LeCount R. Davis Honored with Prestigious FPA Award for Financial Leadership

Honoring Financial Planning Excellence

The Financial Planning Association (FPA) has awarded LeCount R. Davis, MCS, CFP®, the distinguished 2025 P. Kemp Fain, Jr. Award, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the financial planning profession. This prestigious award highlights Davis's dedication to service, integrity, and stewardship—principles that were championed by P. Kemp Fain, Jr. himself.

Davis’s journey in the financial planning sector has been nothing short of pioneering. As the first African American to achieve the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification in the United States back in 1978, he set a vital precedent for diversity in the industry. Over the past five decades, he has served as a beacon of inspiration for numerous aspiring financial planners from diverse backgrounds, encouraging them to pursue careers in a field that significantly impacts communities.

“I am truly honored and humbled to receive the P. Kemp Fain, Jr., Award,” said Davis. “I hope my journey has helped open doors and inspire a new generation of diverse financial planners to enter this great profession and positively impact their communities.”

The P. Kemp Fain, Jr. Award is not just about individual recognition. It symbolizes substantial achievements in enhancing society through financial literacy, academia, and government influence. FPA President Paul Brahim, CFP®, CEPA®, praised Davis, stating, “LeCount’s actions have made our profession better and directly impact future generations of financial planners.” This accolade will be presented to Davis during the FPA Annual Conference 2025 held in Las Vegas from November 3-5, marking a significant event for attendees and the financial planning community at large.

In addition to leading efforts to diversify the financial services industry, Davis founded the Association of African American Financial Advisors, also known as Quad A. This organization is dedicated to empowering Black and African American financial advisors and advocating for diversification within wealth management. Davis’s commitment to education and empowerment reflects his belief in financial planning's transformative power—not just for individual financial health but for entire communities.

Beyond his advocacy work, Davis has excelled academically and professionally. He has a master's degree in accounting and possesses extensive expertise in areas such as tax planning and investment consulting. His comprehensive knowledge has earned him respect as a financial authority, often sought for insights in various print publications and media programs. He even hosted the financial television program Common Cents at Howard University's WHUT.

Davis's influence is also shared in his book, One Step Back Two Steps Forward: The Dance of My Ultimate Plan, where he emphasizes nurturing and inspiring the next generation of financial planners. The book encapsulates his philosophy that financial planning is accessible and beneficial for everyone, and he advocates for professionals who genuinely care about helping others while achieving their career goals.

The FPA has long supported Davis’s initiatives, aligning with his mission to elevate the standards and reach of financial planning. By acknowledging his individual contributions through the P. Kemp Fain, Jr. Award, FPA emphasizes the critical role of leadership and advocacy in progressing the field. As financial planning continues to evolve, the importance of diverse voices such as Davis’s will only grow.

Davis’s recognition serves as a reminder of the ongoing journey toward greater inclusion and representation in financial planning—a journey he has navigated with admirable dedication and passion. As he prepares to accept his award, the future looks promising, with a thriving community of financial planners inspired to carry on the legacy of service and impact forged by leaders like LeCount R. Davis.