Frank J. Petrilli

Meet one of the world’s greatest optimists. Driven, compassionate, and the leader of one of the largest investment firms in the world, Trustee Frank J. Petrilli will tell you that for any organization he’s involved with, nothing is out of reach.

Frank is living proof that success is no accident. President and CEO of TD Waterhouse USA, he rises at 3:22 AM, arrives at the office by 4:45 AM, works out at the gym, and is back at his desk by 5:30 AM. “I am passionate to a fault, and more intense than I need to be,” he said. “That early morning time allows me to focus.”

Sealing the deal
Frank set his focus on the Chaplaincy's through an introduction by HCC Board Chairman Larry Toal, who had served on a TD Waterhouse board. He felt an immediate connection to the Chaplaincy's ’s mission, but wasn’t fully on board until he shadowed Sr. Elaine Goodell, staff chaplain at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, on her early morning rounds. “That sealed the deal for me,” he said. “I was amazed at how she lifted patients’ spirits, no matter what their religion.”

Consistent with TD Waterhouse’s mission to support education in low to moderate-income areas, the firm soon awarded a five-year, $500,000 grant to the Chaplaincy's for its Supervisory Residency. The program provides students with a stipend, insurance, and educational materials that allow them to learn the art and science of supervising pastoral education students.

Bronx native remembers his roots
Frank knows all about the value of a good education. “I’m a Bronx boy, through-and-through. I grew up a few blocks from Fordham University, and it was always assumed that I would go there one day,” he said. The third of seven children and always very directed, Frank was the first member of his family to go to college. “When people asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I said ‘a C.P.A.!’” Frank is a proud graduate of Fordham Preparatory High School and Fordham University’s undergraduate and graduate business programs.

Remembering the schools that gave him his foundation, Frank established a scholarship fund at Fordham Prep for students from St. Joseph’s, his elementary school. His support also established the Frank J. Petrilli Endowed Center for Research in International Finance at Fordham University. And he sits on the boards of all three of his almae matres.

No looking back
Frank’s early instincts about his career goals were right on target. This is his tenth year at TD Waterhouse. Before coming to the firm he was president of American Express Centurion Bank. “I’ve lived through the cycle of bull and bear markets,” he said. “And we’re seeing things now that are unprecedented. Ninety-two percent of our business is now done online.”

Feeling blessed with an “extraordinary management team and associates,” Frank asked for their input in community service activities. “They told us they wanted to support disadvantaged youth and New Yorkers in crisis,” he said. Today TD Waterhouse sponsors a workplace mentoring program for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of New York City can see first hand how the office works. They also support the American Red Cross of New York City. Frank sits on the boards of both organizations.

A well-deserved honor
Given all of Frank’s efforts in nurturing the body, mind, and spirit, it is no wonder the Chaplaincy's presented him with the 2002 Wholeness of Life Award. “Standing on that stage next to healthcare professionals who help patients every day was a great honor and very humbling,” he said.

Frank’s respect for caregivers is obvious by the active role he plays as a Chaplaincy board member and chair of its 2004 strategic planning process. “Change is good,” he said. “With a dedicated board and talented staff, we will accomplish wonderful things.”

“I’ve learned over the years that it’s important to prioritize well,” Frank said. His intense but structured schedule allows him time for his family—his wife, Diana; his three sons; and three grandchildren, including a newborn baby girl, Ava Nicole.

By the time he goes home at 6:00 PM, Frank has accomplished a great deal. He’s helped countless others achieve their goals. And he’s no doubt set a plan for tomorrow.