Top CFOs is pleased to announce our Financial Advisors of Austin for 2022. The city of Austin has earned a reputation as a technology hub, most recently attracting billionaire Elon Musk, who built Tesla’s latest gigafactory in the city. Austin is already famous for companies like Dell and Oracle, each of which is headquartered here and scored spots on last year’s Fortune 500 list. Not surprisingly, Austin ranked as the second-fastest growing city in the United States this year with a 4.3% increase in GDP in the first nine months of 2022, surpassed only by San Francisco, according to a report by the American Growth Project, an initiative by UNC’s Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise. As Austin’s economy continues to flourish, this year’s advisors have played an important role in assisting its individuals and families across a variety of financial matters.
Among them, we would like to recognize Monica Bellner, Vice President and Financial Consultant with Charles Schwab, who as a former member of the high-net-worth group, uses her experience and knowledge to create modern plans to enable the financial health and habits of her clients. Jonathan Dayton, Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor and Senior Portfolio Management Director at Morgan Stanley, utilizes a broad range of planning techniques and investment solutions to implement a plan to help grow and preserve his client’s wealth. Also featured is Susan Palombo, a Financial Advisor and Senior Vice President at Baird, who in addition to a career in financial services is making a difference in her community by serving at Impact Austin, an organization that funds nonprofits in Central Texas.
Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of Top CFOs’s Financial Advisors of Austin for 2022.
Jonathan Dayton
SVP, Financial Advisor & Senior Portfolio Management Director, Morgan Stanley
Jonathan Dayton is a SVP, Financial Advisor, and Senior Portfolio Management Director at Morgan Stanley. He first joined the firm in 1998. Morgan Stanley mobilizes capital to help governments, corporations, institutions and individuals around the world achieve their financial goals. A consistent industry leader throughout decades of dramatic change in modern finance, Morgan Stanley continues to break new ground in advising, serving and providing new opportunities for its clients. Dayton focuses on comprehensive wealth planning, tax efficient discretionary portfolios to help grow and preserve wealth, and straightforward, personalized solution-based advice for busy individuals and families
Previously, Dayton was a financial consultant at Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith. He has been named on the Forbes Magazine Best-in-State Advisor list multiple times. Dayton earned an undergraduate degree in business, finance, and economics from the University of Minnesota.
Rick Dunagan
Financial Advisor & Managing Director, Ameriprise Financial Services
Richard Dunagan is a Financial Advisor and Managing Director at Ameriprise Financial Services. His goal is to help clients feel confident, connected and in control of their financial lives. With over three decades of experience, Dunagan specializes in investment management, executive compensation and benefits, retirement planning, ESOs, saving for education, wealth preservation, and tax planning strategies. Ameriprise Financial is a powerhouse in financial services, with over 10,000 advisors and a history that goes back more than 125 years. The firm, which oversees $1.2 trillion in AUM, prides itself on customized advice and solutions to help clients reach their financial goals.
Dunagan first got his start in 1991 as a SVP and wealth advisor at Smith Barney. From there, he went on to Wells Fargo Advisors, where he spent the next decade and a half of his career as a full-service wealth advisor and portfolio manager. Dunagan graduated from Texas Tech University with an undergraduate degree in international trade & economics.
Joel Pezzano
Registered Principal & Financial Planner, LPL Financial
Joel Pezzano is a Registered Principal and Financial Planner at LPL Financial. LPL is a leader in the retail financial advice market and is the nation’s largest independent broker and dealer. The firm serves independent financial advisors and financial institutions, enabling them to provide personalized guidance to millions of American families seeking wealth management, retirement planning, financial planning and asset management solutions. Pezzano is a financial executive with 30 years of detailed training and experience to assist in any aspect of an individual or companies investment and financial planning needs.
Pezzano began his career in 1992 as an EVP of investments at A.G. Edwards & Sons. He graduated from Bowling Green State University with an undergraduate degree in interpersonal and public communication.
Monica Bellner
Vice President Financial Consultant, Charles Schwab
Monica Bellner is a VP and Financial Consultant at Charles Schwab. Bellner joined Schwab in 2018. She partners with clients to understand their goals, create a personalized plan, and provide investing guidance. Charles Schwab provides a full range of brokerage, banking and financial advisory services through its operating subsidiaries.
Bellner began her career in 1999 at Morgan Stanley in accounting and technology operations. From there, she moved on to Independent Insurance Specialist, where she worked as a Financial Advisor, and spent four years at Spectrum Financial in a similar role. Bellner graduated from Indiana University Bloomington. She also attended Yale University and earned her Financial Planner Curriculum at The American College of Financial Services.
