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Purpose
The Board of Advisors Policy (the Policy) for IDFA sets out the approach to ensure a diverse Board of Advisors. This policy helps to ensure that the Board of Advisors represents the majority of the CDFA candidate’s backgrounds. The Board of Advisors is the final authority on certification requirements, disciplinary action, and the strategic goals of IDFA. IDFA staff cannot waive eligibility requirements or change certification requirements without Board of Advisors' approval. The Board of Advisors is a self-perpetuating body.
Responsibilities
- Establish and review the certification requirements including prerequisites.
- Approve educational materials prepared by external consultants
- Establish and review the Code of Ethics
- Final authority on all disciplinary measures.
- Establish and review recertification requirements.
- Assist in planning and presenting the annual conference.
- Final authority on complaints or exception requests from candidates and certificants.
- Provide oversight on exam development and delivery.
- Call for Job Task Analysis at a minimum of three to five years.
Each will be reviewed at a minimum of once every three years and the Chair will appoint one Board member to lead a Task Force reviewing the standard(s). In addition, the BofA will be the final decision on all requests for exceptions and disciplinary appeals.
In addition, the BofA will participate in quarterly calls to review the strategic plans for IDFA and the CDFA designation. During the quarterly calls, the BofA will also hear any appeals escalated from the Ethics Steering Committee, requests for exceptions to the experience requirement, and concerns regarding the staff implementation of the policies and procedures. During the fourth quarter BofA call, the election for the new class and new Chair of the BOA will take place.
For information about the Board selection process, please see the Board of Advisors Nomination and Selection Policy.
Chair
Jason prides himself on investing the time and attention to become a complete financial partner to his clients. He takes a holistic, personalized approach to financial well-being, providing his clients the tailored guidance and advice necessary to invest based on their needs, help secure their futures, and achieve their goals.
Jason graduated from Ball State University in 1999 with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and received his Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license in 2002. After graduating, Jason specialized in providing high-level tax and financial solutions with a national accounting firm where he advised individuals, families, and companies for 10 years. During his time there, he co-founded the financial services division of the firm for the Indianapolis area, helping to build the division from the ground up.
From there, Jason went on to serve as a financial advisor at a nationally recognized brokerage firm for 7 years. During this time, he received his Certified Divorce Financial Analyst license (CDFA®). The insight and expertise he gained during that process is critical to the advocacy he provides clients going through divorce.
Today Jason is actively engaged in helping the legal community understand the financial needs of their clients, especially those navigating the complexities of divorce. He is a regular speaker at the Indiana Continuing Legal Education Forum and the Indianapolis Bar Association.
Jason – a life-long resident of Indiana – is originally from Terre Haute and now resides in Fishers with his wife, Melissa, and their two daughters, Grace and Macy. He is an avid Indianapolis Colts fan and enjoys spending time with his family and playing golf.
Public Member
Attorney Paulina Havelka’s journey to the legal profession is one filled with determination and dedication. Originally from Poland, she immigrated to the United States in 1986 and settled in Charlotte with her parents in 1988. Since then, she has made the Charlotte area her home.
Experience & Scope of Practice
Her passion for the law began when she started working as a courtroom clerk in 1997. Witnessing the daily administration of justice firsthand inspired her to pursue a law degree. Despite being a single mother of two children and working full time, she managed to earn her undergraduate degree from UNCC and her law degree from the Appalachian School of Law in 2004.
In 2005, she embarked on her legal career, practicing law and gaining valuable experience in the field. Her commitment and expertise led to her successful election as a District Court Judge in 2018. Sworn as a Judge in January of 2019, she held the position until December of 2022. Throughout her tenure, she honed her understanding of the judicial system, making her an invaluable asset to those she represents.
Third Year Members
Sam established Coastal Divorce Advisors to provide clients with the support and guidance they need to make smart, unemotional financial decisions as they navigate the often overwhelming divorce process. Prior to founding the firm, Sam was a financial advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in New York City, where he developed financial plans, asset allocation models, and appropriate investment strategies for high-net-worth clients.
Born and raised in Savannah, Sam graduated from St. Andrew’s on the Marsh. He received a BA in Spanish from Furman University, in Greenville, South Carolina, and an MBA, with a dual concentration in finance and management, from Fordham University in New York City.
Sam also earned both the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and the Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®) designations as well as holds life, health and accident life insurance licenses. He is a member of the CFA Institute, the Atlanta Society of Financial and Investment Professionals (ASFIP), the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts (IDFA) and the Association of Divorce Financial Planners (ADFP).
Sam frequently testifies as an expert witness in divorce cases, having testified in over 30 bench and jury trials.
