CFA Society Chicago recently held its Annual Business Meeting, marking a milestone year—the beginning of its 100th anniversary celebration. Outgoing Chair Jeremy Heer reflected on a standout year filled with dynamic programming, robust member engagement, and milestone events that honored the Society’s century-long legacy.
A Year to Remember
Under Heer’s leadership, the Society hosted nearly 70 events, including the flagship annual dinner (with 900+ attendees), a black-tie centennial gala, and CFA Institute’s Global Investment Conference (CFA Live 2025), which brought 1,500 finance professionals to Chicago. The year’s programming spanned across:
· 25 social/networking events
· 14 professional development sessions
· 7 Distinguished Speaker Series (featuring investors like Bon French and Orlando Bravo)
· 13 education events
· And more, all thanks to the work of volunteers and staff.
Financial Update & Membership
Secretary/Treasurer Peyush Shukla reported strong financials for the 11 months ending 8/31. Revenue increased compared to the prior year, the investment portfolio is balanced, the reserve ratio remains healthy, and member retention is holding trend.
Welcoming New Leadership
The Governance and Nominating Committee, represented by Carla Norfleet Taylor, introduced the newly elected board members and officers.
New One-Year Term Board Members (through August 31):
New Three-Year Term Board Members:
2025 Officers:
· Chair: James Boudreault, CFA
· Vice Chair: Peyush Shukla
· Secretary/Treasurer: Carla Norfleet Taylor
· Immediate Past Chair: Jeremy Heer
Challenges & Opportunities Ahead
In the Q&A, key themes emerged:
· Driving member engagement remains a top priority as the finance industry diversifies.
· Adapting to evolving CFA exam formats and maintaining the charter’s value is an ongoing discussion with CFA Institute.
· Membership is growing modestly, with positive signs of new member momentum post-COVID.
Looking Forward
Incoming Chair James Boudreault, Global Head of Data Science at CME Group, shared his journey from Iraq War veteran to CFA charterholder and long-time Society member. He reflected on the Society’s century-long commitment to ethics, community, and professional rigor:
“For a century, our society has been led by giants. I have the baton now—and it’s heavy. But with your help, we’ll make this the best year yet.”
Boudreault emphasized the exciting potential of AI and machine learning, which will be explored at the upcoming Centennial Annual Dinner. While AI offers incredible tools, he noted, it can’t replace the judgment, ethics, and creativity that define CFA professionals.
Here’s to the next 100 years of impact, innovation, and community.