Craig Bartlett Appointed Community Leader at Cetera Financial Specialists to Strengthen Tax and Wealth Management
In an exciting move for the financial services industry, Craig Bartlett, a certified financial planner with over three decades of experience, has been named the Community Leader of Cetera Financial Specialists (CFS). This community is a vital part of Cetera's Tax & Accounting channel, focusing on the unique needs of tax-conscious financial advisors and their clients.
Barlett’s extensive background in wealth management encompasses leadership roles across various renowned institutions such as Choreo and U.S. Bank, indicating his deep-rooted expertise in both tax and investment strategies. Previously, as the Senior Vice President of Advisors at Choreo, he honed his leadership skills and emphasized the growth of advisory networks, making him a fitting choice for this new role at Cetera.
Andy Watts, the leader of Cetera’s Tax & Accounting channel, expressed confidence in Bartlett's capabilities to guide CFS. He cited not only Bartlett's relevant industry experience but also his strategic thinking and strong relationship management skills as key attributes that align perfectly with CFS's commitment to serving clients. "Craig truly embodies the essence of tax-focused wealth management and financial planning, which is fundamental to the culture of CFS that has thrived over the years,” said Watts.
With a professional history that has largely revolved around integrating tax considerations into wealth management, Bartlett previously led a team at Creative Planning/Wipfli Financial Advisors. Here, he oversaw operations for a multi-state team dedicated to assisting high-net-worth clients with significant assets, showcasing his proficiency in managing relationships where tax and wealth intersect.
"I am excited to join a community that has achieved great success. The CFS advisors have established a remarkable culture that interweaves deep tax knowledge with authentic client care," noted Bartlett in a statement regarding his new position. He emphasized his commitment to understanding the specific strengths of the advisors within CFS and contributing to their continued success. Bartlett's proactive approach indicates a focus on collaboration, aiming to amplify the achievements of current advisors while reinforcing the distinctive aspects of the CFS community.
In addition to his leadership qualities, Bartlett holds essential certifications, such as the CFP® designation and a FINRA Series 66 license, making him well-equipped to navigate the complexities of financial services. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Iowa, which highlights his well-rounded skill set that extends beyond numerical prowess to include effective communication—an essential tool in financial advising.
Cetera itself is well-known as a leading wealth management hub, empowering independent advisors and institutions with comprehensive support and flexible business models that cater to individual needs. The network is home to about 12,000 financial professionals who benefit from the integrated support of a community-driven culture. Notably, Cetera firms manage approximately $630 billion in assets under administration, emphasizing their significant impact on the wealth management landscape.
The firm’s strategic objective is to offer personalized growth solutions in a way that encourages advisors to align their service delivery on their terms, further underscoring Bartlett's belief in a community-focused approach.
Craig Bartlett’s appointment as Community Leader at Cetera Financial Specialists not only marks a significant milestone in his career but also illustrates Cetera's commitment to strengthening its tax-focused financial advisory services. As he embarks on this new journey, the financial community watches closely, eager to see how his leadership will steer the CFS towards even greater achievements and client satisfaction.
In the ever-evolving financial landscape, the intersection of tax and wealth management is more critical than ever, and with dedicated leaders like Craig Bartlett at the helm, Cetera is poised to lead the charge in addressing these crucial client needs effectively.