Kathy Leckey Takes the Helm as President of Lincoln Investment Planning

In a significant shift within the leadership at Lincoln Investment Planning, LLC, Kathy Leckey has been appointed as the new President. This announcement, made by President and CEO Ed Forst in December 2024, marks a historic moment for the company, as Leckey is the first individual outside of the Forst family to hold the presidential position since the company's foundation in 1968.

Ed Forst, who has been at the forefront of Lincoln Investment since 1992, will continue his role as CEO while Kathy Leckey steps into the role of president. She began her career at Lincoln Investment after completing high school in 1993 and has steadily risen through the ranks. After returning to Lincoln in 2020 as Chief of Staff, she became COO in 2022, focusing on enhancing the client and advisor experience. Leckey's extensive experience spans over 30 years in the financial services industry, encompassing strategic planning, sales, and talent recruitment across several prestigious firms including MetLife, Prudential, and Lincoln Financial Distributors.

Leckey's evolution with Lincoln Investment has included pivotal moments, such as leading the firm through a significant transformation last November. The company transitioned from a self-clearing and custody platform to a fully disclosed one with BNY Pershing, enhancing its technological capabilities and product offerings. This transition is not just an operational change but is set to empower Lincoln Investment to meet the evolving demands of advisors and clients alike.

Reflecting on Leckey's appointment, Ed Forst expressed his confidence in her abilities. He stated, "Kathy is dedicated, hardworking, and collaborative, bringing an authentic focus on culture. My father would be very pleased knowing that an employee he hired years ago is now president."

Leckey’s leadership style emphasizes a commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for women in the financial services sector. The company's executive team now prominently includes female leaders such as Chief Compliance Officer Maureen Mattson and Chief Financial Officer Diane McCarthy. Furthermore, Lincoln Investment was recently recognized as having one of the most substantial proportions of female financial advisors among independent broker-dealers, ranking sixth in a list by Financial Planning.

In her own words, Leckey stated, "I am deeply honored and humbled to be the first non-family member to lead as President. This opportunity brings a profound responsibility to uphold our legacy of excellence. I look forward to steering our talented team into a future full of potential, driven by transformation, growth, and a focus on culture."

For over 55 years, Lincoln Investment has positioned itself as a leader in investment strategies, serving the diverse financial needs of more than 315,000 clients across the nation, managing over $51 billion in assets. With a network of over 1,000 financial professionals, the company has consistently been recognized as one of the Top Workplaces in the Delaware Valley for 15 consecutive years.

Leckey’s appointment signals a promising new chapter for Lincoln Investment. As the company embraces transformation and redefines its strategies, all eyes will be on Leckey and her leadership during this critical time. The future appears bright for Lincoln Investment under her guidance, paving the way for innovation and growth in the financial services landscape.

For more information, visit Lincoln Investment's website or follow them on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.