#USA #Fort Washington #Kathy Leckey #Lincoln Investment #Ed Forst

Lincoln Investment Announces New Leadership

FORT WASHINGTON, Pa., June 1, 2026 – In a significant move towards steering independent wealth management into a new era, Lincoln Investment Planning, LLC has announced the appointment of Kathy Leckey as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective immediately. Kathy takes over the role from Ed Forst, who has been at the helm since 1992 and will transition into the position of Executive Chairman of the Board.

This change is part of a comprehensive multi-year executive succession plan that aims to provide a robust governance framework while ensuring strategic direction and continuity within the firm, which encompasses around 400 employees and nearly 1,000 financial professionals across the nation.

Leadership Transition

As the new CEO, Kathy Leckey is set to play a crucial role in leading the overall strategic direction of Lincoln Investment. Since joining the firm in 2020 as President and Chief Operating Officer, Kathy has been pivotal in the firm's operational expansion, contributing to its current milestone of managing approximately $60 billion in client assets.

Ed Forst's shift to Executive Chairman will allow him to provide governance oversight and strategic insights, ensuring the company's established standards continue to thrive while the firm adapts to ongoing industry changes and challenges. The leadership pairing aims to bolster advisor recruitment and enhance technology integration, a necessity in today's increasingly complex and digital-oriented financial landscape.

Impacts on the Wealth Management Industry

This leadership evolution holds significant implications for financial professionals and stakeholders within the sector. Kathy Leckey's appointment emphasizes Lincoln Investment's firmness in a strategy that champions executive continuity, providing reassurance to clients and participants across the wealth management ecosystem.

In a backdrop of growing regulatory issues and heightened digital transformation demands, this leadership team aims to uphold Lincoln's commitment to a family-owned ethos while advancing technologically and operationalally to meet evolving client needs.

Key Appointments

In addition to Kathy's new role, several other key figures have been assigned critical responsibilities within the executive team:

• - Anthony Bueti, Chief Operating Officer: Responsible for ensuring efficient execution across the enterprise.
• - Jason Estes, Chief Information and Technology Officer: Focused on leading digital transformation efforts and developing technology tools for financial advisors.
• - Dan Alexander, Chief Business Development Officer: Tasked with spearheading advisor recruitment strategies and driving organizational growth initiatives.

This new leadership framework not only reinforces Lincoln Investment's commitment to its financial professionals but also aims to improve service delivery and expand diverse product offerings to meet customer expectations better.

Financial Professionals and Client Support

As the CEO, Kathy will oversee crucial strategic priorities and lead the executive leadership team. This leadership arrangement ensures that the firm maintains consistent support for its financial professionals and clients while enhancing the governance and institutional knowledge required for sustainable growth.

Lincoln Investment upholds a strong reputation in the independent broker-dealer space, underscoring its resilience with over 57 years of family-owned operational history. Recently recognized as the third-best in terms of female representation among producing financial advisors, the firm is seen as a pioneering leader within the sector.

Executive Insights

Kathy Leckey expressed, "Our main objective is to foster the success of the network of ~1,000 financial professionals relying on us. Through enhanced alignment across leadership, operations, and technology, we strive to present the most competitive independent wealth management platform possible."

Ed Forst paradoxically conveyed, "In a landscape marked by strict regulations, maintaining leadership continuity is crucial. This transition is deliberate, aiming for our governance structure to be equally as robust as our growth momentum, thus building confidence among our financial professionals and their clientele."

Conclusion

With the formal changeover in leadership, Lincoln Investment is poised to navigate the future effectively, redefining its operational pathways while contributing positively to the independent wealth management sector. As governance shifts into fresh hands, the firm promises a continued commitment to excellence and stability in servicing its vast network and client base.

For more information on Lincoln Investment and its services, please visit Lincoln Investment's official website.