How Does a Person Become a Fiduciary?

A fiduciary's work has broad scope and carries significant responsibility and liability. As a result, most fiduciaries came to this role after years of developing skills in other disciplines, and work continually to stay abreast of changes and enhancements to the practice.

I bring to the work more than 20 years’ experience in financial services and healthcare publishing, honing skills in planning, budgeting and making good financial decisions. I have personal experience balancing life decisions regarding medical care and housing. I apprenticed for several years with an experienced fiduciary in the San Francisco Bay Area.

In addition, I've pursued advanced training and continuing education in fiduciary principles, ethics, and best practices. Like most active fiduciaries, I belong to a mentoring group, which meets regularly to discuss challenges and experiences, share updates, and address specific issues.

Degrees and Certifications

• Masters Degree in Business Administration, Haas School of Business, University of California at Berkeley
• BA in Paleoanthropology, with honors, University of California at Berkeley
• Certificate, Fiduciary Management for Trustees, California State University Fullerton
• Coursework on Conservatorship of Person, University of California at Berkeley Extension

Affiliations and Professional Contributions

• Member, Professional Fiduciary Association of California (PFAC)
• Board of Directors, PFAC East Bay Chapter
• Board of Directors, PFAC NorCal Division
• Board of Directors, East Bay Estate Planning Council
• Member, Estate Planning Council of Diablo Valley
• National Certified Guardian
• Instructor, Contra Costa Law Library Program for Lay Conservators

Other Applicable Skills and Experience

• Thorough knowledge of Uniform Prudent Investors Act
• Property owner and rental manager 
• Deep knowledge of the major medical specialties, and in the operation and funding of key health care organizational structures
• Leverage project management skills to direct the efforts of multiple parties toward a shared goal
• Experienced presenting to the court
• Expertise in employment law training and best practices for hiring and managing employees
• Organizing member of a formal fiduciary mentor group