Fortis Management Group Strengthens Family Governance with Genine Iffla's Appointment
Fortis Management Group Expands Family Governance with New Director
Fortis Management Group recently announced the addition of Genine Iffla to its leadership team as the new Director of Family Education and Governance. This strategic appointment aims to bolster the firm's capacity to cater to wealthy families, mainly ultra-high-net-worth individuals, by enhancing their family education and governance frameworks.
In Iffla's view, the approach to wealth management has evolved significantly over the years. She notes, "Families today are thinking about wealth in a much broader way than they did a decade ago. Education, communication, governance, and leadership are essential for sustaining the human capital that carries families forward across generations." Her ambition is clear: to build impactful educational programs that resonate with the journey families undertake to manage their wealth responsibly across generations.
Bringing over ten years of expertise in family education and governance, Iffla comes well-equipped for her new role. Much of her previous work involved collaborating with families and financial institutions to improve communication, leadership skills, and long-term stewardship within and across generations. Notably, she held the position of Director and Principal Trainer at Independent Means, a notable firm in family-wealth education, where she developed educational curricula for families and advisors alike.
Jay Goldfarb, CEO of Fortis, expressed the significance of Iffla's appointment, stating it marks a crucial step in the organization's progression. He highlighted the increasing complexity families face today, thus emphasizing the growing need for sophisticated education and governance mechanisms. This sentiment was echoed by Mark Rogozinski, President of Emigrant Family Office, who praised Iffla's unique combination of emotional intelligence, experience, and practical skills, making her an invaluable addition to the Fortis family.
This announcement closely follows the announcement of a partnership between Emigrant Bancorp and Fortis, which introduced the Emigrant Family Office. This platform is specifically designed to provide elite family office services for wealthy families, along with the advisors who cater to their needs.
As Fortis embarks on this new phase after Emigrant Bancorp's majority investment, Iffla's role will be pivotal in enriching the resources and governance frameworks available to their clientele. Commenting on her educational background, Iffla holds a Master of Business Administration from the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin. During her time there, she was actively involved as Co-President of Graduate Women in Business and served as a McCombs Board Fellow. Furthermore, Iffla’s international consulting stints include engagements with the World Bank’s Climate Innovation Centre and Wells Fargo's Digital Labs, augmenting her broad experience in the field.
Additionally, Iffla has been committed to advancing financial literacy globally and has trained corporate executives on business communication in South Korea, further showcasing her diverse range of skills that can adapt to various educational needs.
Fundamentally, Fortis Management Group positions itself as a dedicated partner for ultra-high-net-worth families focused on making informed, strategic financial decisions. They emphasize integrity, transparency, and deep expertise as guiding principles for their services that encompass everything from financial reporting to estate planning.
As Fortis Management Group continues to grow and evolve under the leadership of its enhanced team, clients can expect a sustained commitment to navigating complex financial landscapes confidently. The evolving role of family governance reflects a growing recognition of its importance not just for wealth preservation, but for fostering resilience in the face of modern challenges. Families working with Fortis now have the assurance that their legacy is in knowledgeable hands, guided by a central figure adept at addressing the intricacies of multi-generational dynamics.
Through her leadership, Iffla is set to enlighten families on the importance of effective governance and education in ensuring a sustainable and collaborative approach to their wealth, ultimately paving the way for a brighter, more informed future for the new generation of wealth stewards.