CFP Board has appointed K. Dane Snowden as its next Chief Executive Officer, effective March 16, 2026, succeeding longtime CEO Kevin R. Keller, CAE, who will retire after nearly two decades in the role. The appointment follows a year-long national search conducted with executive search firm Spencer Stuart.
Terri Kallsen, CFP, chair of CFP Board’s Board of Directors, said the board evaluated a broad pool of internal and external candidates spanning financial services, wealth management, and association leadership before selecting Snowden. She said the decision reflected both the organization’s leadership pipeline and the board’s view that Snowden is prepared to guide CFP Board through its next phase of growth and public impact.
Snowden joined CFP Board in 2023 as chief operating officer, overseeing key functions including CFP certification, marketing and communications, public relations, public awareness, project management, and human resources. In that role, he worked closely with the CEO, board, and executive leadership team on strategic execution and resource alignment.
Before CFP Board, Snowden served as president and CEO of the Internet Association and previously spent a decade as COO of the National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA). He also held leadership roles at CTIA (The Wireless Association) and served at the Federal Communications Commission, where he was appointed by President George W. Bush as chief of the Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau and helped lead the creation of the National “Do-Not-Call” registry.
Snowden also brings prior governance experience with the organization, having served as a public member on CFP Board’s Board of Directors from 2017 to 2020. He has held volunteer leadership positions including board chair roles with SMYAL and service with multiple industry and educational foundations. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from William & Mary.
CFP Board credited Keller with significant expansion and visibility gains during his tenure, including nearly doubling the number of CFP professionals from just over 50,000 to more than 107,000. The organization also said its Public Awareness Campaign more than doubled public recognition of CFP certification and reached millions of consumers across digital, television, and print media. CFP Board added that Keller strengthened fiduciary standards and helped establish the Center for Financial Planning to support diversity in the profession.
The organization said it is entering the leadership transition “from a position of strength,” citing record growth, market leadership, and an executive leadership team expected to ensure operational continuity. It also framed the transition as the conclusion of a multi-year succession plan aimed at long-term governance and stability.
KEY QUOTES:
“After evaluating a broad field of internal and external candidates, including leaders from the financial services and wealth management industry as well as association executives, our Board determined that K. Dane Snowden was best positioned to lead CFP Board forward… Dane’s vision is anchored in evolution, not revolution, building on our organizational strengths while anticipating where CFP Board can drive even greater value for the public, CFP professionals and candidates.”
Terri Kallsen, CFP, Chair, Board of Directors, CFP Board
“It is an honor to be selected to lead CFP Board, serve the public and work alongside the incredibly talented and dedicated staff who advance and support the CFP professional community… My focus is straightforward: build on what works, sharpen what needs improvement and find new opportunities to strengthen impact. Together with the CFP professional community, we will make the CFP mark essential by leading boldly and speaking loudly to elevate the profession.”
K. Dane Snowden, Chief Executive Officer-Appointee, CFP Board
“It has been the privilege of my career to serve the CFP professional community as CFP Board’s CEO… I am confident that Dane will lead CFP Board to continued success and expansion. His deep institutional knowledge, demonstrated leadership performance and clear vision for the future position him perfectly to build on our momentum and drive the profession forward.”
Kevin R. Keller, CAE, Chief Executive Officer (Retiring), CFP Board
