CFA Institute Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

CFA Institute has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, operational coordination, advisory services, technology innovation, regional representation, and legal compliance.

Committed to advancing global finance education, CFA Institute empowers investment professionals through rigorous ethical standards and specialized certification programs that foster excellence across the international investment community.

Leadership Roles at CFA Institute

  • Chief Executive Officer - Mae Conrad
  • Chief Financial Officer - Gregory Slowik
  • President Council Representative - US Southeast Region - Guillermo Rodríguez
  • Chief of Staff - Christopher Fidler
  • Corporate Advisory Services Chief of Staff - David Schmidle
  • Chief Information Officer & Managing Director, Technology & Ai Solutions, Cfa Institute - Eliot Pikoulis
  • Managing Director, General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer - Sheri Littlefield
  • Mae Conrad - Chief Executive Officer

    Mae Conrad, the Chief Executive Officer at CFA Institute, directs the overarching strategic vision for this global not-for-profit organization. By prioritizing high standards of ethics and education, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that the CFA Program and various specialized certificates remain the gold standard for investment professionals worldwide. Conrad oversees the alignment of organizational goals with the evolving needs of universities and students seeking career advancement. This leadership role involves constant engagement with the Board to maintain the mission of benefiting society through financial excellence. By fostering a culture of integrity, Mae Conrad drives the long-term impact of the organization across international markets. The Chief Executive Officer manages the intersection of educational quality and professional development, ensuring that the institution remains a cornerstone of the investment industry while scaling operations to meet the demands of a diverse, global finance workforce.

    Gregory Slowik - Chief Financial Officer

    Gregory Slowik, the Chief Financial Officer at CFA Institute, manages the fiscal health and resource allocation necessary to support global finance education initiatives. The Chief Financial Officer architects robust financial frameworks that enable the delivery of the CFA Program and sustainable investing certificates to a worldwide audience. By overseeing budgetary planning and long-term financial sustainability, Slowik ensures that the organization maintains the capacity to invest in educational infrastructure and professional development tools. This role involves close collaboration with executive leadership to optimize revenue streams from certification programs while upholding the not-for-profit mission. Gregory Slowik monitors global economic trends to mitigate financial risks, thereby securing the resources required for the institution to promote excellence in the investment industry. Through disciplined fiscal management, the Chief Financial Officer supports the expansion of educational reach, ensuring that financial professionals receive high-value training that adheres to the highest ethical standards.

    Guillermo Rodríguez - President Council Representative - US Southeast Region

    Guillermo Rodríguez, the President Council Representative - US Southeast Region at CFA Institute, drives engagement and educational outreach within the regional investment community. The President Council Representative - US Southeast Region facilitates the connection between local finance professionals and the organization's global standards for ethics and excellence. By organizing regional initiatives and promoting the CFA Program, Rodríguez ensures that the institution's mission resonates with students and practitioners in the Southeast. This role involves representing the interests of the regional council to the broader executive leadership, fostering a collaborative environment that supports career advancement. Guillermo Rodríguez monitors regional market trends to tailor educational support, ensuring that the organization remains relevant to the specific needs of the local finance industry. Through active community building and professional advocacy, the President Council Representative - US Southeast Region strengthens the presence of the institution, promoting a culture of high ethical standards and continuous learning across the regional investment landscape.

    Christopher Fidler - Chief of Staff

    Christopher Fidler, the Chief of Staff at CFA Institute, coordinates cross-functional operations to ensure seamless execution of the organization's educational mission. The Chief of Staff facilitates communication between departments, aligning internal processes with the strategic objectives set by the executive team. By managing complex projects related to the CFA Program and private market certifications, Fidler optimizes organizational efficiency and promotes high standards of excellence. This role involves bridging the gap between administrative functions and the delivery of finance education to students and universities. Christopher Fidler monitors operational performance metrics to identify areas for improvement, ensuring that the institution remains agile in a competitive global market. Through the synchronization of internal workflows, the Chief of Staff enables the organization to focus on its core purpose of empowering investment professionals. Fidler maintains the operational rhythm required to uphold the ethical and educational standards that define the reputation of the institution.

    David Schmidle - Corporate Advisory Services Chief of Staff

    David Schmidle, the Corporate Advisory Services Chief of Staff at CFA Institute, directs the operational support for advisory functions that serve the global investment community. The Corporate Advisory Services Chief of Staff manages the integration of specialized finance education programs into corporate environments, ensuring that firms and universities benefit from the organization's ethical and educational standards. By overseeing the delivery of private market and sustainable investing certificates, Schmidle facilitates the professional development of finance practitioners. This role involves coordinating with internal teams to refine advisory services, thereby enhancing the value provided to clients seeking career advancement. David Schmidle drives the implementation of strategic initiatives that expand the reach of the organization's advisory capabilities across diverse geographic markets. Through meticulous planning and execution, the Corporate Advisory Services Chief of Staff ensures that the institution remains a trusted partner for investment professionals, consistently delivering high-quality educational resources that promote excellence and integrity.

    Eliot Pikoulis - Chief Information Officer & Managing Director, Technology & Ai Solutions, Cfa Institute

    Eliot Pikoulis, the Chief Information Officer & Managing Director, Technology & Ai Solutions, Cfa Institute at CFA Institute, architects the digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence strategies that support global finance education. The Chief Information Officer & Managing Director, Technology & Ai Solutions, Cfa Institute oversees the deployment of advanced learning platforms, ensuring that students and professionals access high-quality educational content efficiently. By integrating AI solutions into the CFA Program and other certification offerings, Pikoulis enhances the user experience and improves learning outcomes. This role involves leading the technology team to secure data integrity and optimize digital delivery systems across international regions. Eliot Pikoulis collaborates with other executives to align technological innovation with the organization's mission of promoting excellence in the investment industry. Through the modernization of digital tools, the Chief Information Officer & Managing Director, Technology & Ai Solutions, Cfa Institute ensures that the institution remains at the forefront of educational technology, providing scalable solutions for a global finance workforce.
    Eliot Pikoulis
    Sheri Littlefield, the Managing Director, General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer at CFA Institute, directs the legal and regulatory frameworks that govern the organization's global operations. The Managing Director, General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer ensures that all finance education programs, including the CFA Program and sustainable investing certificates, comply with international standards and ethical requirements. By overseeing legal risk management and corporate governance, Littlefield protects the integrity of the institution and its certification processes. This role involves providing strategic counsel to the Board and executive leadership on matters of compliance, intellectual property, and global regulatory shifts. Sheri Littlefield manages the legal aspects of expanding educational reach into new markets, ensuring that the organization operates within the bounds of local and international law. Through rigorous legal oversight, the Managing Director, General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer supports the mission of promoting excellence and ethics, safeguarding the reputation of the institution as a leader in finance education.
    Sheri Littlefield

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding CFA Institute Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads CFA Institute?
    CFA Institute is led by Mae Conrad (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Gregory Slowik (Chief Financial Officer) and Guillermo Rodríguez (President Council Representative - US Southeast Region).
    Who is part of CFA Institute’s executive team?
    The executive team of CFA Institute includes leaders such as Mae Conrad (Chief Executive Officer), Gregory Slowik (Chief Financial Officer), Guillermo Rodríguez (President Council Representative - US Southeast Region) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does CFA Institute have?
    CFA Institute has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in CFA Institute’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of CFA Institute includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President Council Representative - US Southeast Region, Chief of Staff, Corporate Advisory Services Chief of Staff.