The Journey
From Blackhawks to Banking
The Journey
From Blackhawks to Banking
Frank Van Buren: Managing Director, Founder
Frank Van Buren is the Managing Director and Founder of Van Buren Advisory LLC (VBA), a premier talent development firm based in Charlotte, North Carolina. VBA, founded in 2024, specializes in delivering transformative leadership and professional soft skills training, empowering professionals at every career stage—from early talent to senior executives—and preparing students to excel in competitive industries.
VBA’s services include:
1. In-Person Workshops
2. Virtual, Instructor-Led Training
3. On-Demand Online Learning
4. Talent Sourcing
5. Keynote Speaking and Panel Engagements
These tailored programs inspire corporate teams, enhance performance, and drive sustainable success.
Frank brings 26 years of Wall Street expertise from his distinguished career at Wells Fargo, where he held leadership roles in Investment Banking, Sales & Trading, and Talent Development within Corporate & Investment Banking. As Managing Director and Talent Development Office Leader, Frank spearheaded initiatives in recruiting, coaching, training, wellness, and retention, directly impacting over 1,000 emerging talent bankers. From 2019 to 2023, he was the Development Officer for Global Mergers & Acquisitions and Regional Investment Banking, overseeing the growth of more than 100 VPs, Associates, and Analysts. Recognized for his exceptional contributions, he received Wells Fargo’s prestigious Golden Spoke Award (2016) and Champion’s Spotlight Award (2023).
Frank’s early career included 16 years as a senior High Yield Sales & Trading professional and five years in Investment Banking. Before entering finance, Frank served six years as a UH-60 Blackhawk pilot in the U.S. Army, leading nation-building, drug interdiction, air cavalry, and MEDEVAC missions in Central America, Germany, and the Middle East. His leadership journey is captured in his book, Life Lessons from the Cockpit, available on Amazon.
Frank holds an MBA from the University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School, earned as a Consortium for Graduate Study in Management Fellow. He earned his B.A. from Shippensburg University, where he was a record-setting football player and All-Conference honoree.
A dedicated advocate for veterans, Frank serves on the Board of Directors for Veterans Bridge Home and advises Shippensburg University’s College of Business.
Van Buren Advisory is a cer1fied diverse supplier via two organiza1ons: Na1onal Veteran-Owned Business Associa1on (“NaVOBA”) and the Na1onal Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC”).
