D.B.A. Finance, Nova Southeastern University, M.B.A., Webster University, B.S.B.A. Finance, Marketing, and Management, Columbia College, Post-Doctorate of Global Leadership, Colorado Technical University. Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®), Certified Treasury Professional (CTP®), and Project Management Professional (PMP®). Ambassador Dr. Geoffrey VanderPal is a known financial expert focused in the areas of financial planning, investment management, insurance & risk, and corporate finance. Dr. VanderPal worked his way up to Vice-President level at two large global banks in wealth management, later transitioned into starting a financial consulting and investment management and insurance brokerage. business licensed in 16 states with millions in revenues over 12 years before selling the business. He has taught hundreds of courses, both on-ground and online, on Four continents, from undergraduate to doctoral level, in multiple areas of finance, economics, management, global business, and strategy. He combines his 25 years of professional finance and entrepreneurial and diplomatic and consular experiences to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical application. Ambassador VanderPal is currently appointed as Economist and Ambassador at Large for the Republic of Guinea and former Honorary Consul and Head of Post for the Slovak Republic to the USA, with US State Department accreditation.