Financial Gerontologist Seeks Meaning in Work, Academia and Volunteerism - USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:39
Financial Gerontologist Seeks Meaning in Work, Academia and Volunteerism - USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology
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Financial Gerontologist Seeks Meaning in Work, Academia and Volunteerism
With training in financial planning and gerontology, Daniel Hutcherson strives to help investors be financially independent and plan for care as they age.
March 16, 2026 |
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It might seem natural to link the fields of financial planning and gerontology. After all, financial advisors work with people to plan for aging and retirement. Gerontology looks at the many aspects of aging across the lifespan. But professionals trained in both disciplines are few and far between.
Financial gerontologist Daniel Hutcherson MAG ’18 is one of those virtuosos. “Attending the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology profoundly changed the arc of my career,” Hutcherson says. “It informs everything I do today — not just as a financial advisor, but also in my continuing academic studies and volunteer work.”
Bringing health and well-being to the forefront of financial planning
Hutcherson has worked in the financial services industry since 1996. In 2014, he co-founded his own investment advisory firm, Sortino Advisory Partners, which joined with
Savant Wealth Management
in 2024.
The day-to-day work of a financial advisor is to help clients set goals and track their progress toward those goals. “It’s a sacred space to be in with families,” Hutcherson says. “They share what’s important to them and what keeps them up at night.”
Savant integrates health and well-being considerations into its broader planning philosophy. Hutcherson is now helping lead this effort, which includes initiatives aimed at supporting clients in planning for aging-related needs.
Entering grad school as a 40-year-old financial advisor
Hutcherson’s nontraditional path to the USC Leonard Davis School was driven by a deep fiduciary duty to help protect his clients.
“I saw the financial challenges of aging,” Hutcherson says. “Growing up with three grandparents who lived with dementia, I also recognized how cognitive decline can open the door for exploitation. It made me want to understand what more I could do.”
USC Leonard Davis School graduate Cynthia Hutchins MAG ’13 also influenced Hutcherson’s decision to pursue a master’s in gerontology. “Cyndi was one of the first practitioner thought leaders in financial gerontology,” Hutcherson says. “She leveraged her USC education to introduce concepts of aging and the life course approach to Wall Street. Her influence inspired me to attend USC and speak out about the challenges of financial vulnerability and abuse in later life.”
Finding the interface between financial planning and gerontology
Hutcherson began as an online student at USC Leonard Davis School in 2016. His favorite course was a hybrid on-campus and study abroad program on emotions, cognition and aging, taught by Professor
Mara Mather
.
“We learned about brain biology and how emotions and preferences change as people age,” Hutcherson says. “I linked these concepts to problems I’d seen with financial decision-making and vulnerability. It was my first light-bulb moment in the program.”
Students spent several weeks on campus at USC and at Reichman University in Israel. The coursework was intense, but there was also time for fun. “When I came to USC, I never expected to take a self-defense class with the Israeli Defense Forces,” Hutcherson says. “As a former U.S. Marine, that was an amazing experience.”
Other instructors served as role models for Hutcherson, in addition to being excellent teachers. Kevin Xu Chair in Gerontology
George Shannon
was an accomplished actor and Alison Balbag PhD ’16 holds doctorates in both music and gerontology. They showed him it’s possible to excel in seemingly disparate fields.
Embracing academic pursuits
Since earning his MAG, Hutcherson has continued his academic growth. USC Leonard Davis School professors supported him with letters of recommendation.
In 2023, Hutcherson completed a Master of Science in Translational Health Sciences from the University of Oxford. He’s currently pursuing a Doctor of Public Health degree at Johns Hopkins University.
“My current research focuses on the financial indicators of gender-based violence. It also ties to my work as a financial advisor,” Hutcherson says. “Through our health and well-being initiative, we’re exploring ways to help identify potential financial abuse and support women through major life transitions, such as divorce.”
Giving back and moving forward
Hutcherson’s collective experiences have given him a unique perspective on aging. He proudly wears his gerontology hat in other roles:
As a member of the
American Society on Aging
, he serves on the Economic Security Advisory Council with USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology Senior Associate Dean Maria Henke and USC Family Caregiver Support Center Director and Research Associate Professor
Donna Benton
.
As a Board of Governors member for
Chicago Scots
, he helps support and evaluate strategic planning and care delivery at
Caledonia Senior Living & Memory Care
.
