*CPA Retired Status/PFS regulated by the AICPA, not a state or federal agency.
With over four decades of unwavering dedication to the financial well-being of individuals and communities, Reina L. Schlager has carved a distinguished legacy as a Certified Public Accountant, Personal Financial Specialist, and a nationally recognized speaker and educator. Her career—rooted in both technical precision and human empathy—spans the domains of tax planning, elder care, financial literacy, insurance strategy, and public service. Reina’s impact is as profound as it is diverse, empowering generations with knowledge while championing the most vulnerable among us.
Reina’s journey began with academic excellence, graduating Magna cum Laude with a BBA in Accounting from Temple University in Philadelphia. Her early career launched with the esteemed global accounting firm Coopers & Lybrand, where she honed her expertise in auditing and regulatory compliance. Soon thereafter, she took on a pioneering role as Assistant Treasurer and Director of Insurance & Risk Management at the University of Pennsylvania. There, she established the department from the ground up, overseeing complex insurance and self-insurance programs and authoring a widely used procedural manual, “Insurance & Risk Management for University Personnel.”
Her relocation to Florida in the mid-1980s marked a pivotal career shift toward entrepreneurship and community engagement. Reina first served as Vice President of Finance for Sammett Corp, a medical equipment provider, before joining forces with her husband, Robert, to found Schlager & Associates. Over the years, this firm evolved into the renowned SCHLAGER SCHLAGER & LEVIN, a financial planning, wealth management , and tax planning powerhouse offering tax-efficient strategies and compassionate client care. Under Reina’s stewardship, the firm became synonymous with integrity, tailored guidance, and inter-generational planning.
Reina’s expertise has long been in demand on the national stage. As a speaker, she has graced events such as the AICPA Women’s Global Leadership Summit in Manhattan, the WBL Summit in Washington, DC, and various FICPA Symposiums and public workshops. She delivers insightful, accessible presentations on complex topics such as Long-Term Care, Medicare, and Medicaid planning, Social Security, Roth conversions, income distribution, estate and tax planning, and being your own CFO. Her focus has always been education over promotion—empowering her audiences to make informed, confident decisions.
Not merely a voice on stage, Reina has contributed substantively behind the scenes. She has served on the AICPA/CICA PrimePlus ElderCare Task Force and helped found the FICPA’s Elder Care Symposium for CPAs. Her leadership extended to boards and advisory roles across Southwest Florida, including the Shady Rest Nursing Pavilion, the Alvin A. Dubin Alzheimer’s Resource Center, and AgeLink. Through these platforms, she has consistently advocated for senior citizens, bringing visibility, funding, and legislative attention to elder care and planning.
Reina’s unique blend of financial acumen and healthcare advocacy is further evidenced by her credentials. She holds the CPA and PFS designations, now in retired status, earned her RHU with the American College, and maintains an active status CSA title, reflecting her interdisciplinary fluency in taxation, retirement, insurance, and senior advisory services. Even in retirement from active financial advising, Reina keeps a faculty status with the Society of CSAs, and active life/health license, reinforcing her commitment to professional excellence.
A prolific writer and media guest, Reina has contributed to CPA journals, appeared on local radio and TV, and published thought leadership on financial wellness and aging. Her seminars have been hosted by AARP, SCORE, community colleges, and non-profit organizations. Whether addressing professional peers or the general public, Reina bridges technical clarity with empathetic storytelling—a hallmark of her enduring influence.
In 2020, after 34 years of leadership, Reina transitioned out of client advisory services, passing the torch to trusted peer Dianne Odom, CPA/PFS. Rather than stepping away entirely, Reina has refocused her energy on national speaking engagements, education initiatives, and pursuing meaningful board service. She continues to support community organizations and embraces her personal passions—traveling, reading, fitness, and the arts—with renewed vigor.
At the core of Reina Schlager’s work is a deep sense of purpose: to leave the world better than she found it. Whether guiding families through legacy planning or inspiring audiences to take charge of their financial futures, Reina brings authenticity, insight, and heart to every endeavor. Her journey is not only a testament to professional mastery but to the enduring power of purpose-driven leadership.
Character:
Reina exemplifies integrity through every phase of her career, consistently placing client needs, community welfare, and ethical standards above all else. Her tireless advocacy for seniors and unwavering transparency have earned her a reputation as a trusted and principled advisor.
Knowledge:
With over 47 years of experience and multiple credentials across finance, insurance, and elder care, Reina brings unparalleled breadth and depth to every role. Her expertise is both technically rigorous and profoundly human-centered, enabling her to educate and lead with authority.
Strategic:
Reina’s foresight in combining tax, financial, and legacy planning services created enduring value for her clients and their families. Her board service and community initiatives reflect a keen ability to anticipate needs and design sustainable, impactful solutions.
Communication:
Whether on stage, in boardrooms, or across the kitchen table, Reina’s ability to distill complex topics into accessible, actionable insights sets her apart. Her engaging presentation style and clarity of message continue to resonate across audiences of all backgrounds.
