User:Gpmason2000
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GAIL PERRY-MASON First Vice President of Investments Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan
Detroiter Gail Perry-Mason is well known in the securities industry where she has climbed the corporate ladder from receptionist to First Vice President of Investments of Oppenheimer & Co. Inc., formerly Fahnestock & Co., Inc./First of Michigan. In fact, Gail was elected as one of Michigan’s Top 10 Business Women by the National Association of Business Women Owner’s in 2007.
For more than 18 years, Gail has focused on socially responsible investing which has presented numerous opportunities in writing, teaching and speaking engagements to national audiences. She is a sought-after speaker for many corporations, government agencies, labor unions, religious groups, non-profit organizations, youth organizations, women's groups, high schools, and universities. Gail has taught weekly financial training sessions for Daimler-Chrysler Corporation and has conducted financial workshops for IBM, Wells Fargo, ING, Urban League, Rainbow Push, U.S. Government Federal Reserve Board, all 3 U.S. automotive companies to name a few. She founded and directed the original Money Camp for Teens and the first Youth Investment that is incorporated in the United States which is just another of the ways in which she invests in the young adults who will be our tomorrow.
Following that lead, Money Matters for Youth has instructed over 3,000 youth in the Detroit-Metro area, has mentored over 25 young women who are now professionals in the financial industry. She currently has a after school program in three Detroit Public Schools that includes teaching financial literacy and to start a business that further exposes our youth to the world of finance. Ford Motor Company, Michigan Women’s Foundation, and New Detroit Inc., recently honored Gail because of her investment in our youth.
Gail’s affiliation and membership extend across many organizations and associations. The following represent only a few. She was involved in the Catherine Ferguson Academy Mentorship Program and Childhelp USA, The Wall Street Journal Youth Investment Club, The National Association of Securities Professionals, Business Women's Alliance, Who’s Who Among African Americans. She is also a spokesperson for the MFS and ING Mutual Funds series of seminars called Women and Investments. She also served on the Board of Directors for the Salvation Army, Child Care Coordinating Council, Neighborhood Services Organization, Mariners Inn Executive Board – Executive Treasurer, Detroit Impact Board of Directors, and Detroit 300 Advisory Board. She is currently serving on the Board of Advisors for Women – Detroit Entrepreneurs Institute, Black Chamber of Commerce – Executive Board Member, Starr Commonwealth Board Member, Task Force for the Children’s Center, NAWBO Excell, Spaulding for Children Board Member Chairperson for the Tavis Smiley Youth to Leaders since its inception in Detroit, Honorary Chairperson for COTS Homeless Shelter Annual Fundraiser, Mariners Inn River Rhythm Annual Fundraiser, and Celebrity Chef for Spaulding for Children. She is an honorary member of Elliottorian Business and Professional Women’s Club, and a proud member of Jack & Jill of America.
To further spread the word on socially responsible investing, Gail co-hosted an award-winning talk show entitled “Building Wealth,” via radio broadcast on MIX 92.3 and television broadcast on Comcast Cable. She has been featured in many publications including: Ebony, Black Enterprise, On Wall Street, Research Magazine, Quick and Simple-Good Housekeeping Magazine, Essence, Jet, the Detroit Free Press and Detroit News, Signature Magazine, Corp!, Washington Post and Associated Press newspapers. Gail, also has a regular column in Heart and Soul magazine, and has written numerous articles for local and national publications. She has also appeared on all the local Detroit television networks, as well as nationally on PBS and CNN. Gail has even found the time to write and publish her first book entitled Money Matters for Families. This book is directed to families and it focuses on the critical elements for building a financial foundation. Gail’s second book is titled Girl, Make Your Money Grow, and written with co-author Glinda Bridgforth. It is currently a national best seller.
Gail has organized and sponsored several trips to annual Sara Lee shareholders meetings to educate her clients about the right to vote by owning stock. In addition, she has received numerous awards; Phenomenal Business Woman of the Year, Crain’s 40 under 40 and was given an award from the Governor of Michigan for fundraising for Non-Profit Organizations.
The aforementioned only represents a portion of Gail Perry-Mason’s many accomplishments from receptionist to First Vice President-Financial Services in the securities industry. She is also a mother of three sons. Her mottos are “Success Benefits Others First” and “Opportunity Doesn’t Happen Without Sharing.”