As a member of the
Gerontological Society of America
, he recently collaborated on a policy commentary for the National Institutes of Health Artificial Intelligence Strategy. When writing, Hutcherson relied on lessons from a policy class taught by Professor Emeritus
Jon Pynoos
at USC Leonard Davis. “The course opened my eyes to how crucial practitioner voices are to informing policy decisions,” Hutcherson says.
Hutcherson is not ready to retire from financial advising anytime soon. But eventually, he would like to find himself back on campus — this time as an instructor.
“I’m grateful to USC Leonard Davis School Instructional Associate Professor
Caroline Cicero
, who is a tireless champion for age inclusivity in higher education,” he says. “Her advocacy work built a foundation for my own sense of possibility later in life.”
To learn more about the
Master of Arts in Gerontology
degree at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, call us at
(213) 740-5156
.
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Leonard Davis School of Gerontology
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Los Angeles, CA 90089
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(213)740-5156
ldsgero@usc.edu
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What is Gerontology?
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Close Menu
About
About Us
Our mission to promote healthy aging for all people, communities and societies is more vital than ever.
Our School
Overview
History
Leadership
Partnerships
Honors and Awards
Cultural Affairs
Board of Councilors
Our Field
Overview
What is Gerontology?
Gerontology Careers
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Our students come from around the world and from many walks of life, and they’re all here for unique, important reasons.
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International Applicants
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At the USC Leonard Davis School, you can earn an undergraduate gerontology degree, an accelerated five-year undergraduate or graduate degree program, a doctoral degree, or a minor in aging.
Undergraduate Programs
Human Development and Aging (BS)
Lifespan Health (BS)
Minor in Gerontology: Individuals, Societies, and Aging
Minor in Gerontology: Science, Health, and Aging
Minor in Geroscience
Master’s Programs
Aging Services Management (MA)
Applied Technology and Aging (MS)
Gerontology (MS)
Gerontology (MA)
Long Term Care Administration (MA)
Medical Gerontology (MA)
Senior Living Hospitality (MA)
Aging Biology (MS)
Specialized Master’s Programs
–
Master’s Programs in Nutrition
Foodservice Management and Dietetics (MA)
Nutrition, Healthspan and Longevity (MS)
Lifespan, Nutrition and Dietetics (MS)
Nutritional Science (MS)
Additional Programs
Graduate Certificate in Gerontology
Doctorate of Longevity Arts and Sciences
Professional Education
–
PhD Programs
PhD in Gerontology
PhD in Geroscience
Academic Resources
Academic Advisement
Career Development
Advisement FAQs
Online Education
Students
Students
Students of the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology share a deep compassion, an inspiring enthusiasm and a vision of an improved quality of life for older adults.
Overview
Undergraduate and Graduate Students
PhD Students
Internships
MSNHL Supervised Practice
Research Opportunities
Academic Conduct
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Study Abroad
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Student Resources
Resources Overview
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Academic Calendar
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Close Search
Alumni
Careers in Aging
Featured
Financial Gerontologist Seeks Meaning in Work, Academia and Volunteerism
5 min read
Home
»
Financial Gerontologist Seeks Meaning in Work, Academia and Volunteerism
With training in financial planning and gerontology, Daniel Hutcherson strives to help investors be financially independent and plan for care as they age.
March 16, 2026 |
It might seem natural to link the fields of financial planning and gerontology. After all, financial advisors work with people to plan for aging and retirement. Gerontology looks at the many aspects of aging across the lifespan. But professionals trained in both disciplines are few and far between.
Financial gerontologist Daniel Hutcherson MAG ’18 is one of those virtuosos. “Attending the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology profoundly changed the arc of my career,” Hutcherson says. “It informs everything I do today — not just as a financial advisor, but also in my continuing academic studies and volunteer work.”
Bringing health and well-being to the forefront of financial planning
Hutcherson has worked in the financial services industry since 1996. In 2014, he co-founded his own investment advisory firm, Sortino Advisory Partners, which joined with
Savant Wealth Management
in 2024.
The day-to-day work of a financial advisor is to help clients set goals and track their progress toward those goals. “It’s a sacred space to be in with families,” Hutcherson says. “They share what’s important to them and what keeps them up at night.”
Savant integrates health and well-being considerations into its broader planning philosophy. Hutcherson is now helping lead this effort, which includes initiatives aimed at supporting clients in planning for aging-related needs.
