Diane brings more than 40 years of experience as a portfolio manager and an investment professional to her role as leader of The Schaefer Group. Her career began in 1976 at Ferris, Baker Watts (acquired by RBC in 2008) as an apprentice with the late Vice-Chairman Gail Winslow, one of the first women to break the glass ceiling and build a successful career in finance. Diane's decades as a financial advisor have taught her the importance of long-term vision, steady hands, and a capable team when navigating the stormy financial markets to fund retirement, build a legacy, or provide for loved ones.
She has passed the Series 7, 63, 65, and 31 exams, and is licensed in multiple states for life and long term care insurance as well. Her Portfolio Focus designation allows her to take on discretionary accounts, acting as a personal investment manager for her clients. She focuses on designing customized portfolios to help meet her clients' investment goals, taking into consideration their risk tolerance and income needs. Her fundamental investment philosophy is to buy quality - the dominant, best-in-class companies that can sustain their competitive advantage and grow over the long term.
Outside the office, Diane is active in a number of local charities and community organizations. She is a longtime supporter of Children's National Medical Center and Past President of the Founders Auxiliary Board, as well as a former board chair of the Choral Arts Society of Washington.