Alex Morgan
Financial Advisor, Growth and Development Director, Northwestern Mutual
Alex Morgan is a Growth Development Director and Financial Advisor at Northwestern Mutual. Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to more than 4.5 million people who rely on them for life, disability income and long-term care insurance, annuities, brokerage and advisory services, trust services, and discretionary portfolio management solutions. Morgan helps individuals and businesses connect their financial goals and the actions they take, while giving them a chance to invest in their own lives and goals as well as the people they truly care about. His mission is to make a difference in the lives of others by giving service above self. Morgan graduated from the Rawls College of Business, the business school of Texas Tech University, with an undergraduate degree in business administration.
Monte Vanstavern
Financial Advisor, Springs Wealth Group of Ameriprise Financial Services
Monte Vanstavern is a Financial Advisor at Springs Wealth Group of Ameriprise Financial Services. Springs Wealth Group is passionate about helping clients live the full and rich life they’ve earned. Integrity has been a core value since they were founded by John Tappan in 1894. They have more than $1.2 trillion in AUM and administration. Vanstavern focuses on saving for education, family finances, retirement planning strategies, intergenerational planning, and charitable giving, among other areas.
Before joining Springs Wealth Group, Vanstavern served as a financial advisor at Investment Professionals. He graduated from Texas Tech University with an undergraduate degree in education and speech.
Irma Hampton
Financial Advisor, LPL Financial
Irma Hampton is a Financial Advisor at LPL Financial. She first joined the firm in 2013. With decades of experience in financial services, she helps wealthy individuals, families, entrepreneurs and business owners make intelligent decisions with their money to secure their financial futures on their terms. LPL is a leader in the retail financial advice market and is the nation’s largest independent broker and dealer. The firm serves independent financial advisors and financial institutions, enabling them to provide personalized guidance to millions of American families seeking wealth management, retirement planning, financial planning and asset management solutions.
Previously, Hampton was a managing partner and wealth advisor at Atlantic Capital Partners. Before that, she was employed by Ameriprise Financial Services as a financial advisor, VP, CRPC, accredited domestic partner advisor. She also worked for Raymond James and UBS, among other firms. Hampton earned an undergraduate degree in English, biology and anthropology from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
Chris Hernandez
Co-Founder, Strategic Capital powered by Waterloo
Chris Hernandez is a founding partner of Strategic Capital in Austin, Texas. His focus is on income distribution planning for individuals/families and helping them gain clarity on what’s possible in retirement. In a financial services career that began at Citibank in 2005, Chris has seen a lot of progress and innovation since becoming independent in 2008. In 2017, he realized that he could have a bigger impact on many of the clients he was advising through education. Most of his clientele were asking similar questions and didn’t have the clarity they desired, or even a broad understanding of the different facets of their financial health - the cornerstone for Strategic Capital was born.
Strategic Capital was crafted to provide insight, education, and cohesion for those looking for help discovering what realistically can be expected and what is possible with the right planning. The world class team that drives Strategic Capital utilizes innovative technology like Newton, an AI neural network that analyzes historical data, coincidental indicators, and current market data to anticipate market fluctuation. Having insights into market trends in real time can help experienced advisors make exceptional money management decisions and clients benefit in real time. These best-in-class financial advisors in Austin also crafted a private alternative investment portfolio that allows sophisticated investors to benefit from a fully customizable wealth management approach. The firm sets itself apart from other firms in the industry with attention to detail, strong fundamentals and an exceptional track record - as can be seen by their high number of five-star reviews on Google. Strategic Capital, under leadership from founding partner Chris Hernandez, helps people understand their financial health, crafts strategic goals, and serves clients with expertise, a broad portfolio of opportunities, and sees not only what’s on track, but also what’s possible in business and retirement with the right resources, and the right advisor.
Dax McCracken
First Vice President Wealth Management, UBS
Dax McCracken is a First VP Wealth Management at UBS. UBS works with individuals, families, institutions, and corporations around the world to help answer some of life's questions – whether through wealth management advisory, investment banking and asset management expertise, or private and corporate banking services in Switzerland. McCracken graduated from Texas State University with an undergraduate degree in business administration.
Di Gazdar
Financial Advisor, Prudential Financial
Di Gazdar is a Financial Advisor at Prudential Financial. She focuses on protecting clients’ families, saving for retirement, living in retirement, financial strategy, saving for education, and small business. For over 140 years, Prudential has helped its customers reach their potential and tackle life's challenges for now and future generations to come. Today, they are one of the world’s largest financial services institutions, offering individual and institutional clients a wide array of financial products and services.
Before joining Prudential Financial, Gazdar was a financial advisor at Valic Financial Advisors, Inc. She graduated from The University of Texas at Austin.
Tylor Seaman
Managing Partner & Senior Advisor, Durbin Bennett Private Wealth Management
As a Managing Partner and Senior Advisor, Tylor is entrusted with advising clients and providing them with a personalized experience. Tylor is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin’s Master of Business Administration program and Plan II Honors program. He holds both the Certified Financial Planner and Chartered Financial Analyst certifications, and is a member of the CFA Society of Austin.
