Extraordinary Volunteer

Those who know Judy Beckman know she has many accomplishments that would make one proud. But when you ask her to identify and talk about them, she becomes hesitant and a tad uncomfortable.

“I don’t want it to sound like I did it all myself,” she said. “I had help. Anyone can start something. It takes a team to finish it.”

Finally, one accomplishment emerged that has widespread implications for today’s professional associations in financial services.

“I think I helped some organizations become profitable and structurally viable,” she said. “Non-profits normally don’t function well as businesses. They often lack the structure to make them viable entities.”

One organization that has clearly benefited from Judy’s leadership in this direction is one she currently serves as president: the Nassau (LI) chapter of the Society of Financial Service Professionals.

When Beckman took office two years ago, the chapter had a small board comprised primarily of insurance professionals. Problem was that insurance agents were dwindling in numbers and the Society’s national headquarters was pushing to diversify its organization to include financial planners, CPAs and estate planning attorneys.

To join the Society, one must hold at least one of 16 recognized credentials or designations that indicate expertise in a wide range of financial disciplines

Beckman moved to expand the board, diversity the membership and set firm agendas for membership and committee meetings. She also initiated a distinctive annual marketing piece which not only pitches the benefits of membership but also gives the dates, times and topics for a full year’s monthly meeting.

“We were having these wonderful speakers at our meetings, but nobody knew about them, Beckman said.

Now, the chapter’s monthly meetings at the Nassau Bar Association headquarters in Mineola are “packed” and the drop in insurance agent membership has been more than replenished by new members from allied professions.

CPAs, for example: A recent survey of FSP members who are CPAs showed that networking and building business relationships were their main reasons for joining the Society. FSP was also cited as a “great source” continuing education, technical information and CPE credits.

Beckman plans to build on this through networking nights and joint ventures with other FSP chapters (such as Suffolk FSP on LI) and Estate Planning Councils.

All this has brought plaudits from the Society’s national headquarters, a Gold Star national award along with a stream of “how-did-you-do-it” inquiries from other FSP chapters.

It’s not just the FSP which has benefited from Judy Beckman’s drive and dedication. She has served in leadership positions for 12 other organizations, including four key women’s organizations on Long Island: .

Long Island Business and Professional Women (president), Long Island Women’s Agenda (executive vp), Women’s Economic Development of Long Island (membership chair) and the National Association of Women Business Owners (board member).

Other business, civic and service organizations Beckman has served in leadership positions include the Long Island Alzheimer’s Foundation, For Our Children & Us, the Long Island Development Corp. Advisory Board, the Art League of Long Island, the Kiwanis of Merrick, the Long Island Small Business Corp., the Women’s Record Advisory Board and American Portfolios’ Advoisory Council.

“It’s very important that financial advisors give back to their communities,” she said. “They are uniquely qualified to create beneficial change that helps people reach their goals – which is probably the part of volunteer service I most cherish.”

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