Heidi Distante has been an integral part of Vanderbilt Financial Group’s growth for more than two decades, helping to shape the firm from its early days into the nationally expanding organization it is today. After joining the firm in 2001, she worked across every department—often building functions from the ground up—before serving as Chief of Staff for seven years and becoming CEO in 2019. Her hands-on experience across the business continues to inform a practical, people-focused leadership style.
As CEO, Heidi works closely with Founder Steve Distante and VFG President Joe Trifiletti to guide the firm’s strategic direction and oversee day-to-day operations. She has played a key role in advancing the firm’s technology and cybersecurity initiatives, partnering across compliance, operations, and IT teams, as well as with regulatory agencies. She is equally focused on fostering a strong, collaborative culture where employees are supported, challenged, and empowered to grow.
Prior to joining Vanderbilt, Heidi spent 15 years at Citicorp Retail Services as a Relationship Manager in the Private Label Credit Card Division. That experience helped shape the high standard of service and long-term relationship focus that Vanderbilt Financial Group is known for today.
Heidi and her husband, Steve Distante, have been married for over 35 years and are the proud parents of their entrepreneurial children, Elizabeth and Quinten. She is an active and long-time community volunteer, with more than 25 years of involvement with the Suffolk County Girl Scouts. She also serves as an ambassador for The Interfaith Nutrition Network (The INN), supporting efforts to assist the hungry and homeless on Long Island, and contributes to initiatives supporting veterans.
In her free time, Heidi enjoys baking, gardening, sewing, the arts, and spending time with her family at their farm in Georgia or fishing on Long Island’s East End.
Heidi’s Kolbe A™ Index is 6-7-4-3, reflecting her instinctive approach to problem-solving and action. Her core strengths include Connectedness, Responsibility, Belief, Empathy, and Developer.