First Trust Announces Appointment of New Trustee for Funds

Rhea-AI Summary

First Trust Advisors has appointed Denise M. Keefe as a Trustee for all funds managed by the firm, effective November 1, 2021. Ms. Keefe, currently Executive Vice President at Advocate Aurora Health, has been with the organization since 1993, overseeing strategic direction and management of 4,000 employees. She holds significant experience in healthcare management and board positions, enhancing her capability to contribute to First Trust's strategies. This appointment spans multiple funds, including the First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund II (SKYY) and First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III (FMB). FTA manages approximately $207 billion in assets as of September 30, 2021.

Positive

• Denise M. Keefe brings extensive experience in strategic direction and fiscal management, which can lead to improved governance for the Funds.
• Her appointment may enhance the Funds' reputation and decision-making process, potentially benefiting investors.

Negative

• None.

WHEATON, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The exchange traded funds, closed-end funds, mutual funds and variable insurance funds (collectively, the “Funds”) advised by First Trust Advisors L.P. (“FTA”) announced the appointment of Denise M. Keefe as a Trustee of each of the Funds, effective November 1, 2021.

Ms. Keefe is Executive Vice President of Advocate Aurora Health and President of Advocate Aurora Continuing Health Division (together, “Advocate”), one of the largest integrated healthcare systems in the U.S. serving Illinois and Wisconsin. Ms. Keefe has been employed by Advocate since 1993 and is responsible for the Continuing Health Division’s strategic direction, fiscal management, business development, revenue enhancement, operational efficiencies, and human resource management of 4,000 employees. Ms. Keefe also currently serves on the boards of several organizations within the Advocate Aurora Continuing Health Division and other health care organizations, including RML Long Term Acute Care Hospitals (since 2014) and Senior Helpers (since 2021). Prior thereto, Ms. Keefe was Corporate Vice President, Marketing and Business Development for the Visiting Nurse Association of Chicago (1989 – 1992) and a former Board Member of Sherman West Court Skilled Nursing Facility.

The appointment is applicable to all First Trust exchange-traded funds, mutual funds and variable insurance funds, each of which are included in the following trusts: First Trust Series Fund, First Trust Variable Insurance Trust, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund II, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund IV, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund V, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VI, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VII, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII, First Trust Exchange-Traded AlphaDEX® Fund and First Trust Exchange-Traded AlphaDEX® Fund II.

In connection with the closed-end funds advised by FTA, Ms. Keefe has been appointed as a Class I Trustee of the Macquarie/First Trust Global Infrastructure/Utilities Dividend & Income Fund, First Trust Energy Income and Growth Fund, First Trust Enhanced Equity Income Fund, First Trust/Aberdeen Global Opportunity Income Fund, First Trust Mortgage Income Fund, First Trust/Aberdeen Emerging Opportunity Fund, First Trust Specialty Finance and Financial Opportunities Fund, First Trust High Income Long/Short Fund, First Trust Energy Infrastructure Fund, First Trust MLP and Energy Income Fund, First Trust Intermediate Duration Preferred & Income Fund, First Trust New Opportunities MLP & Energy Fund and First Trust Dynamic Europe Equity Income Fund and a Class II Trustee of the First Trust Senior Floating Rate Income Fund II, First Trust Senior Floating Rate 2022 Target Term Fund and First Trust High Yield Opportunities 2027 Term Fund.

Ms. Keefe has also been appointed as a member of the Audit Committee, the Valuation Committee and the Nominating and Governance Committee for each of the Funds.

FTA is a federally registered investment advisor and serves as the Fund’s investment advisor. FTA and its affiliate, First Trust Portfolios L.P. (“FTP”), a FINRA registered broker-dealer, are privately-held companies that provide a variety of investment services. FTA has collective assets under management or supervision of approximately $207 billion as of September 30, 2021 through unit investment trusts, exchange-traded funds, closed-end funds, mutual funds and separately managed accounts. FTA is the supervisor of the First Trust unit investment trusts, while FTP is the sponsor. FTP is also a distributor of mutual fund shares and exchange-traded fund creation units. FTA and FTP are based in Wheaton, Illinois.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211020006093/en/

First Trust Advisors L.P.

Press Inquiries: Ryan Issakainen 630-765-8689

Broker Inquiries: Sales Team 866-848-9727

Analyst Inquiries: Chris Fallow 630-517-7628

Source: First Trust Advisors L.P.

FAQ

Who is Denise M. Keefe and what is her role at First Trust?

Denise M. Keefe is appointed as a Trustee for all First Trust-managed funds, effective November 1, 2021. She is currently Executive Vice President at Advocate Aurora Health.

What funds is Denise M. Keefe associated with?

Denise M. Keefe is associated with various funds, including the First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund II (SKYY) and First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III (FMB).

What is First Trust Advisors' assets under management?

As of September 30, 2021, First Trust Advisors manages approximately $207 billion in assets.

What committees will Denise M. Keefe serve on?

Denise M. Keefe will serve on the Audit Committee, Valuation Committee, and Nominating and Governance Committee for each of the Funds.

When does Denise M. Keefe officially start her role at First Trust?

Denise M. Keefe's appointment as a Trustee is effective November 1, 2021.