Investment Strategies for Volatile Markets

February 24, 2009: co-hosted with WIFS (Women in Insurance and Financial Services)

Given that the current economic situation is very much on everyone's mind, the Women's MBA Network and Women in Insurance and Financial Services felt it would be timely to bring together an expert panel of financial professionals who could speak knowledgeably about current and past financial crises, as well as the recoveries that followed, in order to guide us on prudent strategies for making confident investment decisions in this volatile market.

The program was both educational and informative: it gave us an historical perspective on past recessions and recoveries, insight into remaining optimistic about investments, and advice on what investors should do now to rebuild their investment portfolios and take practical next steps. The information provided and the discussion that followed presented a more positive outlook on the current situation, recasting it as a potential opportunity for investors as the economy begins to recover.

These professionals also shared the importance of working with a professional financial advisor. A financial expert can identify the appropriate investment strategy for an individual's specific goals and then make decisions objectively, without being affected by the emotions that one naturally has when thinking about the future.

Photos: Investment Strategies for Volatile Markets

Panelists:

Patrick J. Hoffman, Sr., LeggMason
Vice President and Sales Director for PA Region. Pat started his Investment Career as a Financial Consultant for Merrill Lynch in Jenkintown, PA. He has fourteen years of investment experience working previously for PNC Advisors, Rorer Asset Management and Salomon Brothers Asset Management. Currently, Pat is responsible for the distribution of mutual funds, SMAs, 529 College Savings Plans and Alternative Investments for Legg Mason and affiliates. Pat is a graduate of the US Naval Academy and a qualified Nuclear Submarine Officer. He resides with his wife and four children in Audubon, PA. Pat enjoys golfing and with his family raising Seeing Eye Dogs for the 4H.

Joseph B. Rowan II, CIMA, CRPC, JennisonDryden
Vice president and regional sales coordinator for the Pennsylvania/Delaware region. Prior to joining JennisonDryden in 2004, he was a regional investment consultant for Lincoln Financial Distributors. Joe has more than eight years of experience in the financial services industry and holds FINRA Series 7, 63, and 65 licenses. He has earned the CIMA (Certified Investment Management Analyst) designation from the Wharton School of Business and the AIF (Accredited Investment Fiduciary) designation from the Center for Fiduciary Studies. Joe also holds the PPC (Professional Plan Consultant) designation from Financial Services Standards, and is also a member of IMCA (Investment Management Consultants Association). Joe graduated from Fordham University with a B.S. in finance and earned an M.B.A. from Saint Joseph's University.

Jennifer Bixler-Telesca, John Hancock
Sales Vice President at John Hancock where she is responsible for the distribution of the firm's mutual funds, separately managed accounts, and 529 college savings plans. Prior to joining John Hancock, Jennifer was a Regional Channel Manager at ADP Retirement Services. She began her career at Nuveen Investments covering New York City and Long Island. Jennifer holds a B.A. from Franklin and Marshall College and an M.A. from The University of Maryland, College Park. She has also earned her Certified Investment Management Analyst and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor designations.

Patricia T. Dunn, CFM, CAP, Vice President, Wealth Management Advisor, PIA Program Portfolio Manager, The Dunn Group at Merrill Lynch
Pat started her professional career as the first female Financial Advisor for Merrill Lynch in Philadelphia. In her more than 30 years with the Firm, she has assumed positions of increasing responsibility. Pat's latest achievement was to receive her title as Portfolio Manager in the Merrill Lynch Personal Investment Advisory Program. Pat works very closely with clients as they develop and refine their investment and wealth management strategies. She also specialized in asset distribution to help clients maintain their lifestyle as they plan for and make the transition from work to retirement. She and her husband, Joe, are very proud that their son, Paul, has joined her team as a Financial Advisor. When it is time to relax, she, her family and friends enjoy sailing the waters of the Chesapeake Bay.

Judy Czyzewski, Business Development Manager, Independence Wealth Services
Judy brings over ten years of experience in the financial services industry. She works with the team at Independence Wealth Services to develop and enhance professional relationships with current and prospective clients in the community. Judy is an active member in several professional organizations that focus on supporting and advancing women in education, business and social outreach. She is currently the President of the Greater Philadelphia Women in Insurance and Financial Services (WIFS) which supports,encourages and advances the success of women in the Financial Services industry. She is also President of the Wilmington Women in Business, Delaware's oldest and largest resource and support network for professional women and founding organization of the Fresh Start Scholarship Foundation. Judy has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Widener University and resides in Chadds Ford Pennsylvania.

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