Prior to joining Durbin Bennett Private Wealth Management, Tylor worked at Dimensional Fund Advisors, a global asset management firm with more than $400 billion in assets. In that role, he consulted for top independent financial advisors in the country on investments, business strategy, and client experience. He has since brought knowledge of those best practices to Durbin Bennett. Before Dimensional Fund Advisors, Tylor held positions with the Austin Technology Incubator and for the office of angel investor Lowell Lebermann.
Larry Levi
Financial Advisor & Vice President, Ameriprise Financial Services
Larry Levi is a Financial Advisor and Vice President at Ameriprise Financial Services. His mission is to provide clients with personalized and expert advice to help them gain greater confidence and reach their financial goals, whether that’s retirement, saving for college, or preparing for the unexpected. Levi first joined Ameriprise in 2015.
With three decades of career experience, Levi previously spent five years at Wells Fargo. He earned an undergraduate degree from The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and also holds Series 7 and Series 66 licenses. In his spare time, Levi likes to renovate old homes in the greater Austin area.
Walt Penn
Managing Director, SVP of Investments & Wealth Management Specialist, Raymond James
Walt Penn is a Managing Director, SVP, Investments and Wealth Management Specialist at Raymond James. Raymond James is dedicated to providing the highest quality wealth management services and investment advice from a group of experienced, professional financial advisors with an average of 29 years of industry experience. They assist individuals, families, companies, and employees with a myriad of financial, investment, and estate planning solutions.
Penn launched his career in 1995 as president and CEO of Penn Investment Group. He graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with an undergraduate degree in business administration.
Anthony Martin
Owner & Founder, Martin Wealth Management
Anthony Martin is the Owner and Founder of Martin Wealth Management, LLC, an independent firm that helps clients with strategic decision-making and retirement planning. He takes charge of all investment management, financial advice, and estate planning concerns with his clients. Hehas over 19 years of experience in the financial services industry, and most of his career has been with LPL Financial. He holds his Series 7, 66, and 24 securities licenses, as well as his Life and Health insurance licenses.
Anthony loves being able to help his clients navigate the labyrinth of financial planning and create solutions that solve their specific needs. He is dedicated to academic rigor and holds multiple degrees from the University of Texas at Austin, Yale University, and the Institute of Business & Finance, earning membership in the Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi, and Golden Key Honor Societies. When not helping clients, Anthony is an active classical musician who plays French Horn with professional orchestras around Texas. He loves spending time with his family and playing piano and tennis with his children.
Lisa Hutter
Senior Wealth Advisor, Comerica Bank
Lisa Hutter is a SVP and Senior Wealth Advisor at Comerica Wealth Management. She believes her most important skill is listening and spends time learning about each client and their families to help ensure they are reflected in their financial pursuits. Comerica’s Wealth Management division serves the needs of high-net-worth clients and institutions. The firm’s 8,000 employees focus on relationships as well as helping people and businesses to be successful.
Hutter is a former practicing trust and estate attorney. She is an alum of Vanguard, where she worked as an associate counsel, and was later employed at Merrill Lynch. Next she served as a Financial Advisor and Financial Planning Specialist at Morgan Stanley before joining Comerica Bank. She is a graduate of Binghamton University and Seton Hall University School of Law and also holds a Master of Laws in Taxation from Villanova University School of Law.
Patrick LaBorde
Financial Advisor, Wealth Management Division, HilltopSecurities Investment Banking Solutions
The LaBorde, Sims & McMahan Wealth Advisory Group’s clients are afforded by more than 35 years of wealth management and banking experience. LaBorde and his colleagues bring a team approach by combining both financial knowledge and experience with a fervent desire to help clients identify their true goals and needs in order to develop and maintain custom-tailored strategies addressing all aspects of their clients’ financial well-being.
In addition to PrimeLending, a leading nationwide mortgage originator with offices throughout the United States and PlainsCapital Bank, the fourth largest Texas-based bank, HilltopSecurities rounds out the trio of HilltopHoldings Companies. With 75 years of experience and a network of dedicated financial advisors, individuals and institutions pursue their most important financial objectives from coast-to-coast through the guidance of HilltopSecurities. As a licensed broker-dealer and the nation’s third-largest clearing firm, the company’s modern, robust trading platform, cutting edge market insights, and leading technology solutions provide the tools and resources to serve clients to the fullest. Prior to joining HilltopSecurities, LaBorde was a financial advisor with Wells Fargo Advisors and BBVA Investment Solutions. He earned his undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University.
