Abstract:  Join us for this month’s meeting of the Financial Service Advisors Council—a dynamic forum where relationships are built and ideas come to life.

Abby will kick things off with practical, no-fluff networking tips you can put to use right away. Then, Bernie and Gregg will share real-world insights on how—and why—Council membership is a game-changer for your business and leadership growth. Don’t miss this engaging session packed with value, perspective, and next-step ideas.

There is no CE for this course.

7:30 am Door Open
7:45 am Announcements
8:00 am Presentation
8:20 am Presentation

Speakers: 

Abby Donnelly

Abby Donnelly, President of The Leadership & Legacy Group, specializes in guiding business owners and C-Suite leaders through the complex leadership, business, and strategic dynamics of CEO succession and exit.

Abby’s career began at Procter & Gamble, where she honed her skills in manufacturing management and strategic consulting. After 14 successful years, she launched her own consulting firm, later merging with a Sandler Training franchise, and eventually founded The Leadership & Legacy Group. Abby's journey reflects her deep expertise and commitment to helping owners and their leadership teams succeed.

Abby is known for her unique ability to work through challenging emotional dynamics. Described as focused, intuitive, and insightful, she provides powerful insights, fresh perspectives, and greater awareness, enabling leaders to make better decisions and get better outcomes.

Abby’s leadership extends to her service on several prominent boards including: First Bank (FBNC), ABCO Automation and Cone Health. Abby also served on the board of the Society of Financial Service Professionals (SFSP)/FSAC as a board member for 10 years and as and Secretary for 2 years. She is the 2022 recipient of the prestigious SFSP Moyer-Schaaf award.

Abby is originally from Poughkeepsie, NY. She has been married to Jim Donnelly for over 36 years, and she loves dancing to Motown!

Bernie Franko

Bernie Franko is a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones. With over 25 years of experience, Bernie works with professionals and business owners to simplify their complex finances and make smart decision with their money.

Bernie has a BSBA in Business Administration for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His wife Edna is a Registered Dietician and works as a diabetes specialist for Cecilia Health. Their daughter Avery is a freshman in the honors program at Appalachian State University.

Gregg Schlaudecker

Gregg Schlaudecker was born in Cleveland, Ohio on St Patrick’s Day. After graduation, he served all over the globe as an Army Air Defense Artillery officer. When active duty ended in 1990, he and his wife Susanne settled in Tacoma, Washington where Gregg began his financial planning career with John Hancock.

Conferred the Chartered Financial Consultant and Chartered Life Underwriter professional designations in 1993, he led the financial services department of a large property casualty brokerage in Cleveland. He went on to found his own financial consulting firm in 1996. He moved to Greensboro in 1998, where he continued his practice. Since 2005, his company, Emerald College Planning has focused on helping high school parents fund college expenses in the most efficient way possible; upper and middle-income families, whether eligible for financial aid or not, can employ a wealth of strategies to reduce their out-of-pocket costs. As past president and board member of the Greensboro Society of Financial Service Professionals, Gregg, his co-chairs and committee have grown a community network of hundreds who are dedicated to nurturing, recognizing and rewarding the highest ethical standards in central North Carolina.

He earned a Bachelor of Science in Management and English from the University of Dayton in 1986. He went on to receive both the Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) and Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designations from The American College in 1993. In 2010, he became a College Doctor through the National Institute of Certified College Planners. Professionally, he has held every leadership position within the Greensboro Chapter of the Society of Financial Service Professionals since 1998. He has served as a Director for the Better Business Bureau of Central NC (2013–2016), the Society of Financial Service Professionals at its Philadelphia headquarters (2016–present), and the Greensboro Foundation for Financial Service Professionals, Inc. (2014–present). He is also a Paul S. Mills Scholar and served as Chair of the Piedmont Business Ethics Award from 2006 to 2011. On a personal note, he has been married to Susanne for 31 years and is the proud father of two children—Jake, a Tar Heel, and Caitlyn, a member of the Wolfpack. In his free time, he enjoys leveraging technology, replacing paper, and making wine.