Investment Advisory Services, Financial Planning, Wealth Management and Retirement Plan Services in New Orleans, LA
Beacon Pointe is a New Orleans based wealth advisor and is one of the largest Registered Investment Advisor firms (RIAs) in the nation working with institutions, defined contribution plans, individuals and families. Our team of investment advisors and financial planners in New Orleans focuses on full service financial planning and research driven investments.
Our fiduciary responsibility to clients and our holistic allWEALTH® approach addresses all aspects of your financial well-being including but not limited to wealth and retirement planning, estate and tax strategy planning, insurance reviews and risk assessments, charitable giving and education planning, values-based (SRI/ESG) investing, life transition support for divorcées and widows, financial planning for business owners and multi-generational family wealth and legacy planning.
We look forward to connecting with you virtually or at our New Orleans office to see how best we can assist you with your investment portfolio and financial planning needs.
Meet the New Orleans Financial Advisor Team
Ben Hess
Associate Wealth Advisor
Ben Hess is an Associate Wealth Advisor in Beacon Pointe’s New Orleans office and is responsible for partnering with advisors to provide customized solutions that help clients meet their financial goals and to ensure that clients receive a customized wealth management experience. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Ben was an intern and then a full-time member of the CBD Wealth Management team. As a New Orleans native, Ben is a third-generation graduate of Jesuit High School, where he achieved Class 5A All-State Honors in baseball, and is a graduate of LSU earning a B.S. in Finance. In his free time, you will find Ben with family, friends, or his high school sweetheart. He loves the people and the environment of the New Orleans community, and his glass-half-full personality fits in perfectly with our team.
Bobby Comeaux, JD, AIF©
Partner, Managing Director
Robert J. Comeaux, Jr. (Bobby) is a partner and managing director of Beacon Pointe’s New Orleans office. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Advisors, Bobby was founding partner of CBD Wealth Management with two life-long friends, Rocky Daigle and Walter Bond. While he began his professional career as an attorney, soon after, he joined the financial advisory field, assisting individuals and business owners in the management of their wealth. Bobby obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Louisiana State University in 1990 and went on to earn a Juris Doctorate from Loyola Law School in 1993. A lifelong native of New Orleans, he attended Jesuit High School, and expresses his hometown loyalty through active community participation, retaining leadership positions in numerous organizations including his role as a member of the Board of Directors for Dawn Busters Kiwanis Club, his role as Membership Chairman for Over the Mountain Athletic Club, and his role as a member of the Board of Directors for the Jesuit High School Endowment Fund. In his free time, Bobby enjoys following LSU sports and spending time travelling with his wife and their two sons. He also enjoys outdoor sporting, such as hunting and fishing, and volunteering as a coach for various youth athletics.
Brent Sheppard
Wealth Advisor
Brent J. Sheppard is a wealth advisor in Beacon Pointe’s New Orleans office and is responsible for partnering with Beacon Pointe’s investment and financial planning teams to provide customized solutions that help clients meet their financial goals. Prior to Beacon Pointe, Brent served in wealth advisor and relationship manager roles with regional and national banks located in the New Orleans area. Throughout his career, Brent has helped clients identify, plan for and work toward their financial goals and enjoys working with clients to navigate the challenges of saving and investing for a secure financial future. Brent graduated from Louisiana State University with a bachelor’s degree in Economics and his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Louisiana State University Law School. He also received his LL.M. in Taxation from Boston University School of Law and holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) designation. Outside of the office, Brent enjoys an active lifestyle and spending time with his family.
Craig Crespo
Reporting and Trading Manager
Craig serves as the Reporting and Trading Manager for the Beacon Pointe New Orleans office. Craig is responsible for asset allocation implementation and executing trades for retail and institutional clients. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, he spent 20 years as an institutional sales trader at Capital One SouthCoast, Iberia Capital Partners and Coker Palmer. Craig graduated from Jesuit High School and earned a MA in Economics with a Finance concentration from the University of New Orleans. He is an active member of St. Pius X parish and Mt. Carmel Academy communities. Craig enjoys spending time with his family, cooking and watching sports.
Doug Tillman
Wealth Advisor
Doug A. Tillman is a wealth advisor in Beacon Pointe’s New Orleans office and is responsible for partnering with Beacon Pointe’s investment and financial planning teams to provide customized solutions that help clients meet their financial goals. Prior to Beacon Pointe and CBD Wealth Management, Doug has served in a number of positions in the financial and banking industries holding the position of Vice‐President of Asset Acquisitions and Risk Management for Crescent Bank & Trust and its affiliated companies, a founding member and Executive Director for ReMark Capital Group, LLC, a Goldman Sachs & Co. company, and running a consulting firm focused on multi-industry businesses, banks, credit unions, and finance companies where he performed corporate advisory work, strategic planning and financial analysis for his clients. Throughout his career, Doug has helped a wide variety of companies achieve their goals and made the decision to transition to CBD Wealth Management to advise individual investors and business owners on their financial planning, business consulting, and investment needs prior to joining Beacon Pointe Advisors. Doug earned his MBA in 2001, and his Bachelor of Science in Accounting in 1997 from the University of New Orleans. Doug is an active volunteer with many local schools and charities, and currently serves as President of the Christian Brothers Foundation Board, Founder and Past President of the New Orleans Catholic Men’s Club Association, Past President of the Archbishop Rummel High School Alumni Association, and Past President of St. Matthew Men’s Club. He is an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoys spending time with his family.
