Each month we spotlight members of the Community Foundation of Broward’s Professional Advisors Council.

The PAC includes attorneys, CPAs and financial planners who help their clients achieve their charitable goals by collaborating with the Community Foundation. Council members have referred clients who establish charitable funds at the Foundation or who include the Foundation in their estate plans.

This month’s Q&A features Collett P. Small, Esq., BCS, a founding Partner of Slater & Small PLLC.

Collett is Board Certified by the Florida Bar as a Specialist in Elder Law and has served as Chair of the Elder Law Section of the Florida Bar and past President for The Academy of Florida Elder Law Attorneys. She is on the Board of Directors for the Weston Bar Association. She is also an Adjunct Professor of Law at St. Thomas University, School of Law in Miami, where she teaches the Elder Law Clinic and Family Wealth Management.

Professional & Philanthropy

Q.What inspired you to enter your field?

In law school I interned in the probate court and saw firsthand how legal decisions can be overwhelming for older adults. I wanted to be in a position to provide clarity, advocacy and support during some of life’s toughest moments.

Q.What areas of planning do you focus on?

My practice focuses on long-term care planning, public benefits planning, incapacity planning and planning for special needs.

Q.What do you enjoy most about helping clients with long-term or legacy planning?

I enjoy and am inspired by the opportunity to build trust with clients, advocate for their needs, and help them move forward with dignity and peace of mind.

Q.How do you approach conversations around charitable giving?

It comes naturally to me, I don’t treat it as a separate conversation, but as part of the dialogue about what matters most to clients. I’m help clients think through how they want to make an impact, during their lifetime and beyond.

Q.Why is philanthropy important in a strong estate or financial plan?

Philanthropy adds a meaningful dimension to estate planning. It shifts the focus from simply passing on assets to making a lasting impact. Clients want their plans to reflect who they are and what they care about, not just for their families, but for their communities as well.

Q.What drew you to engage with the CFB?

I was introduced to CFB in an organic way. A client asked for help identifying organizations making an impact in the community. CFB stood out with the tangible difference it was making. What started as a recommendation became a personal connection.

Personal & Fun

Q.What area of Broward/South Florida do you call home?

West West Pembroke Pines. Think almost the Everglades.

Q.What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?

I am an avid runner and am ridiculously proud of competing in the Boston Marathon. Also, I am a big foodie.  I love to eat, which is probably why I run so much.

Q.How do you like to spend your time outside of work?

Traveling all over the globe and hiking in very scenic locations.

Q.What is one word colleagues would use to describe you?

Spirited.

Q.A favorite quote or guiding motto?

I have two.

1. To whom much is given much is expected.

2. Pay forward and give back.

More about the PAC

Our PAC is an elite group of tax and estate attorneys, CPAs and financial advisors who collaborate with the Community Foundation to achieve their clients’ charitable goals. Council members have referred clients who establish charitable funds at the Foundation or who include the Foundation in their estate plans. Working together, we help their clients to make a lasting impact through grantmaking support from their charitable funds at the Community Foundation. PAC members are invited to networking opportunities, continuing education sessions and special Community Foundation events.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ALL OF OUR PAC MEMBERS.

To learn more about how the Community Foundation can collaborate with you to help accomplish your clients' charitable goals, contact Mary Margaret Toole, Director of Philanthropic Services, at mmtoole@cfbroward.org or 954-761-9503.

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