By Julie Andress, KeyBanc Capital Markets
2025 STA Chair
It is with immense gratitude and a profound sense of responsibility that I begin my term as Board Chair of the Security Traders Association (STA). This moment reflects years of hard work, dedication, and commitment to the financial markets. I am deeply honored by the trust STA members have placed in me.
By way of introduction, my name is Julie Andress, a proud Cleveland native and graduate of John Carroll University. My career began in 2007 in New York at Bloomberg. In 2011, I returned home to Cleveland to join KeyBanc Capital Markets as a sales trader—a role I have embraced for the past 14 years. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of serving STA at both local and national levels, and I am passionate about its mission to support professionals in the financial services industry.
As we step into a new year, the financial markets face a period of significant transformation. A new administration, evolving geopolitical dynamics, rapid technological advancements, and regulatory changes have created an environment that is both challenging and ripe with opportunities. Adapting to change has always been essential to professional growth, and this year will be no different.
STA’s mission is to keep our members informed on industry trends while fostering a solutions-oriented mindset. As Chair, I am committed to ensuring STA continues to serve as a resource and advocate for our members. My primary focus this year will be broadening our reach across the industry in two ways.
The pandemic reshaped the geographical landscape of our profession, creating new hubs of financial activity in previously unexpected regions. Ensuring that every region has a voice at the table is imperative. This year, we launched our first chapter in Arizona—an exciting milestone for us as an organization and professionals in that region—and we will continue working to expand into other new or underserved areas. We will also collaborate with leaders in our affiliate regions to enhance inclusivity, particularly for members outside major financial centers.
Additionally, we will focus on significantly expanding our outreach to younger professionals. Their fresh perspectives and energy are vital to the future of our industry. New initiatives will be introduced to engage and integrate this next generation into our strategic vision, ensuring the continued success of our association.
Looking ahead, I am optimistic about the future of our industry. STA is a testament to the power of collaboration and the strength of collective expertise. Together, we will navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities ahead.
I would like to express my gratitude to those who have helped me reach this position. Past Board Chairs Jim Hyde, Chris Halverson, Katie McCallister, and Ryan Kwiatkowski have been invaluable mentors. I also want to thank the 2025 Board of Governors, Advisors and committee leadership for their commitment to serve and the STA Office—Dawn, Erin, and Jim—for their unwavering support. I know we will achieve great things together.
Finally, to all of you—thank you for entrusting me with this honor. I am excited about the journey ahead and committed to leading this association with dedication and integrity.
Here’s to a successful year for STA and its members. Thank you!