Austin Locklear
Financial Advisor, Edward Jones
Austin Locklear is a Financial Advisor at Edward Jones. He focuses on helping a select group of families and business owners develop and implement comprehensive financial strategies. Using an established process, and the extensive tools at his disposal, Locklear works with clients to create strategies that will help them accomplish their financial goals. Edward Jones is a Fortune 500 firm that employs nearly 19,000 financial advisors who in turn serve more than 8 million clients. The firm, $1.7 trillion in client assets under care, is committed to helping more people achieve financially what is most important to them.
Locklear graduated from The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology with a MA in Christian studies and from Texas A&M University with an undergraduate degree in philosophy.
Eric Douglas
Financial Advisor, World Financial Group
Eric Douglas is a Financial Advisor at World Financial Group (WFG). Offering access to a diverse portfolio of insurance, retirement, savings, and wealth-building strategies, WFG’s licensed agents across North America help guide individuals from where they are to where they want to be. For more than 20 years, World Financial Group, a Transamerica company, has helped countless individuals and families find financial security through their life insurance, retirement and wealth-building strategies.
John Harrell
SVP of Investments & Financial Advisor, Wells Fargo Advisors
John Harrell is a SVP of Investments and Financial Advisor at Wells Fargo Advisors, a subsidiary of Wells Fargo. With financial advisors serving their clients in all 50 states, Wells Fargo Advisors provides a full range of financial advisory services, investments, brokerage services and online trading for clients’ retirement goals
Before joining Wells Fargo Advisors, Harrell worked as a SVP and financial advisor at Merrill Lynch Global Wealth Management. Prior to that, he served as a SVP and financial advisor at Morgan Stanley. Harrell graduated from Austin CollegeAustin College with an undergraduate degree in psychology and biology.
Jarrod Means
Financial Advisor, Alight Solutions
Jarrod Means is a Financial Advisor at Alight Solutions, a leading cloud-based human capital technology and services provider. He joined Alight in February 2022. Alight Solutions advisors provide investment advisory, financial planning, benefits counseling and financial education services to employees and retirees to help them make informed decisions on financial matters. The firm is behind the Alight Worklife platform, which combines data and analytics with a simple and seamless user experience.
Before joining Alight Solutions, Means served as a Financial Advisor at Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC for over two years. Earlier in his career he worked with the US Army as part of the personal security detail. Means graduated from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley with an MBA in financial planning and services and an undergraduate degree in finance.
Nick Philbeck
Financial Advisor and Wealth Strategist, LPL Financial
Nick Philbeck is a Financial Advisor and Wealth Strategist at LPL Financial. LPL is a leader in the retail financial advice market and is the nation’s largest independent broker and dealer. The firm serves independent financial advisors and financial institutions, enabling them to provide personalized guidance to millions of American families seeking wealth management, retirement planning, financial planning and asset management solutions.
Before joining LPL, Philbeck worked as a brokerage associate at Wells Fargo Advisors and prior to that role served as a licensed personal banker at Wells Fargo. Earlier in his career, he worked with Allied Universal as a licensed security officer. Philbeck graduated from Park University with an MBA in international business and an undergraduate degree in management.
Jordan Quinonez
Vice President and Financial Consultant, TD Ameritrade
Jordan Quinonez is a VP and Financial Consultant at TD Ameritrade, where he has been employed since 2019. TD Ameritrade helps individual investors pursue their financial goals through its brokerage subsidiaries. For more than 40 years, the firm has been serving individual investors — from the first-time investor to the sophisticated trader, and from the “do-it-yourself” to the “do-it-for-me” investor. They offer a broad range of investment tools and services.
Quinonez has also worked for Charles Schwab as a financial consultant. He has been recognized multiple times by Forbes as one of America’s top wealth advisors. Quinonez graduated from San Diego State University with an undergraduate degree in economics and finance.
Krystal Roach
Financial Advisor, Bankers Life
Krystal Roach is the Financial Advisor and Program Manager at Bankers Life, the marketing brand of Bankers Life and Casualty Company. Bankers Life offers life and health insurance products, annuities and investments that are designed for Americans who are near or in retirement. Bankers Life employs more than 5,000 exclusive insurance agents including over 600 financial representatives. Roach first joined Bankers Life in 2012 as a Unit Field Trainer. She holds a Certification for Long Term Care (CLTC) license.
Sam Stewart
Financial Advisor, Thrivent
Sam Stewart is a Financial Advisor at Thrivent. He specializes in comprehensive financial planning and guidance across retirement planning, college planning, and goal planning, as well as investment management, 401k rollovers and life insurance. With the belief that money is a tool, not a goal, Thrivent helps over 2 million clients make the most of all they’ve been given through financial advice, insurance, investments, banking and generosity programs. As a Fortune 500 company with a 100-year legacy, Thrivent is committed to helping people build their financial futures and live more generous lives in their communities and beyond.
