Dreyfoos School of the Arts Foundation Appoints Communications Alumnus
Andrew Vahab (Class of 2001) as Chairperson of the Executive Board

West Palm Beach, FL - The Dreyfoos School of the Arts Foundation is proud to announce that 2001 Communications alumnus Andrew Vahab has been elected as the new Chairperson of the Foundation’s Executive Board. A nationally recognized wealth manager and dedicated arts advocate, Vahab brings a powerful combination of professional excellence and deep-rooted personal connection to the Dreyfoos community.

Recently named one of America’s Top Wealth Advisors 2025 by Forbes and included in prestigious lists from both Forbes and Barron's over multiple years, Vahab has distinguished himself in the finance industry. His accolades include Forbes’ Top Wealth Management Teams Best-in-State (2025, 2024), America's Top Wealth Management Teams (2024), America’s Top Wealth Advisors (2025, 2024, 2023), Top Wealth Advisors Best-In-State (2025, 2024, 2023) and Barron's Top 250 Private Wealth Management Teams (2025, 2024),  Top 1,200 Financial Advisors (2025, 2024, 2023), Top 100 Private Wealth Management Teams (2023), and Top 100 Independent Wealth Advisors (2022). He currently manages approximately $5 billion in client assets.

But Vahab's greatest reward comes from giving back to the school that helped shape him. “Being part of Dreyfoos and helping the kids, after once being a student myself, feels full circle,” said Vahab. “People helped me get to where I am, so giving back directly to something that helped me, and what’s better than that?”

Under the mentorship of Communications Dean Angela Anyzeski (formerly Angela Weber), Vahab credits his time on the speech and debate podium as pivotal in shaping his communication and critical thinking skills, skills he now uses daily in high-stakes financial decision-making. “She was the rock of Communications,” he shared. “From congress cross-examinations to managing multimillion-dollar portfolios, I still use the resilience she taught me.”

Vahab’s involvement with the Foundation began in earnest during his tenure at First Republic Bank, where he advocated for increased support of educational and arts institutions. That passion led to an alumni board position at Dreyfoos, followed by his election to Executive Board Secretary in 2024. His leadership and vision quickly became apparent, culminating in his unanimous appointment as Chairperson in 2025.

Now a father of four, Vahab balances his professional responsibilities with family life and a renewed commitment to the school. “Being with my kids is the best,” he said. “Watching them grow and giving them advice based on what I’ve been through, there’s nothing better.”

As Chairperson, Vahab’s goals are ambitious yet rooted in community: expanding awareness of Dreyfoos throughout Palm Beach County and ensuring sustained funding for the school’s academic and artistic excellence.

“I want Boca all the way up to Jupiter to know who Dreyfoos is,” he said. “Making sure we have funding for everything, that’s what I want to focus on.”

“Life often comes full circle, and it’s deeply meaningful to witness one of our own return to lead with such passion and purpose,” said Dr. Chris Snyder, CEO of the Dreyfoos School of the Arts Foundation. “Working alongside Andrew as Chair has already been inspiring - he brings heart, vision, and a steadfast commitment to ensuring our students thrive both academically and artistically. His leadership will undoubtedly shape the next chapter of the Foundation’s impact.”

The Dreyfoos School of the Arts Foundation welcomes Andrew Vahab into this new role with pride and gratitude, confident that his leadership will help propel the Foundation and the school it supports into a vibrant future.