After spending 16 years in New York City, he returned to Savannah with his wife and their two young sons in 2015. Sam enjoys running and biking, and completed the NYC Marathon in 2004. He is also proficient in Spanish.
Second Year Members
After watching my parents go through a divorce at a young age, and going through a tremendously expensive and emotionally-draining one myself in 2017, I launched Allegiant Divorce Solutions as a sister company to my financial planning firm, Woodson Wealth Management.
I recognize the challenges people face as they decide how to handle their finances relating to divorce. My parents struggled and it was challenging for me, too. Looking back, there were mistakes I made during my own divorce that could have been avoided had I had the support of a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®.
At present, armed with this ever-growing knowledge and almost 20 years of financial planning experience I am dedicated to helping our clients navigate the complex aspects of divorce and gain a fair settlement, with much less stress.
Rhonda Noordyk is the founder and CEO of Financial Divorce Advocate, Host of Divorce: Conversations for Women podcast and Best-Selling Author.
Rhonda founded her company in 2014. Prior to that, she spent over a decade working with a boutique Registered Investment Advisory firm during the day and teaching college courses in the evenings. Her background afforded her the opportunity to develop curriculum, deliver training programs and communicate in an encouraging and empowering way. She has worked with over 900 clients. She wants women to know they don't have to walk this journey alone—and they certainly don’t have to settle for anything less than a joy-filled, vibrant life! Rhonda Noordyk and Financial Divorce Advocate are dedicated to empowering women with the financial confidence to navigate divorce and secure their futures. Through expert guidance and strategic support, Rhonda ensures her clients are equipped to make informed decisions and overcome challenges in a system that often overlooks their needs.
With a vision to transform the divorce process and reach one million women by 2027, Rhonda is dedicated to helping clients move forward with clarity, strength, and lasting impact for themselves and future generations. In her free time, Rhonda loves to visit coffee shops, spend time outdoors and hang out in the gym watching her high school daughters play sports.
First Year Members
Michele M. Laws is the owner and operator of Turning Point Financial Group, where she serves as an Investment Advisor Representative, and the founder of Divorce Dollars and Sense Corporation. With a career in the financial industry spanning over two decades, Michele has dedicated her practice to providing clarity and forensic precision to individuals navigating complex financial transitions. Her holistic approach integrates investment advisory services with specialized pre-divorce planning and financial coaching.
Michele graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Business, specializing in finance. Her commitment to professional excellence is reflected in her extensive credentials; she earned her Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®) designation in 2012, followed by the Master Analyst in Financial Forensics (MAFF) and Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA) designations. Most recently, in 2025, she completed court-approved mediation training and certification for Interdisciplinary Collaboration, further expanding her ability to support families through the divorce process.
A recognized leader in the field, Michele serves on the Executive Advisory Board for the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts (NACVA) and has held board positions with the Association of Divorce Financial Planners (ADFP). She is a prolific speaker and educator, frequently presenting for the IDFA, NACVA, and the National Association of Divorce Professionals (NADP) on topics such as business valuation, lifestyle analysis, and unmasking financial deception.
Michele is a lifelong learner currently pursuing her Enrolled Agent (EA) status to deepen her tax expertise. Outside of her professional leadership roles, she is an active author in the industry, contributing to publications like the NACVA QuickRead and The Value Examiner. She resides and practices in Swansea, Illinois, where she continues to advocate for financial transparency and empowerment.
Mark H. Johnson brings a unique and multi-disciplinary perspective to the Board of Advisors, drawing on his extensive background in law, real estate, and banking. As a financial advisor at Reviresco Financial Planning & Wealth Management, Mark takes a holistic approach to wealth management, working closely with individuals and families to understand every facet of their financial lives. His mission is to provide the clarity and confidence necessary for clients to make informed, empowered financial decisions.
Mark’s "non-linear" career journey has provided him with a distinctive understanding of the various factors that impact an individual's financial well-being. He holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Eastern Michigan University, as well as a Juris Doctor (JD) from Syracuse University College of Law. This diverse educational foundation allows him to bridge the gap between complex legal structures and practical financial strategies.
Mark’s philosophy is centered on building long-term, relationship-based partnerships. He believes that education is the cornerstone of successful financial planning and strives to simplify the complexities of personal finance for his clients. His professional background in labor and employment law specifically informs his advocacy and strategic planning for clients facing significant life changes.
Outside of the office, Mark is a devoted husband and father of seven in a vibrant blended family. He and his wife, Laura, an author and mental health professional, are active members of their church and local community. An avid outdoorsman and self-described "foodie," Mark enjoys smoking and curing meats, making his own sausage, and exploring new recipes. He and his family are proud supporters of various local organizations and charities in their community.