Entering grad school as a 40-year-old financial advisor
Hutcherson’s nontraditional path to the USC Leonard Davis School was driven by a deep fiduciary duty to help protect his clients.
“I saw the financial challenges of aging,” Hutcherson says. “Growing up with three grandparents who lived with dementia, I also recognized how cognitive decline can open the door for exploitation. It made me want to understand what more I could do.”
USC Leonard Davis School graduate Cynthia Hutchins MAG ’13 also influenced Hutcherson’s decision to pursue a master’s in gerontology. “Cyndi was one of the first practitioner thought leaders in financial gerontology,” Hutcherson says. “She leveraged her USC education to introduce concepts of aging and the life course approach to Wall Street. Her influence inspired me to attend USC and speak out about the challenges of financial vulnerability and abuse in later life.”
Finding the interface between financial planning and gerontology
Hutcherson began as an online student at USC Leonard Davis School in 2016. His favorite course was a hybrid on-campus and study abroad program on emotions, cognition and aging, taught by Professor
Mara Mather
.
“We learned about brain biology and how emotions and preferences change as people age,” Hutcherson says. “I linked these concepts to problems I’d seen with financial decision-making and vulnerability. It was my first light-bulb moment in the program.”
Students spent several weeks on campus at USC and at Reichman University in Israel. The coursework was intense, but there was also time for fun. “When I came to USC, I never expected to take a self-defense class with the Israeli Defense Forces,” Hutcherson says. “As a former U.S. Marine, that was an amazing experience.”
Other instructors served as role models for Hutcherson, in addition to being excellent teachers. Kevin Xu Chair in Gerontology
George Shannon
was an accomplished actor and Alison Balbag PhD ’16 holds doctorates in both music and gerontology. They showed him it’s possible to excel in seemingly disparate fields.
Embracing academic pursuits
Since earning his MAG, Hutcherson has continued his academic growth. USC Leonard Davis School professors supported him with letters of recommendation.
In 2023, Hutcherson completed a Master of Science in Translational Health Sciences from the University of Oxford. He’s currently pursuing a Doctor of Public Health degree at Johns Hopkins University.
“My current research focuses on the financial indicators of gender-based violence. It also ties to my work as a financial advisor,” Hutcherson says. “Through our health and well-being initiative, we’re exploring ways to help identify potential financial abuse and support women through major life transitions, such as divorce.”
Giving back and moving forward
Hutcherson’s collective experiences have given him a unique perspective on aging. He proudly wears his gerontology hat in other roles:
As a member of the
American Society on Aging
, he serves on the Economic Security Advisory Council with USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology Senior Associate Dean Maria Henke and USC Family Caregiver Support Center Director and Research Associate Professor
Donna Benton
.
As a Board of Governors member for
Chicago Scots
, he helps support and evaluate strategic planning and care delivery at
Caledonia Senior Living & Memory Care
.
As a member of the
Gerontological Society of America
, he recently collaborated on a policy commentary for the National Institutes of Health Artificial Intelligence Strategy. When writing, Hutcherson relied on lessons from a policy class taught by Professor Emeritus
Jon Pynoos
at USC Leonard Davis. “The course opened my eyes to how crucial practitioner voices are to informing policy decisions,” Hutcherson says.
Hutcherson is not ready to retire from financial advising anytime soon. But eventually, he would like to find himself back on campus — this time as an instructor.
“I’m grateful to USC Leonard Davis School Instructional Associate Professor
Caroline Cicero
, who is a tireless champion for age inclusivity in higher education,” he says. “Her advocacy work built a foundation for my own sense of possibility later in life.”
To learn more about the
Master of Arts in Gerontology
degree at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, call us at
(213) 740-5156
.
Related Posts
Alzheimer's and Dementia
Caregiving
Featured
Research
Technology
Digital Reminiscence App Could Reduce Grief and Improve Relationships Between Dementia Patients and Caregivers
Digital Reminiscence App Could Reduce Grief and Improve Relationships Between Dementia Patients and Caregivers
Beth Newcomb
April 22, 2026
Alzheimer's and Dementia
Featured
Research
Technology
How AI and Advanced Computing are Accelerating Alzheimer’s Research
How AI and Advanced Computing are Accelerating Alzheimer’s Research
Beth Newcomb
April 20, 2026
Caregiving
Featured
Podcast
Policy
New Podcast Shares Practical Approaches to Family Caregiving and Financial Well-Being
New Podcast Shares Practical Approaches to Family Caregiving and Financial Well-Being
Beth Newcomb
April 15, 2026
Share
Share
Share
Share
Visit Us
Leonard Davis School of Gerontology
3715 McClintock Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90089
Privacy Notice
Notice of Non-Discrimination
Digital Accessibility
Contact Us
(213)740-5156
ldsgero@usc.edu
Support Us
How to Give
ABOUT
Our School
History
What is Gerontology?
