Deanna Taylor
Compliance Leader
Edward Jones
Cocoa, FL
Rockledge High School
BA, Business Management, MBA (with a concentration in Finance)
United Way Young Professionals
DAP Young Professionals
In short, what do you do?
As leader in the Compliance Division of Edward Jones; I’m responsible for leading a group that provides compliance guidance on firm and industry policies, laws and regulations as well as communications with the public: advertisements, electronic communications, speaking events, and social media. I’m also responsible for the firm’s Political Contribution procedures and the approval process of contributions to political candidates, parties and organizations; and efforts surrounding senior investors and diminished capacity. It’s also my responsibility to recruit bright young minds into compliance work through the firm’s college/university efforts.
As a founding member of the Edward Jones Inclusion Council and past chair of its African-American Business Resource Group, tell us a bit about the value and opportunities those efforts provides for its members and the firm.
The firm’s Inclusion Council is a small group of home office leaders and associates from across firm divisions who partner with senior leadership to integrate inclusion and diversity into the culture and everyday practices of the firm. Our BRGs serve as a way for associates to support these firm inclusion and diversity efforts through relationships and strategy development with the influence of the affinity associated with the BRGs. Together the Council and the BRGs help develop a diverse workforce and foster an inclusive environment, which impacts development and identifying common nuances and expectations of culture that may be misperceived by other associates to promote cultural dexterity.
Outside the firm, in a broader sense, why do you feel it is important for major St. Louis corporations and organizations to have these efforts?
Feeling accepted and valued is a desire that most have and when there’s an environment that fosters inclusion and diversity, I feel it allows the opportunity for one to be their true authentic self. This then can lead to the feeling of trust and acceptance. I feel that corporations and organizations that don’t engage in efforts around a diverse and inclusive environment limit themselves on growth and future potential. Efforts surrounding Inclusion & Diversity don’t’ just create a positive impact on the bottom-line of a corporation or organization; it creates positive impacts on the associates that make up that corporation and organization as well.
Tell us about your service with St. Louis Psychoanalytic Institute and why you connected with their mission and work.
I serve on the board for the St. Louis Psychoanalytic Institute because I believe in the work they’re accomplishing in the St. Louis region. The Institute promotes mental health and well-being through psychoanalytically oriented education, research and treatment; while offering cost-efficient health care. Mental health issues are widespread and being a part of a solution for this cause means a lot to me. The outreach programs and care of the Institute keeps me engaged and hungry to make a positive impact. As an extension of the board I Chair our annual fundraiser and being able to raise dollars to support the mental improvement of our region allows me to know that I’m making a difference.
What are your favorite St. Louis destinations for weekend fun?
I have two boys; aged 10 and 7, who keep me busy and spending time with them is always a highlight of mine. Our weekends are full of activities for church, sporting teams, cub scouts and community volunteer activities. We enjoy the arts and exploring the exhibits at the Art and History Museum are a favorite as well as the Science Center and Planetarium. When not spending time with my boys I also enjoy visiting venues to hear live music and pop art galleries.