Stewart graduated from Concordia University Texas with an MBA and an undergraduate degree in business administration and management.
Gregory Garza
Financial Advisor, Coinbase
Gregory Garza is the Financial Advisor of Coinbase, a digital currency wallet and platform where merchants and consumers can transact with new digital currencies like bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. He advises clients on the crypto market and futures and specializes in bitcoin, Ethereum, and Monero. Coinbase’s vision is to bring more innovation, efficiency, and equality of opportunity to the world by building an open financial system. Their first step on that journey is making digital currency accessible and approachable for everyone.
Garza has 14 years of career experience. Before joining Coinbase, he was an account manager of public accounts at Dell EMC and prior to that was in business and consumer sales at Dell. Garza graduated from the University of Texas San Antonio with an undergraduate degree in business administration.
Susan Palombo
Financial Advisor & Senior Vice President, Baird
Susan Palombo is a Financial Advisor & Senior Vice President at Baird. She first joined the firm in 2020. Baird, founded in 1919, offers wealth management, investment banking, asset management, institutional sales and trading, equity research, public finance and private equity services. Baird, which oversees more than $415 billion in assets for clients globally, employs more than 4,800 associates. Palombo assists multigenerational families in pursuing their goals and objectives. Serving the needs of family offices, their foundations and endowments, and family members, she goes beyond assisting institutional clients build portfolios.
Previously, Palombo was a SVP and wealth management advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. She earned an MBA from the Carlson School of Management, the business school of the University of Minnesota, and an undergraduate degree from The University of Texas at Austin.
Taylor Thorne
Vice President & Wealth Advisor, Frost Bank
Taylor Thorne is a VP and Wealth Advisor at Frost Bank. Frost provides banking, investments, and insurance services to businesses and individuals throughout Texas. Founded in 1868, Frost is one of the 50 largest U.S. banks by asset size. Frost strives to make customers’ lives better by creating and delivering great experiences to them through every interaction. They take pride in technology backed by personal service, sound financial planning, and low fees.
Thorne was previously employed by Fidelity Investments. He graduated from Texas A&M University with an undergraduate degree in economics and financial planning.
Addison Baez
Financial Advisor, Equitable Advisors
Addison Baez is a Financial Advisor at Equitable Advisors. He first joined the firm in 2021. Equitable Advisors works with both individuals and employers and specializes in financial planning and advice, life insurance, retirement, and employee benefits.The firm boasts $908 billion in AUM, as of 2021. Equitable’s nearly 4,400 advisors nationwide work with clients every day to help them secure their financial well-being. Previously, Baez was an Account Executive at Arrive Logistics. He earned an undergraduate degree in economics from Texas A&M University.
Christopher Dentinger
Financial Advisor, First Command Financial Services
Christopher Dentinger is a Financial Advisor at First Command Financial Services. He first joined the firm in 2002. As a First Command Financial Advisor, Dentinger is committed to helping his clients pursue their financial goals and lifetime dreams by bringing sound financial knowledge and trustworthy advice to a lasting relationship with each individual and family he serves. Since 1958, First Command's reputation has been built on shaping positive financial behaviors through face-to-face coaching with hundreds of thousands of client families. They embrace time-tested financial principles and a client-first philosophy, advocating consistent saving, disciplined investing, and a thoughtful insurance strategy to manage financial risks.
Dentinger first got his start in 1999 at TD Ameritrade. From there, he went on to Sunset Direct before joining First Command Financial Services. He is a member of the Financial Planning Association and holds Series 6, 63 and 65 securities licenses plus state life, health and property and casualty insurance licenses. Dentinger graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with an undergraduate degree in finance.
Colin Nicholson
AVP and Financial Solutions Advisor, Merrill Edge
Colin Nicholson is an AVP and Financial Solutions Advisor at Merrill Edge. The firm offers access to the banking convenience of Bank of America and investment capabilities of Merrill Lynch to help simplify the financial lives of their clients. Merrill works to service and deepen relationships by understanding clients’ risk tolerance, liquidity needs, investment savvy and goals to create personalized advice. Nicholson graduated from Towson University with an undergraduate degree in business administration.
Isabelle Williams
Senior Investment Strategist & VP, Dimensional Fund Advisors
Isabelle Williams is a Senior Investment Strategist and VP at Dimensional Fund Advisors. She is on Dimensional’s product management team, part of the Investment Solutions Group, where she and the team are tasked with communicating the firm’s investment approach and strategies for themes such as ESG, for example. Dimensional Fund Advisors, founded in 1981, helps investors pursue higher expected returns through a systematic investment process that integrates research insights with advanced portfolio design, management, and trading while balancing tradeoffs that can impact returns. Williams graduated from the University of Notre Dame with an undergraduate degree in economics, philosophy and politics.