Our Expertise
Faculty & Staff Portal
Contact Us
NEWS
Newsroom
Honors and Awards
Publications
Resources for Journalists
Aging is Happening Newsletter
PROGRAMS
Undergraduate Programs
Master’s Programs
Certificate Programs
PhD Programs
Professional Education
CONNECT
TikTok
Twitter / X
YouTube
Podcast
© 2026 USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology.
Close Menu
About
About Us
Our mission to promote healthy aging for all people, communities and societies is more vital than ever.
Our School
Overview
History
Leadership
Partnerships
Honors and Awards
Cultural Affairs
Board of Councilors
Our Field
Overview
What is Gerontology?
Gerontology Careers
Our Gerontology Expertise
Our Impact
Our Building
Overview
Andrus Gerontology Center
Sophie Davis Art Gallery
Facilities
School Resources
Administrative Staff
Gerontology Directory
Employee Resources
Faculty & Staff Portal
Jobs at USC Leonard Davis
Contact Us
Admission
Admission
Our students come from around the world and from many walks of life, and they’re all here for unique, important reasons.
Overview
Undergraduate Applicants
Master’s Applicants
PhD Applicants
Graduate Certificate Applicants
Doctorate of Longevity Arts and Sciences Applicants
International Applicants
Online Education
Resources
Request Information
How to Apply
Newly Admitted
Tuition and Financial Aid
Frequently Asked Questions
Office Hours
Academics
Academics
At the USC Leonard Davis School, you can earn an undergraduate gerontology degree, an accelerated five-year undergraduate or graduate degree program, a doctoral degree, or a minor in aging.
Undergraduate Programs
Human Development and Aging (BS)
Lifespan Health (BS)
Minor in Gerontology: Individuals, Societies, and Aging
Minor in Gerontology: Science, Health, and Aging
Minor in Geroscience
Master’s Programs
Aging Services Management (MA)
Applied Technology and Aging (MS)
Gerontology (MS)
Gerontology (MA)
Long Term Care Administration (MA)
Medical Gerontology (MA)
Senior Living Hospitality (MA)
Aging Biology (MS)
Specialized Master’s Programs
–
Master’s Programs in Nutrition
Foodservice Management and Dietetics (MA)
Nutrition, Healthspan and Longevity (MS)
Lifespan, Nutrition and Dietetics (MS)
Nutritional Science (MS)
Additional Programs
Graduate Certificate in Gerontology
Doctorate of Longevity Arts and Sciences
Professional Education
–
PhD Programs
PhD in Gerontology
PhD in Geroscience
Academic Resources
Academic Advisement
Career Development
Advisement FAQs
Online Education
Students
Students
Students of the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology share a deep compassion, an inspiring enthusiasm and a vision of an improved quality of life for older adults.
Overview
Undergraduate and Graduate Students
PhD Students
Internships
MSNHL Supervised Practice
Research Opportunities
Academic Conduct
Student Life
Student Organizations
Study Abroad
Alumni Stories
Career Development
Finding Support
Student Resources
Resources Overview
Student Handbooks
Course Catalogue
Schedule of Classes
Academic Calendar
USC Student Affairs
USC Student Health Center
Faculty
Research
Research Overview
Institutes and Centers
Projects and Initiatives
Cores
Multidisciplinary Colloquium Series
Research Opportunities
Research Funding Awards
Research Events
News & Events
News
Event Calendar
Podcast
Publications
Resources for Journalists
Stay Connected
Social Media
Videos
Alumni
Stay Connected
USC FightOnline
Alumni Stories
Support the USC Leonard Davis School
Giving
Giving Overview
Why Give
How to Give
Giving Priorities
Join the Dean’s Circle
Contact the Development Office
More
Jobs at USC Leonard Davis
Faculty & Staff Portal
Vitality Magazine
youtube
rss
spotify
tiktok