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DeLynn Zell, CFP® and managing principal at Bridgeworth, LLC, was recently recognized by Birmingham magazine and Alabama Media as one of 30 Alabama Women Who Shape the State.  At a celebration held on Friday, November 2 at the Haven, 30 women ranging from politicians to restauranteurs, bankers to lawyers, and just about every profession in between were recognized for their work in each of their individual fields for the overall betterment of women. DeLynn was honored and celebrated with friends from Bridgeworth. 

Under DeLynn’s leadership, the firm’s infrastructure has expanded from 12 advisors and 15 staff in 2008 to 24 advisors and 56 staff in 2017. In May of 2015, Bridgeworth expanded its footprint with the opening of the Huntsville office adding three advisors and five staff members. She has mentored several key staff people, two of whom have moved from intern to advisor and partner. She believes true leaders will emerge given the right opportunity. According to Zell, ” Some of the best leaders I know may not initially view themselves as leaders but have the innate qualities needed. We need to try and give those individuals opportunities to lead.”

In a male-dominated industry, DeLynn is shattering the glass ceiling. Her leadership has lead to Bridgeworth having more women in advisory and leadership roles than most other financial planning firms in the state with seven female advisors and four of the five management teams being female. Her leadership philosophy is simple, “It is imperative that successful leaders view themselves as serving those they lead and putting the needs of their employees and organization above their own.”

Outside of her professional work, DeLynn has been paving the way for women in the community and civic leadership. She is the first and only female of the Executive Committee of the Birmingham-Southern College where she also serves on the Board of Trustees and the Audit Committee. She is the first and only female member of the Executive Board of the Greater Alabama Council of Boy Scouts of America. She serves on the St. VIncent’s Hospital Board of Trustees, is a member of The Women’s Network, The Newcomen Society, is past president and Honoree of The Oasis Women’s Counseling Center, and past member of the Board of Directors and Finance Committee for the Women’s Fund.

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