After years of dedicated leadership, Mary Beth Storjohann will be stepping down from her role as Co-CEO of Abacus Wealth Partners. We are deeply grateful for her contributions in shaping the firm’s strategic vision, fostering a culture of inclusivity, and championing solutions that have strengthened both our team and the client experience. Mary Beth’s impact will be felt for years to come, and we celebrate all she has accomplished during her time with Abacus.
With this transition, Neela Hummel will continue forward as sole CEO, leading Abacus into the future. Neela’s journey with Abacus began in 2009 as an intern. Over the years, she has held various roles, including financial advisor, partner, and Chief Advisory Officer, culminating in her appointment as Co-CEO in 2022. A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional and recognized leader, Neela has consistently championed values-driven leadership, fostered innovation, and built a people-centered culture that allows both clients and team members to thrive.
In her various roles, Neela has been instrumental in:
- Elevating the Client Experience: Championing firm-wide efforts to deepen planning rigor, enhance client benefits, and adopt integrated technology—making sure that clients receive a modern and personalized experience.
- Promoting Gender Equity: Launching the Abacus Sisterhood initiative and developing an industry-leading paid parental leave policy, resulting in over 50% of Abacus partners being women, and over 50% of advisors being women—surpassing the industry norm that averages just over 20% according to the CFP Board.
- Thought Leadership: Contributing to conferences like Barron’s Advisor Independent Summit and Dimensional Fund Advisor’s Women and Wealth Summit, and being recognized on the Los Angeles Business Journal’s 2024 list of Women of Influence: Finance.
Under Neela’s leadership, Abacus has:
- Modernized and personalized the client experience, introducing tools and planning approaches that meet clients where they are and support their evolving financial lives.
- Built a dynamic leadership team that fosters collaboration, innovation, and client-first service.
- Continued to cultivate an internal culture rooted in client hospitality, team growth, and heart.
The rest of the Abacus leadership team remains unchanged, ensuring continuity in our firm’s mission, operations, and commitment to the clients we serve. We are confident that with Neela at the helm and our talented leadership team in place, Abacus is well-positioned to continue making a meaningful difference in the financial lives of our clients and communities.
A Message from Mary Beth Storjohann
“After six deeply meaningful years at Abacus Wealth Partners, the time has come for me to step away from my role as Co-CEO.
This decision was not made lightly. Leading alongside Neela Hummel has been one of the greatest honors of my career. Together, we navigated moments of transformation, championed bold ideas, and shaped a culture grounded in purpose, impact, and humanity. I’m incredibly proud of the work we’ve done and of the team we’ve built—one that leads with both heart and expertise.
To our clients, partners, and the entire Abacus community—thank you. Thank you for the trust, the conversations, and the shared belief that financial planning can be a tool for empowerment and lasting change. I’m leaving with immense gratitude and full confidence in the leadership and direction of this firm.
While my next chapter will take shape outside of Abacus, I remain a proud shareholder and steadfast believer in the important work happening here. I’ll continue to cheer the team on as they expand what’s possible in financial planning.”
The Journey Ahead
Please join us in expressing our heartfelt gratitude to Mary Beth for her contributions, and in supporting Neela and the Abacus leadership team as they guide the firm into an exciting and purposeful new chapter.
