Updated posts 2026
Family Office Association (FOA), under the leadership of Chairman, Mike Packman, and Co-Presidents, Jennifer Katrulya and Rush Olney, is redefining the landscape of family office engagement through its innovative approach and commitment to supporting multigenerational family offices and wealth accumulators. At the heart of this transformation is FOA’s updated mission: “Unite, Thrive, Give: Preserve Legacies While Empowering Tomorrow to Better the World.” This mission encapsulates a deep-rooted desire to build a community that not only supports but elevates each of its members, and the world.
Bridging Leadership and Collaboration
FOA’s approach to business and thought leadership is unparalleled. With an impressive network that includes some of the most respected multigenerational family offices, entrepreneurs, entertainers, athletes, and business leaders in the world, FOA is a hub for innovation and growth. Events like the FOA Family Office Retreat in Scottsdale and the FOA Spring and Fall Summits are not just gatherings; they are incubators for ideas and collaborations. These events feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, and presentations from national and global thought leaders, offering members exclusive insights into top industries and global trends.
Family offices occupy an unusual position that helps explain why an association of this kind exists. Each one operates privately, answering only to the family it serves, which means there are no industry benchmarks, no shared reporting standards, and few natural occasions to compare notes on how peers handle succession, governance, or direct investing. Professionals running them often find their closest counterparts are people they have never met. Membership organizations fill that gap by manufacturing the contact that the structure itself does not produce.
Cultivating a ‘Family-Style’ Culture
At the core of FOA’s ethos is a commitment to cultivating a ‘family-style’ culture. This aspect focuses on building genuine connections and meaningful friendships within the community, with the goals of creating a strong support system, deeper discussions and opportunities for collaboration, and a space where emerging family office leaders and wealth accumulators have opportunities to interact with and learn from a broad range of exceptional mentors. By hosting small group events in cities like New York City, Greenwich, and Miami, FOA creates intimate settings where relationships can flourish. These events, often reaching full capacity and with wait lists, are testament to their success and importance within the FOA community.
Expanding Horizons with Diverse Events
FOA’s event lineup for 2024 exemplifies its commitment to catering to the varied interests of family offices. From golf tournaments and Pickleball competitions to exclusive gatherings at the Waste Management Phoenix Open, FOA provides an array of experiences that cater to the lifestyle preferences of its members. The ‘Trips of a Lifetime’ initiative takes this a step further, offering families unique travel experiences ranging from African safaris to diving in the Galapagos.
Forming Connections through FOA Peer Communities
In a strategic move to deepen connections and address the diverse needs of its members, FOA introduced the FOA Peer Communities. These communities serve as specialized forums where family office professionals with shared interests and challenges can come together, exchange insights, and build meaningful relationships. The initial communities include Global Impact, Alternative Investments, Entertainers & Athletes, Global Family Office Exchange, Real Estate, NextGen, EB-5 Families, and Lifestyle and Wellness, these Peer Communities provide a platform for targeted discussions and collaboration. By fostering smaller, more intimate settings, FOA aims to enhance networking opportunities and create a supportive environment where members can learn from one another’s experiences and expertise.
Global Impact
Reflecting a global shift towards sustainable and ethical investment, FOA has placed providing information and updates about impact investing, at the forefront of its mission. This is embodied in the formation of the FOA Global Impact Community, a group dedicated to exploring initiatives that positively impact the world. With a 25-person Founding Leadership Council, and strong interest from current and incoming FOA, the community is a blend of family office leaders, academic representatives, and corporate and non-profit leaders, all united in the goal of making a positive global impact.
Fostering Wellness and Lifestyle Enrichment
FOA recognizes the importance of wellness and lifestyle in the lives of its members. By integrating these elements into its programming, FOA promotes a holistic approach to living well. Whether it’s through discussions on healthy eating, fitness, mental health, or events that explore the finer aspects of life like fashion and travel, FOA ensures that its members have access to resources that enhance their overall well-being.
Looking Ahead: Building a Legacy of Unity and Growth
As FOA continues to expand and evolve, its goals remain steadfast: to unite, empower, and support its community in thriving and making a positive impact in the world. This vision is not just about business success; it’s about creating a legacy of unity, growth, and generosity that transcends generations.
In summary, the Family Office Association stands as a beacon of innovation, collaboration, and community for family offices. Through its diverse range of events, commitment to impact investing, and focus on wellness and lifestyle, FOA is shaping a future where family offices not only succeed in business but also lead fulfilling and impactful lives.