Ellen O’Reilly
Office Manager
Ellen B. O’Reilly brings years of experience and commitment as a volunteer for various community organizations to her role in serving the needs of clients and team members in the Beacon Pointe New Orleans office. She puts her strong people skills to work answering client inquiries, scheduling appointments, and overseeing multiple office operations. Prior to Beacon Ponte, Ellen joined CBD Wealth Management in 2004 as a client service associate. She is a member of the Junior League of New Orleans and the St. Francis of Assisi Parish Council. Ellen’s strong organization skills and ability to multitask are due in part to raising four children – two boys and twin girls – and she is also a devoted grandmother to four.
Evan Francioni
Client Service Associate
Evan Francioni is a Client Service Associate in Beacon Pointe’s New Orleans office and is responsible for aiding in day-to-day operations along with servicing client needs. His duties include providing high-touch client service, account administrative duties, and daily office operational tasks. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Evan was a third-generation graduate of Archbishop Rummel High School. Out of high school, he played baseball at the University of New Orleans before transferring to Louisiana State University to play football. While at LSU, Evan was a 3-year letterman, a National Champion, 4-time All-SEC Honor roll, and attained captainship accolades. Evan graduated from LSU with a B.S. in Finance. In his free time, you will find Evan with loved ones, enjoying the outdoors, working out, or servicing his community.
Greg Dennie
Senior Associate, Client Service
Greg is responsible for supporting the team of wealth advisors in the Beacon Pointe New Orleans office. His responsibilities include providing high-touch client service, account administrative duties and daily office operational tasks. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Advisors, Greg worked for six years as a Client Service Specialist for Personal Financial Advisors in Covington, LA. Greg graduated from LSU with a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Administration in addition to a minor in Business Administration. Beyond his interests in investing and financial planning, in his spare time Greg enjoys being outside, hiking, biking, trying new restaurants and watching football.
Ian Blanchard, AIF©
Wealth Advisor
Edward Ian Blanchard (Ian) is a wealth advisor in Beacon Pointe’s New Orleans office and is responsible for partnering with Beacon Pointe’s investment and financial planning teams to provide customized solutions that help clients meet their financial goals. Prior to Beacon Pointe, Ian joined CBD Wealth Management in 2011 as a wealth advisor and focused on implementing financial research into portfolios tailored for each client’s specific needs. He plays an integral role in the financial planning process, interacting with clients and financial advisors in the development and monitoring of individual investment strategies and decisions. He is responsible for conducting research and analysis on current and future portfolio holdings, evaluating and monitoring portfolio risk and recommendations. Ian also specializes in 401(k) plan design assistance and analysis as well as helping establish new 401(k) plans for businesses and/or transitioning businesses from old plans. Ian attended Louisiana State University where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Economics with a double minor in Latin and Sociology. He is also a magna cum laude graduate from Jesuit High School in New Orleans. Ian lives with his wife and their two children in Lakeview, and in his free time he enjoys duck hunting, fishing and tennis.
Kimberly Crawford
Manager, Operations
Kimberly is the Manager of Operations for the Beacon Pointe New Orleans office. She is responsible for overseeing day-to-day firm operations, implementing policy and procedures, and works closely with the client service team to provide an exceptional client experience. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Kimberly worked at Personal Financial Advisors for over 12 years as the Director of Operations. In her free time, Kimberly enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons. They are very active in the community, love attending sporting events and being outdoors.
Megan Cochran
Director of Operations, Wealth Advisor
Megan Cochran serves as Director of Operations for the Beacon Pointe New Orleans office, in addition to her role serving alongside Rocky Daigle as the client service manager for the team’s corporate retirement plan division. Megan’s initial interest in the financial industry came at an early age when her parents exposed her to the financial intricacies of running a small business. Through this, her interest grew into a passion for finance. After high school, Megan decided to turn her passion into a career and attend Loyola University’s School of Business. After obtaining her B.S. in Finance and Economics from LSU, Megan joined a national bank to begin her professional career. After several years and various roles within the bank, Megan came to realize she wanted to utilize her skills at a more local, family-oriented and client-focused business. Megan found what she was searching for when she joined the CBD Wealth Management (CBD) team in 2013 and continued with this sentiment when CBD merged with Beacon Pointe Advisors. Megan is also a New Orleans area native and an active member in the John Curtis Christian School community. When Megan is not at the office, she spends most of her time with her husband chasing after their young daughter. Traveling to visit the famous mouse has become the family’s favorite annual vacation destination!
