GARY O. CLEMENT
College for Financial Planning, Department Chair
About Professor Clement
Gary O. Clement is a distinguished individual whose life and career narrative delve deep into the realms of financial expertise, education, mentorship, and community service. His journey is marked by exceptional accomplishments and a profound impact on the financial industry and the lives of those he has touched.
As the leader of Clement Asset Management, L.L.C., an independent registered investment advisory (RIA) firm, Gary exemplifies his commitment to financial planning and investment management. His extensive list of professional financial services designations, including the highly regarded CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP®), Chartered Retirement Planning Specialist (CRPS®), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®), Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC®), Master Planner Advanced Studies (MPAS®), and Level I Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), attests to his unwavering pursuit of excellence and his dedication to mastering his field. Furthermore, he is in the final stages of completing a PhD. in Financial Planning at the University of Georgia, an endeavor that underscores his commitment to advancing the knowledge and practice of financial planning.
Gary's career trajectory is marked by his extensive experience in the financial industry. His roles at E*Trade Securities as a Business Development Specialist, Morgan Stanley as a Registered Representative, and AIG as a supervisory Branch Office Examiner provided him with a diverse skill set and a profound understanding of the intricacies of finance. His impressive list of previous FINRA licenses, which includes Series 7, 63, 3, 31, and 24, showcases the breadth of his expertise.
The designation of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, which Gary has held since 2006, is considered the gold standard in the financial services industry. His continuous commitment to professional development is evident through his maintenance of the FINRA Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) and Series 65 licenses.
However, Gary's contributions extend far beyond his professional career. He is a dedicated college-level professor who has shared his wealth of knowledge with students from various backgrounds. His teaching roles span prestigious institutions, including Oglethorpe University, the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia, Kennesaw State University, Kaplan University, the University of Georgia, and the University of Alabama. His current responsibilities include serving as the Department Chair of CFP® Programs at the College for Financial Planning and as a professor at Clark Atlanta University.
Gary's influence reaches well beyond the classroom. He has played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of over 20,000 students, who have excelled in diverse sectors of the financial industry, academia, and career transitions. Notably, he has taken on a personal mission to support young African American professionals by guiding them through industry licensing exams and advanced designations. This dedication aligns with the industry's critical need to enhance diversity, inclusion, and retention.
Gary's deep-rooted passion for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) reflects his commitment to education and empowerment within the African American community. His academic journey commenced at Cheyney University, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude. Throughout his life and career, his wife, Lisa, has been his steadfast supporter.
Community engagement and volunteerism are fundamental to Gary's identity. His roles as a Certification Exam Item Writer with the CFP Board, his involvement with the Education Committee of the Financial Planning Association (FPA), and his presidency of the Metro Atlanta Cheyney University Alumni Chapter (MACUAA) are indicative of his dedication to making a positive impact across various spheres.
In conclusion, Gary O. Clement's life and career epitomize the values of lifelong learning, mentorship, and community involvement. His contributions to the financial industry, education sector, and unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion serve as a profound source of inspiration for those seeking to leave an enduring mark in their chosen fields and communities.