Leslie Pfrang
By JB Shelton

eslie Pfrang (MBA/JD ‘90) is a managing director and head of technology sector sales within Deutsche Bank’s North American Equities business. She is considered a key component in the firm’s strategic commitment to be the top research and trading source for clients looking for technology sector opportunities.

Her degrees, albeit a tongue-twisting array of acronyms and honors, prove the value of knowing how significantly higher education in multiple fields can impact career success as a salesperson, investment banker, certified public accountant and securities attorney.

Pfrang graduated with honors from UNC. She also holds a BS in accounting from the University of Maryland (’84), where she graduated summa cum laude. She is a member of the Georgia Bar Association, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Maryland Board of Public Accountancy.

In the perpetually fluctuating arena of high technology, Pfrang takes pride in her work on numerous landmark technology transactions. Considered one of the top professionals in her field while she was senior technology sales specialist at Credit Suisse First Boston, her in-depth knowledge and leadership abilities garnered her team a first-place ranking as Institutional Investor’s All-American Sales Team for 2001 and 2002.

Prior to her experience as a technology sector sales specialist, Pfrang was an investment banker, a securities attorney and a CPA.

   “The word incredible immediately comes to mind,” was Pfrang’s response when asked to describe her UNC Kenan-Flagler education and how faculty and fellow

students influenced her business philosophy and career decisions. She adds, “The focus on entrepreneurialism taught me that you can create your own opportunities.”

Her advice to graduates is wisdom equally appropriate for alumni already well-established in their careers:

• Take risks in your career;
• Never be afraid to pursue a new opportunity if you think you will enjoy the challenge and the job;
• Find mentors and champions, and be a champion for others;
• The best time to develop a network and support system is when you are doing well in your career.

Pfrang lives in Bronxville, N.Y., with her husband and two sons. She says, “To meet the demands of being a mother combined with my Wall Street career, I’ve had to be very focused on my work and results. I feel that this focus has had a positive impact on my career.”

Pfrang serves on the board of directors of the Children’s Aid Society (CAS) of New York, the nonprofit organization founded in 1853 to ensure the physical

and emotional well-being of less advantaged children and families. CAS provides each child with the support and opportunities needed to become a happy, healthy and successful adult. It serves 150,000 New York City children and their families annually.

Although Pfrang’s career is a demanding one, she tries to keep a balance. She says that one of her goals is to be a positive role model for women who want both a family and a rewarding career on Wall Street.