a vibrant, engaged community of finance professionals who set the benchmark for ethical, informed, and forward-thinking investment practice in Central and Western New York.
This vision aligns with CFA Institute’s goal of being where the investment industry comes to skill, upskill, and reskill through globally recognized credentials, certificate programs, and lifelong learning.
What We Do
We host programming throughout the year that supports professional growth, fosters community, and advances best practices in investment management. Our events are open to members, candidates, and the public. We invite you to be part of meaningful conversations that shape the future of finance.
Signature Events Include:
- Monthly Member Luncheons – Complimentary for members and guests, featuring industry insights and peer networking.
- Annual Dinner – Our marquee event with a distinguished speaker from the global financial community.
- CFA Institute Research Challenge – Mentorship and applied learning for university students conducting real-world equity research.
- Winter Social – A January gathering to celebrate the year and strengthen community connections.
- Community Involvement Initiatives – Volunteer and partnership opportunities where finance expertise makes a meaningful local impact.
Why Attend:
Professional development • Peer connections • Leading ideas • A gateway to a global finance community
View our Upcoming Events page.
Our Membership Community
Membership with CFA Society Rochester connects you to a global network and a strong local community. Members gain access to resources, insights, and relationships that support every stage of their career.
We bring together investment professionals from disciplines including advisory, research, portfolio management, consulting, corporate finance, and academia.
Our membership includes both seasoned charterholders and emerging professionals united by core values of integrity, competence, and community.
Why Join CFA Society Rochester:
- Connect with a global network of 135,000+ professionals committed to ethical excellence
- Access member-only learning resources, publications, and career tools
- Unlock discounted or exclusive access to events locally and worldwide
- Engage in a community that supports growth across every career stage
Learn more about our Member Benefits.
Our Role in the Global CFA Community
Part of a Global Network
As one of 160+ CFA societies worldwide, we deliver CFA Institute’s commitment to ethics, excellence, and lifelong learning at the local level.
We bring CFA Institute’s mission to life by offering:
- Ethics-focused programming
- Local networking and professional development
- Support for CFA Program candidates
- Student engagement and university partnerships
- Opportunities to apply finance expertise for community impact
We operate in partnership with CFA Institute under shared principles of transparency, collaboration, trust, accountability, and professionalism.
Community Engagement
Transforming Financial Expertise into Meaningful Impact
We believe finance can be a force for good.
Each year, our members share their expertise to strengthen the community through financial education, nonprofit partnerships, and student development initiatives.
Recent Highlights:
These initiatives reflect our commitment to using financial knowledge to create brighter futures throughout Greater Rochester.
Our Leadership
CFA Society Rochester is led by a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors that advances our mission, builds impactful programming, and strengthens the financial community in our region.
- Gerald Gugger, CFA - President
- John Casey, CFA - Vice President
- Keith Smith, CFA - Programs Chair
- Matthew Kelley, CFA - Outreach Chair
- Michael Masso, CFA - Treasurer
- Michael Masso, CFA - Treasurer
- Matthew Torpey, CFA - Governance Chair
- Chris Schulitz, CFA - Research Challenge Chair
- Ivy Wan-Beltejar, CFA - Secretary, Research Challenge Associate
- Andrea Ells, CFA - University Relations Chair
- Jordan Millner, CFA - Past President, Director
- Charles Ruff, CFA - Director
- Dylan Potter, CFA - Director
- Luca Zambito, CFA - Director
View our Board of Directors.
Our History
Founded in 1955 as the Rochester Society of Security Analysts, CFA Society Rochester has supported ethics and professional excellence in investment management for nearly 70 years.
From our earliest meetings to today’s dynamic society spanning Central and Western New York, we remain committed to ethics, excellence, and education in the investment profession.