Yunny Dang
Private Wealth Advisor, Lincoln Financial Advisors
Yunny Dang is a Private Wealth Advisor at Lincoln Financial Advisors. She joined Lincoln in 2005. The firm is dedicated to empowering the delivery of independent and comprehensive financial advice. They partner with advisors in an independent relationship with a culture built to support advice provided to clients across estate planning, retirement income, generational wealth, business owner planning, and investment management programs. Before joining Lincoln Financial Advisors, Dang was a practice manager at Pyramid Eye Institute.
Jim Woodcock
SVP & Financial Advisor, D.A. Davidson Companies
Jim Woodcock is a Senior Vice President and Financial Advisor at D.A. Davidson Companies. He first joined the firm in 2022. Woodcock takes a holistic approach to investing, saying it’s more than just stocks and bonds or buying low and selling high. To him, it's strategically planning for the future and enabling clients to live confidently right now. For its part, D.A. Davidson identifies and evaluates market trends, investment ideas and business opportunities and turns them into actionable insights and strategies. D.A. Davidson was founded in 1935 as a small brokerage firm and has grown into a diversified financial services company comprising seven distinct business units across the U.S.
Previously, Woodcock was a VP and Financial Advisor at Hilltop Securities and before that worked as an associate VP and Financial Advisor at Raymond James Financial. He also spent over six years at Morgan Keegan & Co. as a Financial Advisor. Woodcock earned an undergraduate degree in psychology from The University of Texas at Austin. He has experience volunteering with the Big Brother Big Sister Foundation.
Kirkland Caison
Vice President & Financial Advisor, CAPTRUST
Kirkland Caison is a Vice President and Financial Advisor at CAPTRUST. He first joined the firm in 2019 as an associate in the Wealth Solutions division. Caison provides comprehensive wealth management services to corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and those nearing and in retirement by helping them to meet their long-term goals. He has extensive experience in developing and presenting financial plans involving cash flow, tax, retirement, and estate planning. CAPTRUST Financial Advisors is one of the largest independent retirement plan and investment advisory firms in the country.
Caison earned an undergraduate degree in business from the UNC Kenan–Flagler Business School at UNC Chapel Hill and also spent time at East China Normal University and The London School of Economics and Political Science.
Shaun McDuffee
Financial Advisor, North Star Resource Group
Shaun McDuffee is a Financial Advisor at North Star Resource Group. He is one of seven officers responsible for shaping the company’s direction. North Star is a Minneapolis-based financial services firm that provides individuals, families and businesses with the resources needed to create, preserve and protect their wealth. With a network of 170 advisors in 22 states, North Star has contributed to the financial security and well-being of over 140,000 individuals. McDuffee is one of the original founders of North Star’s Medical Division. He has specialized in assisting physicians and their families since 1990, and his guidance has been critical in helping thousands of physicians overcome the financial challenges unique to their career.
McDuffee has 32 years of career experience. He graduated from University of Wisconsin-Madison with an undergraduate degree in marketing, finance, management, and political science.
Zachary Sasser
Financial Advisor, SagePoint Financial
Zachary Sasser is a Financial Advisor at SagePoint Financial. He first joined the firm in 2016. Sasser focuses on tax strategies, income planning, debt elimination and many more fascinating topics. SagePoint Financial is changing the paradigm of what investors should expect from an independent broker-dealer. They’re doing so by transforming the way they lead into the way they listen and by transforming their customers into collaborators. SagePoint helps clients prepare a long term financial strategy that matches their goal of investing in companies that are held responsible for their environmental and social policies.
Previously, Sasser worked as a project lead of accounting at National Western Life. Before that, he was employed as a reports analyst at Galveston County Housing Assistance Program. Sasser earned an undergraduate degree in business administration and management from the University of Mary Washington.
Bryan Farney
Financial Advisor, 49 Financial
Bryan Farney is a Financial Advisor and Director of Investments at 49 Financial. Bryan joined 49 Financial in 2020. He works alongside management and the internal investment team to direct 49 Financial's investment outlook, thesis, and resulting asset allocation. They rely on a combination of qualitative and quantitative research to select investments and perform due diligence on asset managers across asset classes. 49 Financia is part of the Thrivent Advisor Network and prides itself in taking a holistic approach to investments, insurance, and financial planning. The firm was founded in November 2012 and today employs over five-dozen people. 49 Financial derives its name from a scripture in the Bible about teamwork and having a common mission, Ecclesiastes 4:9.
Previously, Farney was employed as a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch and also served as CFO at Texas Public School Proud. Earlier in his career, he had a stint at CapNet Securities as a Corporate Finance Associate. Farney earned an undergraduate degree in business administration from Mays Business School at Texas A&M University.
