Edelman Financial Services, one of the nation's largest independent financial planning and investment management firms,1 announced today that it has named Letha Steffey to the role of chief marketing officer, responsible for driving consumer awareness of the Edelman Financial brand and accelerating efforts to bring Edelman's personalized financial planning to more and more American families.

"We welcome Letha to the team," said Ryan Parker, chief executive officer of Edelman Financial Services. "Her strong leadership skills and expertise in focusing on clients' needs, combined with her proven ability to elevate the consumer-to-brand experience, will further enable our firm's focus on educating investors about the value of personal financial planning and investment strategies that help prepare them for the future."

Steffey joins Edelman Financial Services with more than 20 years of experience at consumer brands like Hallmark, AMC Theatres and most recently ADT Security.

"Letha's understanding of consumers and putting them first will help our firm continue its mission of reaching as many people as possible with personalized financial planning to help them achieve their goals," said Ric Edelman, founder and executive chairman of Edelman Financial Services.

In her most recent role as SVP, Marketing Strategy and Advertising at ADT Security, Steffey oversaw marketing strategy, advertising, traditional and digital media, brand development and management, affinity partnerships, research and consumer insights, and marketing analytics. She also launched Feel Safe, a new brand campaign and media strategy for residential security, expertise Steffey will contribute to the Edelman brand experience.

About Edelman Financial Services

Founded by Ric and Jean Edelman in 1987, Edelman Financial Services is one of the nation's largest independent financial planning firms2 with 163 financial planners and 43 offices coast-to-coast, providing financial planning and investment management services to over 35,000 individuals and families, and managing more than $21.7 billion in assets.3 The firm also provides 401(k) plans and institutional investment management for businesses. Edelman Financial Services has won more than 100 financial, business, community and philanthropic awards,4 and offers an investment philosophy that puts clients first and delivers value through in-depth financial education, personalized financial plans and unfettered access to planners.5