Title: Senior Vice President
Firm: Acacia Financial Group
Age: 36
Thirty-six-year-old Brittany Whelan has ascended the ranks of Acacia Financial Group — from intern to senior vice president — during periods of large losses and gains in the public finance market.
After earning a bachelor's degree in economics with a concentration in finance from the University of Coastal Carolina, Brittany joined Acacia in 2011. She had interned there as a financial assistant since 2005.
Following a high school internship with a different firm, Brittany said she knew right away that math was one of her strong suits, which would lend itself to a career in financial advising.
Adding to her affinity for number-crunching was the inspired help of mentors, including Brittany's aunt and colleagues, who she credits with helping get her to where she is today.
Brittany's responsibilities at Acacia now focus on supporting local entities in New Jersey, but throughout her career, she's crisscrossed the nation and played key roles in the firm's advisory work in San Diego, Illinois, Chicago, New York City, and New York State.
"Building relationships with the clients is why I enjoy working in the municipal space," she said. "It gives you a chance to really meet people from all over."
After 10 years, Whelan thought she'd seen it all, then the COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented disruption — along with unique and valuable lessons.
"There are new tools arising and new ideas happening because people are starting to get creative and in a way I haven't seen yet," she said.
The mother of two is also involved in her community and several charitable ventures, including volunteer fundraising for the pediatric cancer charity THON.
In charting her course forward, Brittany said she'll continue to set goals and seek opportunities for growth.
"Setting a goal each day ultimately leads me to better success and each year I'm growing and learning," she said. "If I give it my all each day, I know I'll get to a place that I want to be at the end of 10 or 20 years."
