Copley Gerdes
Director of Strategic Development
As Director of Strategic Development at SmartChoice, Copley Gerdes shapes the company’s future direction by identifying and driving key strategic initiatives within the telecommunications sector. He combines market analysis, business development, and long-term strategic planning, collaborating with senior leadership, product teams, and external stakeholders to identify new growth opportunities and ensure successful execution of strategic goals that keep SmartChoice competitive and aligned with emerging industry trends.
Copley brings more than 18 years of combined experience in strategic growth, financial advisory, and public service. Throughout his career, he has built and led long-term strategic initiatives, managed teams, overseen complex budgets, engaged diverse stakeholders, and evaluated programs to drive meaningful outcomes, a foundation that shapes his data-informed, collaborative approach to strategic planning at SmartChoice today.
Before joining SmartChoice in 2025, Copley spent more than 14 years at Northwestern Mutual, most recently as Financial Advisor and Growth & Development Director, where he focused on attracting new talent to the profession and providing coaching and mentorship to advisors early in their careers. He advanced there from Financial Representative Intern and Financial Representative into College Unit Director, building a track record of developing people alongside deep expertise in planning for clients’ financial futures.
Beyond the private sector, Copley has served with distinction as a City Councilmember in St. Petersburg, Florida, where he played an active role in shaping community policy and supporting local growth initiatives, earning recognition as one of Tampa Bay’s most influential civic leaders. His dual experience in business and public service gives him a strong foundation for fostering collaboration, innovation, and strategic thinking at SmartChoice.
Outside of his professional life, Copley loves spending time outdoors with his wife, Cecily, and their two children, Calley and Cade, whether on the boat on a sunny afternoon or enjoying a round of golf. He also runs Love McKinley, a nonprofit supporting local families with a child undergoing pediatric cancer treatment, reflecting his belief in balance, connection, and community that extends well beyond his professional life.
