Business Transformation | 07.15.26

Getting to Know Jane-ellen Porter, BISA’s 2026-2028 President

by: BISA Staff

Jane-ellen Porter leads with clarity and purpose in her role as affluent market manager at Wilmington Advisors @ M&T, qualities she has also brought to her term as BISA president. Across a career spanning more than three decades, she has served on the management team at People’s United Advisors and held roles as assistant vice president and financial advisor, as well as earlier positions as an investment center sales assistant and customer information representative. These experiences laid the foundation for her long career and deep understanding of the industry.

Past BISA President John Olerio of Lighthouse Credit Union describes Porter as both highly collaborative and deeply knowledgeable. “As BISA’s first female President, her appointment marks a historic milestone for the organization and reflects both her exceptional qualifications and the meaningful progress within our industry,” he says. “She is highly respected across the industry as a purposeful, fair-minded leader who elevates those around her, and I have tremendous confidence in the future of BISA under her leadership.”

Porter credits longtime mentor and BISA leader Bob Mittel with encouraging her to join the organization and pursue leadership opportunities — an experience that now contributes to her own commitment to mentorship. Of her appointment, Mittel says, “She brings a valuable perspective shaped by years of seeing firsthand what has been impactful to the organization and its members.”

He also points to her strong leadership, collaborative mindset and clear commitment to advancing BISA’s mission as key reasons she was a natural choice for president. “Her experience, professionalism and ability to connect strategy with member value continue to make a meaningful difference for the organization,” he adds.

Get to know BISA’s 2026-2028 president in this Q&A.

What are you most excited about in your role as president?

Jane-ellen Porter (JEP): I’m most excited about continuing the work that’s already been underway over the past few years. We’ve made a lot of progress, and now it’s about staying focused — growing membership, aligning our committees and priorities with what our members are asking for and making sure we’re being intentional with where we spend our time and energy. It’s about doing things with purpose, rather than trying to do too much at once, and really narrowing in on the areas where we can have the greatest impact.

Can you walk us through your journey with BISA and how you got to this role?

JEP: I first got involved with BISA through a sales management roundtable — that was my initial exposure. Not long after, I started attending conferences and became part of a peer group of non-competing program heads who wanted to have more candid conversations about what was actually happening in the industry.

That experience led to getting more involved, eventually joining the Board, then the executive committee, and ultimately stepping into this role. I’ve always been someone who likes to roll up my sleeves and get involved, and that’s really how my path progressed.

What would you say to someone interested in becoming more involved in BISA or taking on a leadership role?

JEP: Reach out. We don’t know what we don’t know, so if someone is interested, they should connect with a board member or someone on the executive committee.

BISA is a very open community. We want involvement, we want feedback and we want more voices. When I think about times like COVID, people leaned on each other — picking up the phone, sharing experiences and figuring things out together. That’s the value of the association. The more perspectives we have, the stronger we are as an industry.

How do you view the role of mentorship in financial services careers?

JEP: Mentorship is really important, especially right now. With experienced advisors retiring and fewer coming in behind them, we need to be intentional about developing the next generation and using those experienced advisors as mentors.

At the same time, mentorship is about taking initiative. People need to raise their hands, get involved and take ownership of their own development. I’ve always thought about it as a door — the opportunity might be there, but you have to choose to walk through it and commit to what comes next.

What are some things you enjoy doing outside of work?

JEP: Spending time with my family is the biggest thing. My kids are older now, but that’s still really important to me. My son plays golf, so that’s how we connect — usually with him beating me — and my daughter lives nearby, so I spend time with her as well.

I also enjoy being with friends, going to the beach, reading and just spending time with the people who matter most.