Well, after a quarter century at AAII (somehow that sounds a lot longer than 25 years), I will be retiring at the end of September. I started full-time at AAII in 1985, on leave from a university teaching position in finance, and before that I helped out at the Association starting in 1981. Working with Jim Cloonan on the AAII mission of investor education was fulfilling from the start and after countless articles, seminars, books, guides and national meetings, my enthusiasm for AAII’s mission is as strong as ever. Unbiased investment education, information and research are always invaluable for the individual investor, but particularly so in times of market turmoil. There is simply no effective substitute for informed, reasoned and rational investment decisions.

John Bajkowski, vice president and senior financial analyst at AAII, is taking over my role and responsibilities as president. I have worked with John for many years and he has my utmost confidence. Many of you are already familiar with John through his AAII Journal articles and his presentations at local chapters and our national meetings. John thoroughly understands and supports AAII’s educational mission and goals and he has all the knowledge and experience to lead AAII forward.

My thanks and appreciation to Jim Cloonan, the AAII staff, local chapter leaders and all AAII members for your support and commitment all these years. I hope that in some way I have helped you to achieve your financial goals and aspirations.

Discussion

Britni from CA posted over 15 years ago:

Hi John I've been a member for a long while and very much appreciate your vision and effort in helping make AAII an increasingly successful organization of integrity and informativeness. Thank you. I hope that in retirement you're rich in all of life's bounties. :-)

Britni from CA posted over 15 years ago:

P.S. You're current staff is smokin'!!!! [that means good ;-)]

Seymour from IL posted over 15 years ago:

I first met John around 1964 when he was a teaching assistant for Professor T.Emerson Cammack, at the University of Illinois. He was one of the most knowledgeable, helpful people that a freshman could meet when starting college. We lost touch when I graduated from the U of I. Many years later, around 1980, I attended my first AAII seminar; it was about Mutual Funds 101 or something. I recall sitting in the front row so I wouldn't miss any of the discussion. Strangely, the lecturer periodically stopped his presentation and asked me questions as if giving me an oral quiz on the subject matter. I kept thinking...Wow!: This feels like I'm back in college, why the hell is this guy singling me out (he wasn't asking questions of anyone else) and do I want to join an organization with nasty guys like this lecturer in charge. After his lecture, he apologized, realizing out that I had not remembered him. Then like a flash, it all came back to me, it was John Markese (now PhD!) and all was well. Shortly thereafter I became a Life Member of the AAII. He became my Investing Mentor. The man is an incredible font of knowledge, never to busy to return a call. If John didn't know the answer to my countless questions (rare), he would always find the answer. I am greatly saddened by his decision to leave the AAII; to me Dr. John Markese WAS the AAII. But I wish him well. I'll miss you John. Best personal regards, Sy Levine

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