Philip F. Adra
Philip “Phil” F. Adra of Atlanta, Ga., is a New Orleans native and an alumnus of LSU, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in finance in 2005 and a master’s degree in accounting in 2006. As a licensed CPA and Certified Financial Planner, he is uniquely positioned to be at the center of his clients' financial lives. Adra specializes in comprehensive financial planning for small business owners, CPAs, physicians, and other high-income/high net worth families. After working as a consultant with Ernst & Young, Adra launched his own financial planning practice in 2009 and has partnered with the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company—which is comprised of a national team of specialists experienced in estate planning, business continuity & succession, and executive benefits—to help serve his clients even more robustly. Adra and his wife, Kimberly, are proud parents to Cole, Annie, and Cason.
My LSU Giving Story
What is your favorite memory involving LSU?
My favorite memory is Skyler Green’s catch in the back of the end zone in 2003 against
UGA. I was in the student section right where he caught that game-winning pass!
What makes LSU unique?
Whereas many colleges are just a four-year chapter of one’s life, LSU is a lifelong
family membership.
Why did you choose to attend LSU?
I wanted to experience a big, well-rounded university in my home state of Louisiana.
LSU was 70 miles from home, which was just far enough to feel like a new adventure
of independence, and it had great academics, amazing culture, and world-class athletics.
Why do you support LSU?
My entire life was shaped by LSU, and I couldn’t be more grateful. I want LSU’s national
footprint to grow, making it respected and desirable outside of Louisiana.
If someone asked you why he/she should make a gift to LSU, what would you say?
Who or what are the people, places, organizations, and experiences that shaped who
you are today? You can’t take any money with you, so why not create a legacy and impact
long after you’re gone as a way to help future generations have the same (or better)
opportunities that were afforded to you?
What is your vision for LSU, and how do you think philanthropy can drive that vision?
My vision is for LSU to be a nationally recognized and respected university, so that
an LSU degree would be well-respected and highly desirable outside of Louisiana. Philanthropy
can create budgets for attracting top faculty, developing effective marketing, and
establishing a larger and stronger Alumni Association, thereby spreading the brand
and impact of LSU in communities across the country.
What motivated you to accept our invitation to be an inaugural member of the LSU Foundation
National Board?
It was a no-brainer. I’m very honored to represent LSU and help the school philanthropically!
What most excited you about being part of the National Board?
I’m most excited about meeting fellow alumni from all across the country and sharing
experiences about what is working (or not working) in other LSU communities around
the world as it relates to philanthropy, social gatherings, recruiting, networking,
etc.