George R. Gay CFP®, AIF®
Chief Executive Officer
With First Affirmative since: 1986
George Gay, CEO of First Affirmative Financial Network is a pioneer of environmental, social, and governance investing and socially responsible investments (ESG/SRI). Growing up on a farm near heavily polluted Lake Erie, Gay recalls being admonished to “keep his head out of the water” when swimming to avoid getting sick. He credits that lasting memory as one of his inspirations for embarking on a career in SRI. The firm’s culture has allowed Gay and First Affirmative to reach unforeseen heights in moral and financial sustainability serving as a strong voice for organizations and individuals to make smart choices, and to be a louder voice for change, especially where financial matters are concerned. Gay is well versed in analysis and portfolio rating assessment, emerging trends, wealth management and how ESG/SRI investing can make the future better.
Gay is recognized as an industry role model and mentor. He’s a highly sought after speaker, panelist and counselor. He is a past recipient of the industry’s “SRI Service Award.”