Local Financial Services Professional Earns National Certification

January 4, 2022 – Venice

Alisa Craton, Assistant Trust Officer, Caldwell Trust Company, was recently awarded the Certified Trust & Financial Advisor (CTFA) professional certification from the American Bankers Association.

The CTFA certification is awarded to individuals who demonstrate excellence in the field of wealth management and trust. To qualify for the CTFA certification, individuals must have certain levels of experience and education in the trust profession, pass an exam, and agree to abide by a code of ethics. The CTFA exam covers many areas including fiduciary and trust activities, financial planning, tax law and planning, investment management and ethics.

“Earning the CTFA certification validates Alisa Craton’s experience and depth of education in the wealth management industry, “said R.G. “Kelly” Caldwell, Jr., CEO/President. 

Longtime Bradenton resident Alisa Ivey Craton, assistant trust officer with Caldwell Trust Company, brings almost three decades of fiduciary experience, an enduring commitment to community service, and deep knowledge of the people, institutions, and organizations of Bradenton and Manatee County.

In 2021 a colleague, Caldwell’s assistant vice president and trust officer, Reppard Gordon, told her she would appreciate this company’s core values and culture. She investigated and was pleased to join Caldwell, where she manages relationships for trust and investment clients.

Alisa’s banking career began in 1994, working part-time for Barnett Bank while attending college. Her wealth of knowledge and experience grew over the twenty years she spent as branch manager and vice president for BMO Harris Bank for Sarasota and Manatee.

She spends her time giving back to her community. She is the treasurer for Realize Bradenton and is a member of New College’s Four Winds Legacy Society. She has contributed as a committee member to 40 Carrots Family Centers’ Firefly Gala and Wine, Women & Shoes event from 2014 until the pandemic pause, and past board memberships, including Junior Achievement and Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, where she chaired its 2019 Annual Gala. At BMO Harris Bank, she was chosen to represent the Sun Belt Region as its United Way Ambassador in 2021, serve on its Client Experience Council, and be its Florida Chairperson of the Alliance for Women. In addition, she was a member of the Community Investment Committee of United Way of Manatee County and has volunteered with various youth sports organizations since 2005.

Financial services professionals, working through ABA, initiated the CTFA certification and seven others in order to establish meaningful standards of knowledge in specialty areas of the financial services industry. ABA Professional Certifications formally recognize those who meet these standards and meet professional continuing education and development requirements.  

ABA Professional Certifications promote the highest standards of performance in the financial services industry by validating individuals’ knowledge and expertise. For more information, call 202-663-5092 or visit www.aba.com/certifications. 

To contact Alisa Craton, CTFA, email acraton@ctrust.com or call 941.926.9336. To learn more about Caldwell Trust Company, visit www.ctrust.com or email info@ctrust.com.