Heidi Distante, Chief Executive Officer

Heidi Distante

Chief Executive Officer

“We are committed to disrupting the norms of the finance industry, offering a highly customized and hands on experience to our advisors, and a forward-thinking management team that innovates to be world class. Part of this disruption is ensuring a diverse, inclusive and impactful community committed to a sustainable future.”

Heidi has been with Vanderbilt Financial Group since 2001 and held the role of Chief of Staff for 7 years prior to becoming CEO in 2019. Heidi supports the firm’s daily operations. Heidi has worked within every department of the back office, oftentimes building that department from scratch in the early days of the firm. She was a part of the original management team that grew the firm from a smaller Office of Supervisory Jurisdiction (OSJ) to the firm that continues to grow year over year, spread across the country in 34 states. In addition to growing Vanderbilt, Heidi has also spearheaded major strategy and technical shifts within the Firm’s cybersecurity efforts – managing experts across technology, compliance and operations while working directly with the regulatory entities.  Alongside VFG President, Joe Trifiletti, she oversees the day-to-day operations of the firm.

Prior to joining Vanderbilt, Heidi spent 15 years at Citicorp Retail Services as a Relationship Manager in their Private Label Credit Card Division. Her experience functioning as an interface between the Operations Department and luxury retailers exposed her to exceptional customer service tactics in the Financial Services industry, which has carried over into establishing the high-level of customer service Vanderbilt Financial Group has become known for.

Heidi and Steve Distante have been married for over 30 years and are the proud parents of their entrepreneurial children Elizabeth and Quinten. Heidi’s creative nature keeps her busy and involved, whether she is baking, gardening, sewing, or serving her family and community. She is a spirited volunteer, deeply involved with the Suffolk County Girl Scouts for over 20 years, as well as an ambassador for The Interfaith Nutrition Network (The INN), serving the hungry and homeless on Long Island.  Heidi & Steve enjoy being in nature at their farm in GA or fishing on the east end of Long Island.

Heidi’s KOLBE A™ INDEX is 6743, which measures the instinctive ways you take action when you strive.
Her Strengths are Connectedness, Responsibility, Belief, Empathy and Developer.

Get in Touch! 800.676.2921

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