Jack Czarkowski
Vice President & Financial Consultant, Fidelity Investments
Jack Czarkowski is a VP and Financial Consultant at Fidelity Investments. Fidelity is a global financial services corporation offering investment management, retirement planning, portfolio guidance, brokerage, and many other financial products. Privately held for nearly 70 years, they’ve always believed that by providing investors with access to the information and expertise, they can help them achieve better results. Fidelity’s dedicated advisors offer comprehensive planning and personalized investment management.
Czarkowski began his career in 2009. He graduated from Indiana University Bloomington with an undergraduate degree in management, business management, entrepreneurship and public policy.
Shawn Morgan
Financial Advisor & Vice President, Cary Street
Shawn Morgan is a Financial Advisor and VP at Cary Street, a leading independent wealth management firm. Cary Street Partners with families to meet their goals and objectives by providing comprehensive planning and investment advice in a culture dedicated to independence and objective thinking. Advisors have access to state-of-the-art technology, performance reporting, infrastructure support, compliance, marketing and transition services.
Morgan has 13 years of career experience and was previously employed by Riverstone Wealth Management. He holds Series 63 and Series 66 licenses and graduated from Texas McCombs School of Business.
Steve Kao
Wealth Manager, UPSTREAM Investment
Steve Kao is a Wealth Manager at UPSTREAM Investment. He first joined the firm in 2021. Upstream Investment Partners is a full-service financial consulting firm dedicated to helping advisors work with their clients to invest wealth and help manage their hard-earned assets. The firm is independent. It is a privately owned, nationwide company created to provide an independent environment with an open architecture of platforms and products.
Previously, Kao was a financial advisor at Morgan Stanley and prior to that served as a strategy manager at Citi. Earlier in his career, he worked with Bank of America as a commercial banking credit analyst. Kao earned an MBA in finance and global business from the NYU Stern School of Business and an undergraduate degree in international relations and affairs from Tufts University.
Ross Bennett
Financial Advisor, Capital Strategies
Ross Bennett is a Financial Advisor at Capital Strategies. He takes a holistic approach with his clients, serving as their trusted advisor across various platforms, including business insurance, personal insurance, risk management, life insurance, group health, employee benefits, and retirement strategies. Capital Strategies prides itself as the “financial firm of the future” and employs over 100 financial professionals.
Bennett joined the insurance industry in 2010 and today also manages Heaton Bennett Insurance and Agent First Alliance. He graduated from Texas Christian University with an undergraduate degree in advertising and public relations and is an alumnus of the Kappa Sigma fraternity.
Mark Olson
Financial Advisor, Eagle Strategies
Mark Olson is a Financial Advisor at Eagle Strategies, a wholly-owned subsidiary of New York Life Insurance Company. Eagle Strategies is focused on helping advisors create a road map that is designed to meet the individual financial objectives of their clients. In addition to offering
financial solutions such as financial planning, investment advisory programs, charitable investing, and brokerage services, advisors can also offer risk protection products including life insurance, long-term care insurance, and annuities.
Olson began his career in 1989. Before joining Eagle Strategies, he was an agency owner at Allstate. Earlier in his career, he worked with MetLife as a Senior Financial Planner. Olson graduated from The American College with an MS in financial services and from The State University of New Jersey of New Brunswick with an undergraduate degree in marketing and finance.
Mary Miller
Partner and Financial Advisor, Per Stirling
Mary Miller is a Partner and Financial Advisor at Per Stirling. She first joined the firm in 2011. Per Stirling is an independent wealth management firm, with offices in Austin and Dallas. The very foundation of Per Stirling’s business model is an unfaltering belief that, “if they take outrageously good care of their clients, and treat the members of their team like family, everything else will take care of itself.”
Previously, Miller served as a financial planner at Per Stirling. Before joining the firm, she worked as a director of affiliate relations at The WB Television Network. Earlier in her career, she was employed by ALMI Television Productions as an account executive. Miller earned an undergraduate degree in theater from Syracuse University.
Sam Froehlich
Financial Advisor, Avenue Wealth
Sam Froehlich is a Financial Advisor at Avenue Wealth. He advises on a variety of products to help clients meet their holistic insurance and financial needs, such as college funding, retirement, managing costs for extended periods of care, and lifetime income strategies. Avenue Wealth provides integrated wealth management services and financial planning to executives, business owners, and other individuals with substantial income or assets, to help them preserve and enhance their wealth.
In addition to offering investment advisory services through RIA Eagle Strategies, Froehlich is also a licensed agent with New York Life Insurance Company. He graduated from East Carolina University with an undergraduate degree in business administration.
Trammell Cooper
Executive Wealth Manager, Genesis Wealth Management
Trammell Cooper is an Executive Wealth Manager at Genesis Wealth Management. He first joined the firm in 2020. Cooper adheres to the principle “people first” in everything from wealth management to community service. Genesis Wealth Management brings expertise across all areas of wealth management. The firm offers seasoned guidance on investments, taxes, business succession, executive compensation, trust and estate planning, life insurance, and much more.
