John Tognino Passes Away

John Tognino was a renowned financial services executive who spent his career in the securities industry. He served as EVP and Head of Global Sales & Member Relations at NASDAQ Stock Market, President & CEO of Securities Traders Association (STA), and EVP of Capital Markets & Trading at Charles Schwab & Co.

Early Life and Education

Tognino was born in the Bronx, New York. He graduated from Dewitt Clinton High School and continued his education by taking night classes at Fordham University’s Rose Hill campus until 1975 when he earned his bachelor’s degree in economics.

John and his late wife Norma enjoyed a distinguished career in financial services. As beloved supporters of the University both financially and through their involvement with philanthropic activities, John was an admired figure to many.

Patricia McGlynn Nazemetz, Thomas More College ’71 and Fordham Graduate School of Arts and Sciences ’89, remembered Tognino as being always present at events and committee meetings during his time on the STA board. She credited him with motivating other members to become more involved and active at STA-related activities such as football games, assemblies, building openings and Founder’s dinners.

Professional Career

John Tognino has extensive experience in the financial services sector, having spent more than 50 years as an executive. During his career he held various executive roles such as EVP and Head of Global Sales & Member Relations for NASDAQ stock market, President & CEO of Security Traders Association (STA), and EVP of Capital Markets & Trading at Charles Schwab & Co.

Tognino was renowned for his philanthropy, particularly through the Burke Neurological Institute Advancement Council he and Elizabeth McCormack founded and co-chaired. His ability to connect people and advocate for others were truly remarkable. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends whom he considered his greatest assets. Traders Magazine extends its condolences to the Tognino family. On December 29th at 10 am in University Church on Rose Hill campus, The Student Teachers’ Association will hold a memorial mass for Tognino at STA held during Traders Magazine’s visit:

Achievements and Honors

John Tognino is a renowned financial services executive. In 1984 and 1986 he earned the titles of Trader of Year and Over-the-Counter Man of the Year; additionally, he received a lifetime achievement award from the Chicago Stock Exchange in 1986.

Tognino was actively involved in his community, serving on the boards of trustees at Fordham University and St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx, as well as contributing to numerous nonprofit organizations.

Pat McGlynn Nazemetz, Thomas More College ’71 and Fordham Graduate School of Arts and Sciences ’89, who served on the board of trustees with Tognino from 1997 to 2017, noted his talent for connecting colleagues through sports analogies that promoted team spirit.

Tognino was an enthusiastic Fordham supporter, attending numerous events and serving as chairman of the Alumni Board. Together with his wife Norma, he and Norma Tognino contributed both financially and with their time to the university’s success.

Personal Life

John Tognino lived his personal life with an immense compassion and concern for others. He took pride in being a philanthropist, actively involved in both his alma mater Fordham University and local medical centers.

He served on numerous boards of directors and was passionate about neuroscience research. As a member of Columbia-Presbyterian College of Physicians and Surgeons’ Advisory Health Council and Co-Chairman of their Neurosciences Committee, he had an influential influence in this field.

He served on the Boards of Directors for St. Barnabas Hospital and Union Community Health Center in the Bronx.

Patricia McGlynn Nazemetz, Thomas More College ’71 and Fordham Graduate School of Arts and Sciences ’89, noted Tognino’s use of sports analogies to build team spirit among board members. She recalled a trip to Rome made possible due to his persuasive skillset and capacity for connecting people.

Net Worth

John Tognino, president and CEO of the Security Traders Association and former president and CEO at Merrill Lynch, Charles Schwab and Nasdaq, passed away yesterday. His former colleagues shared a LinkedIn post this morning mourning his passing as an iconic leader on Wall Street. Tognino follows in the footsteps of several other well-known former executives such as James Cayne (Bear Stearns ’65-71), Harry Reid and John Madden in passing.