FORT WASHINGTON, PA — Lincoln Investment Planning, LLC has announced Kathy Leckey as its new president, marking a historic shift as she becomes the first non-family member to hold the position in the firm’s 56-year history. Ed Forst, who has served as president since 1992, will continue as Chief Executive Officer, with Leckey taking on the role effective immediately.
Leckey’s connection to Lincoln Investment spans decades, having first joined the firm in 1993 after high school. Following a successful career outside the company that included leadership roles in major financial firms like MetLife, Prudential, and Equitable, she returned to Lincoln Investment in 2020 as Chief of Staff to Ed Forst. Promoted to Chief Operating Officer in 2022, Leckey has spent the last several years reshaping the client and advisor experience while driving transformational growth within the organization.
Under her leadership, Lincoln Investment underwent its most significant operational transformation to date, transitioning to a fully disclosed clearing platform with BNY Pershing. This pivotal move, completed in 2024, brought enhanced technology, expanded product solutions, and a unified system to meet growing client demands and support the firm’s strategic goals.
Leckey brings over 30 years of financial services experience, excelling in strategic planning, sales, and organizational transformation for Fortune 100 companies. Her strong leadership credentials are reinforced by her educational achievements, including a business degree from LaSalle University, an MBA in organizational strategy from St. Joseph’s University, and current studies at Columbia University for CEO certification.
Her appointment underscores Lincoln Investment’s commitment to fostering diversity within the financial services industry. The company actively champions women in leadership roles, with its executive suite including both a Chief Compliance Officer and Chief Financial Officer who are women. The firm’s efforts have earned it recognition, ranking sixth for the most female financial advisors in the independent broker-dealer space.
Reflecting on the milestone, company leaders have emphasized Leckey’s dedication, hands-on leadership style, and her ability to inspire a culture of collaboration and innovation. Her appointment signals a new chapter for Lincoln Investment as it builds on its legacy while navigating a future defined by transformation and growth.
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