Previously, Cooper was a senior wealth manager at USAA Wealth Management, where he spent 12 years of his career. He earned an undergraduate degree in history from Texas State University, and an undergraduate degree in e-commerce from Texas State Technical College Waco. Cooper is a Certified Financial Planner practitioner and Certified Trust and Financial Advisor.
Casey Hall
Financial Planner, FMP Wealth Advisers
Casey Hall is a Financial Planner of FMP Wealth Advisers. He first joined the firm in 2006.
At FMP, personal wealth management means combining a customized financial plan, investment management, and a personal relationship with the collective intent of helping clients achieve their financial goals. FMP comprises a group of experienced and talented individuals who are committed to serving clients in a different way. Personal wealth management means intertwining a customized financial plan, investment management, and a personal relationship with the collective intent of helping clients achieve their financial goals.
Hall earned an undergraduate degree in financial services and planning from Baylor University. He holds his Certified Financial Planner license and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor certification.
Tim Nabers
Lead Advisor, FMP Wealth Advisers
Tim Nabers is a Lead Advisor at FMP Wealth Advisers. He joined the firm in 2018. At FMP, personal wealth management means combining a customized financial plan, investment management, and a personal relationship with the collective intent of helping clients achieve their financial goals. FMP comprises a group of experienced and talented individuals who are committed to serving clients in a different way. Personal wealth management means intertwining a customized financial plan, investment management, and a personal relationship with the collective intent of helping clients achieve their financial goals.
After working as an attorney, Nabers left the legal world in 2001 for a career in investments.
Previously, Nabers served as a financial advisor at Raymond James and before that worked in a similar role at UBS. He earned his BBA at Baylor University while majoring in finance and economics. Nabers graduated from Baylor Law School and is licensed to practice law in the State of Texas.
Joshua Dvorak
Financial Advisor, Austin Private Wealth
Joshua Dvorak is a Financial Advisor at Austin Private Wealth, an independent, fee-only RIA firm focused on helping clients prepare for a life of personal and financial growth. He advises clients across corporate and retirement plans, wealth management and financial planning. Austin Private Wealth is focused on relationship building, taking the time to truly understand their clients’ priorities and goals, providing professional insights and a global perspective on the things that matter the most to them.
Dvorak began his career in 2012. Before joining Austin Private Wealth, he served as both an Investment Advisor and Financial Advisor at Fidelity Investment. Dvorak holds his Series 7, Series 66, and Series 63 licenses.
Steve Holland
Private Wealth Advisor, e3 Wealth
Steve Holland is a Private Wealth Advisor at e3 Wealth. He first joined the firm in 2016. Holland’s primary focus is helping protect the purpose of his clients’ money. His outgoing personality and passion for creating a strong relationship built on providing information, confidence and mutual trust are what set him apart from other advisors. e3 Wealth oversees $500-plus million in assets and provides a family office model to all clients regardless of their level of net worth. Clients can access almost any service that deals with money via the firm’s Integrated Resource Network. e3 Wealth specializes in areas such as retirement, financial services for professional athletes, and more.
Previously, Holland was a regional director at Prestige Financial Group. Before that, he served as a regional account director at Entrust Companies. Holland earned an undergraduate degree in economics and finance from Texas State University.
Brooks Morgan
Wealth Manager, WorthPointe
Brooks Morgan is a Wealth Manager at WorthPointe. He first joined the firm in 2011. WorthPointe’s CFPs are credentialed, experienced and owners. They provide financial planning, investment consulting, tax planning, asset protection, estate planning, charitable giving support & more. WorthPointe Financial Planners tests out new technology to streamline processes internally and for their clients.
Previously, Morgan served as a wealth management associate at Trovena, LLC. He also worked as a wealth management associate at Trovena Investment Advisors.Morgan earned an undergraduate degree in business administration, finance from the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin.
Jet Carter
Partner and Financial Advisor, Griffin Financial Group
Jet Carter is a Partner at Financial Advisor of Griffin Financial Group. He works with single individuals, families, widows and divorcees to manage their investments while helping them plan for and maximize their retirement. Carter’s approach to planning helps clients organize and strengthen every area of their financial world. Griffin Financial Group’s goal is to help its clients make mindful and informed financial decisions, and give them the peace of mind to enjoy life. They have developed and refined a process to help people put all the pieces of the financial puzzle together and align their finances with what's important to them. They call it their GFG process: Gather, Formulate, Guide.
Before joining Griffin Financial Group, Carter was an assistant VP of business consulting at Kestra Financial. Prior to that, he worked as an advisory consultant at LPL Financial. Carter graduated from Texas A&M University with an undergraduate degree in economics.
