Title: Director
Firm: RBC Capital Markets
Age: 34
Regina Gaysina is the most active K-12 municipal financial advisor in New Mexico — and the only woman in her role in the state.
As a woman and a first-generation immigrant, Regina may not be the average municipal financial advisor, but she said she's excelled because she finds meaning in her work.
A municipal finance career was "in the stars" for Regina. After moving to New Mexico from Russia to get her MBA, she served as a bond reconciliation intern in the New Mexico treasurer's office.
She was hired by Thornburg Funds for the sales desk but found herself "fascinated by the guys on the muni desk."
So when she had the chance to work in municipal finance at RBC Capital Markets, she jumped at the opportunity. RBC promoted her to director within five years; today, she represents about 40 school districts.
Regina finds her passion for munis in the tangible results of her work. She can help her community fund its schools' libraries, football fields and technology. She can drive to a tiny, isolated town she's never heard of and see the impact a bond deal will have.
"You're actually able to see how your work impacts the community that you live in," Regina said. "When you're thinking about issuing a $500,000 education technology note for a small community in New Mexico … you know that those kids probably really needed that $500,000."
When she's off the clock, Regina tries to elevate other women in her field.
She chaired the Women's Advisory Committee of the CFA Society of New Mexico. In 2020, she helped found the Global Collaborative Women in Investment Management Alliance, which aims to help women advance in the finance industry through programming and networking.
"My goal, whether I was in muni finance or any other part of the investment management industry, was to support females and help them advance," Regina said.
