Profile
“My strongest professional quality is my ability to build trust and long-term relationships, whether with clients, colleagues, or stakeholders”
Danny Ibrahim,
KeyRate Mortgage
Carina Diamond is taking GFP Private Wealth to new levels. Having taken over as CEO of the famed organization last year, the 2025 Hot Lister has implemented her own visions for the firm’s future, while retaining the legacy of her predecessor, Sally Gries, who founded the company as the first wholly woman-owned RIA in Ohio in 1978.
Recognizing the critical importance of RIAs to guide the financial futures of millions of Americans, Diamond is constantly looking for ways to improve the experience of GFP’s clients.
“How effectively RIAs are led will be the differentiator for growth and client satisfaction in the coming years,” she says.
As a leader, Diamond dedicates herself to three guiding traits: listening, observing, and communicating. She emphasizes these three skills to build close relationships with her team, from senior leadership to young interns.
“I listen and observe first, then I act decisively and communicate like crazy. You only have a short time to establish a reputation and build trust,” she says. “Don’t be afraid to pivot when you have new information or a more appropriate strategy – that’s what you get paid for, to look around the corner and see things others may not see yet.”
Many of Diamond’s most innovative ideas have come from unexpected avenues. In her leadership role, she understands the need to take time to care for herself, delivering the mental clarity needed to guide one of Ohio’s most respected RIA firms.
“I read and listen, then filter and incubate for my own ideas. Quiet time to process what I observe and experience often leads to my own drivers,” she explains. “A leader needs downtime and physical activity to be able to contemplate and feel what needs to be done. The timing of communication, a conversation, or a thoughtful note or gift can have a big influence on the outcome.”
Mentoring the next generation is one of the key drivers of Diamond’s work, with the Hot Lister deeply motivated to pass on her knowledge to the industry’s torch bearers. As a Trustee of the University of Akron Foundation and a founding board member for the Women in Philanthropy committee, Diamond’s passion for cultivating young talent is clear.
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with several dozen interns, many from The University of Akron. Their talent and work ethic inspires me every day,” she explains. “I’ve become very aware of my visibility as a mature female leader. It’s a huge responsibility, and I try to provide as much mentoring and guidance to younger men and women as I humanly can. It’s why I was put by God on this earth – to help others thrive.”
Understanding the impact of AI and new technology is another priority for Diamond, who aims to harness new tech tools in a secure and effective manner at GFP.
“I’ve been visible and spoken publicly about the importance of embracing technology without fear. As a mature member of our industry, if I can use AI effectively, so can everyone else!”
1300 E. 9th Street, Suite 1900, Cleveland, OH 44114
833 309 9900
carina.diamond@gfpwealth.com
linkedin.com/in/carinadiamond
gfpwealth.com
Carina Diamond
Chief Executive Officer GFP Private Wealth
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Bio
Milestones
“I’ve always believed that if you love what you do, you’ll never settle, and that attitude has guided every decision I’ve made”
Danny Ibrahim,
KeyRate Mortgage
2001–2019
2020–2021
2022–Present
2021–present
Present
2001–2019: Founded, grew, and sold two investment advisory firms
Since 2010: Extensive volunteer experience focusing on women’s leadership
Since 2015: Led the growth strategy for two RIAs
2017–2019: Forbes Top Female Advisor
2019: Honored as one of InvestmentNews’ Women to Watch
2001–2019
Forbes Top Female Advisor
2020–2021
2022: ThinkAdvisor’s Industry Advocate of the Year
2022: Named one of The University of Akron’s Honorary Alumni
2022–2023: Forbes Top Female Advisor
2023–2024: Consultant for fintech startups
Present: Continues her volunteer experience focusing on women’s leadership
2022–Present
Principal at Mount Alvernia College
2021–present
2025 Australian Principal of the Year
2025 NEiTA Leadership Award recipient
The Educator’s Most Influential Educator
The Educator’s Hot List
Present
Assistant Vice President and Senior Broker at MJ Hall & Company since 2018
Present
Milestones
Milestones
Sept 2021
Feb 2022
Apr 2022
Jul 2022
Aug
2022
Suncorp Bank introduces Solar Home Bonus offer for customers who are choosing renewable energy for their homes
Sept 2021
Month-on-month market share growth commences
Feb 2022
Suncorp Bank wins the Canstar award for most outstanding value in investment loans
Apr 2022
Suncorp Bank wins Money Magazine’s Bank of the Year and Business Bank of the Year awards for the fifth year in a row
Jul 2022
Suncorp Bank’s turnaround times are the lowest they have ever been. The lender becomes Australia’s first certified carbon neutral bank for both its operation and transaction services
Aug 2022
Milestones
