Multifamily Office CEO Named CFP Board Chair-Elect

The CFP Board has tapped the top executive of a multifamily office as its 2016 leader.

The group announced on Wednesday that Joseph Votava Jr., chief executive of Seneca Financial Advisors, has been elected to serve as its 2015 chair-elect.

Votava will begin his duties on Jan. 1, taking over from Rich Rojeck -- who in turn will then take over the chairman's seat from its current occupant, Ray Ferrara. Typically, the board's chair-elect becomes chairman the following year.

Prior to his 2010 arrival at Seneca, which has offices in Washington, New York City and Rochester, N.Y., Votava spent 25 years at the law firm Nixon Peabody, where he founded a subsidiary called Nixon Peabody Financial Advisors.

Votava was also previously a certified public accountant at Coopers & Lybrand.

"Between the launch of the latest phrase of the Public Awareness Campaign and the Women's Initiative (WIN) to increase the ranks of female CFPprofessionals, CFP Board has taken on some exciting initiatives to foster the growth and advancement of our profession," said Votava in a press release announcing the move. "I am honored to help lead CFP Board."

"Joe has already made a significant impact on the financial planning profession through his efforts to raise awareness of the profession and advocate on behalf of it," Ferrara said in the press release.

Votava has held several leadership positions within the industry, including terms as chairman for both the FPA's national board of directors and the National Endowment for Financial Education's board of trustees. He also has held leadership posts with FPA's International Advisory Council and the CFP Board's Public Policy Council.

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