This month’s Member Spotlight is Jodi Perry, Raymond James Financial
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: JODI PERRY
MEET JODI PERRY OF FSDA INSTITUTIONAL MEMBER, RAYMOND JAMES FINANCIAL.
We are speaking today with Jodi Perry of Raymond James Financial Services, Inc.
Jodi, please tell us a little bit about yourself.
I was raised in St. Petersburg, Florida; went to college at Eckerd College; and worked for a small local accounting firm before joining Raymond James.
Tell us a little about your career with Raymond James Financial.
I’ve been with Raymond James for more than 25 years. I started in an operational area (one that no longer exists, thanks to technology), and then moved into sales with our asset management group after a few years, selling fee based products to our financial advisors. Enjoying the sales process, I moved into recruiting for about a decade to work with financial advisors who were interested in leaving their firms to join Raymond James. I then moved in regional management where I was responsible for a seven-state region with nearly 350 offices. Last year, I moved into my current role as president of the independent contractor division. Time has flown by because I’ve had so many opportunities within the firm, and have had the chance to lead multiple teams in each of my prior positions, which is one of my favorite things to do.
What is the typical business day for the President/Independent Contractor Division at Raymond James Financial Services?
It varies, which keeps it exciting. I might meet with our advisors, meet with advisors from other firms who have expressed an interest in joining Raymond James, travel to offices or attend industry conferences. Sometimes I meet with various Raymond James departments regarding products, services, technology or new regulations. Never a dull moment!
Why is it important for Raymond James Financial to be a member of the FSDA?
In a word - advocacy. As a financial institution based in Florida, the FSDA represents the industry in regulatory and legislative matters. I’ve had the opportunity to lobby for important industry-related bills in Tallahassee alongside other regional and national firms. Knowing I can impact the industry positively is gratifying to me as an industry professional. I also enjoy the outreach programs – whether it’s educating young people on financial literacy, the elderly on potential scams, or educating children on the dangers of certain cyber activity, the FSDA members work for the good of both investors and the industry.
I know that you are very involved with a charitable organization. Please tell us a little bit about this organization and your involvement.
I sit on the Board of the St. Petersburg Free Clinic. I started volunteering there some time ago and was thrilled to be invited to sit on the board. The free clinic first started, as the name would indicate, as a clinic for healthcare for those who couldn’t afford it in underserved communities. Eventually, it grew into the addition of a food bank that provides food to families, the elderly, and my favorite program, “Pack a Sack,” which provides food for children each Friday who might not otherwise have food to eat on the weekends during the school year. The clinic also has a men’s residence, a women’s residence and a family residence. Being involved in an organization that specializes in providing basic human needs – healthcare, food and shelter is extraordinarily meaningful to me.
Jodi, thanks for taking time to speak with us today.
