Lapman founded Cooper Lapman Financial, LLC in 2009 to provide financial planning and investment management services to individuals and families. After almost 14 years of successful service to its clients, Cooper Lapman Financial merged with The Colony Group in early 2023. Previously, he was CEO of Independence Investments, LLC, an institutional investment management firm specializing in disciplined strategies for corporate pension plans, public entities and foundations. He began his career there as a security analyst in 1982 and held a variety of leadership positions over 27 years. Lapman is a holder of the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. Prior to entering the finance industry, he earned a bachelor’s degree from University of Maryland and a PhD from Harvard University in History. His specialty was Early Russian History. As a member of the Institute’s Board of Directors since 2008, Lapman currently serves on the Audit and Risk Committee, Development Committee and the Investment Committee.