Advisor Nichole Raftopoulos Wins Commonwealth's 2021 Special Service Award
Meghan Powell
Commonwealth’s Special Service Award recognizes members of the Commonwealth community who have gone above and beyond in one or more of the following areas: excellence in wealth management, a track record of collaborating with fellow advisors and Commonwealth staff, and charitable contributions and giving-back efforts.
CEO Wayne Bloom presented advisor Nichole Raftopoulos, CFP®, AIF® president and CEO of Nvest Financial Group, with the 2021 Special Service Award during a surprise celebration at her office. “While all investment firms recognize production, we feel strongly about the importance of also recognizing people for more than their monetary contributions,” Bloom said during his opening address at the 2021 virtual National Conference. “The Special Service Award is the highest honor that Commonwealth bestows on a member of our community.”
“I’m humbled and so appreciative to Commonwealth for this award,” said Raftopoulos. “It’s wonderful to be affiliated with a firm that recognizes more than just what one produces. I’m also grateful to my husband, George, for his constant guidance and support and to our team at Nvest for their diligence in helping us carry out our vision! I’m excited to continue on this journey and to keep trying to make a difference.
A Great Commonwealth Citizen
Raftopoulos has a quarter-century of experience helping clients. Since joining Commonwealth in 2003, she’s built her planning-centric practice to the very pinnacle of the firm’s recognition: Chairman’s. She participates on panels at Commonwealth conferences, serves on Commonwealth’s Women’s Advisor Council, and has provided sage advice during her time on the Advisor Council.
“She does a fabulous job for her clients, works tirelessly giving back to charitable interests, is a mentor to her staff. She really is the embodiment of servant leadership and what it means to be a great Commonwealth citizen,” said Greg Gohr, managing principal, wealth management.
She’s Just Getting Started . . .
One of Raftopoulos’s main passions is Operation Love … from Home, a nonprofit organization that she and George founded and run together. OLFH sends supplies to troops overseas to remind them that those at home are thinking of them and appreciating their sacrifice. In addition, they involve the community in gathering items to gift to active military/veterans and their families who are in need.
Raftopoulos’s giving-back efforts are countless and include sponsoring local historic organizations to help preserve the historic district of the city, serving on several boards and committees focused on empowering women, helping animal shelters, promoting the arts and music, and supporting local food pantries. One of her favorite things to do is secretly gift funds to a person or family in need when least expected.
Paul Tolley, managing principal, compliance, shared, “Nichole is among the most selfless, inspiring, successful women I’ve ever met. I’m convinced that she’s just getting started and hope that this award fills her with an enormous sense of pride.” Here at Commonwealth, we can’t wait to see what she does next.
Meghan Powell is communications and content strategist, community engagement. She is available at x7158 or at .