Mollie Taylor, CFP®
Wealth Advisor
Mollie is a Wealth Advisor in Beacon Pointe’s New Orleans office and has worked in the financial industry for nearly a decade. Born in the New Orleans area and raised by a local high school administrator and a local high school guidance counselor, she learned at an early age the importance of financial stability and independence. It was during an internship with a local financial firm that Mollie took an interest in helping people toward retirement and realized this was the career path for her. Mollie holds a B.S. in Economics with a minor in Accounting from Loyola University New Orleans and is an active member of Archbishop Chapelle High School Alumnae. She is a supporter of the Women’s New Life Center, and a member of the Old Metairie Garden Club. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling with her husband, and running around Pontiff Playground with their golden doodle. Mollie and her husband welcomed their first child in January 2020.
Natalie Trainor
Senior Relationship Manager
Natalie Hand Trainor is a senior relationship manager within the Beacon Pointe New Orleans office, overseeing account management and processes, and client service. Natalie earned her Bachelor of Arts degree and worked for several years in the financial services industry. She left the field to obtain her Associates Degree in nursing, which would play a pivotal role in her later career decisions. After leaving the nursing profession, Natalie sought a firm that truly cared for their clients. She was inspired by the strong family values she found at the firm, which emphasize caring for clients as family and ensuring that their financial health is the primary goal in every decision made. Natalie applies this same philosophy to her role whether she is opening or maintaining client accounts, responding to client inquiries, or preparing materials for client review. Natalie and her husband live in the New Orleans area with their two children. Outside of the office, she likes to spend time with her family and friends.
Rocky Daigle, JD, AIF©
Partner, Managing Director
Rocky Daigle is a partner and managing director of Beacon Pointe’s New Orleans office handling select client relationships and the corporate retirement plan division. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Advisors, and after several years as a practicing attorney, Rocky founded CBD Wealth Management in 2004, partnering up with high school classmates and fraternity brothers Walt Bond and Bobby Comeaux to build a financial planning business from scratch to help hard-working families meet their retirement dreams. In 2019, he was recognized as one of the Best-in-State Wealth Advisors by Forbes Magazine. Rocky is a New Orleans native, and alumnus of Jesuit High School, he received a B.S. in Finance from LSU and received his Juris Doctorate from LSU Law School. He is an active member of the community, having served in leadership roles on numerous boards and committees of civic, professional and charitable organizations, including Jesuit High School, Christian Brothers School, Dominican High School and Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeast Louisiana. When he’s not at the office, Rocky tries to find time to get his golf handicap to a manageable number, play tennis, travel with his wife and his three young adult children, and follow the New Orleans Saints.
Savannah Taucedo
Office Manager
Savannah is the Office Manager for the Beacon Pointe Advisors New Orleans office. In addition to managing the office, Savannah works closely with the wealth advisors in providing support to clients. Savannah’s interest in finance came from an elective course she took her senior year of high school, where she first learned the importance of personal finance and financial planning. She attended Loyola University before graduating from the University of New Orleans, obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Finance, with a concentration in Financial Analysis. In her free time, Savannah enjoys gardening, exercising, and arranging flowers with her mother.
Scott Schneider, CLU®, CFP®
Wealth Advisor
Scott Schneider is a Wealth Advisor in Beacon Pointe’s New Orleans office and is responsible for partnering with Beacon Pointe’s investment and financial planning teams to provide customized solutions that help clients achieve their financial goals. Scott has worked in the financial services industry since 2008. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Advisors, Scott worked at Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC and TIAA-CREF where he helped clients with investment planning, retirement income planning, and insurance planning. Scott is a New Orleans native who graduated summa cum laude from Brother Martin High School, before obtaining his Bachelor of Science in Business Management from The University of New Orleans. Scott currently holds the CLU (Chartered Life Underwriter) designation from the American College of Financial Services and is a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®). In his spare time, Scott enjoys playing soccer, tennis, softball, and sailing; and spending time with his wife, Amy, and their 4 children: Adele, Sean, Clara, and Sloane.
Walt Bond, JD, CFP®
Partner, Managing Director
Walter A. Bond (Walt), J.D., CFP®, is a partner and managing director of Beacon Pointe’s New Orleans office. He provides comprehensive financial planning on a more personal level to retirees and business owners with a specialty in advising clients retiring from Chevron and Entergy. Walt has worked as a financial planner and advisor since 1998. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Advisors, he teamed up with Bobby Comeaux and Rocky Daigle in 2004 to open their own advisory practice, CBD Wealth Management. For three years beginning in 1995, he gained valuable experience as a practicing attorney specializing in the areas of defense litigation and estate planning. Prior to law school, he worked as Assistant Vice President of Commercial Lending with Hibernia National Bank. Walt obtained a Bachelor of Science in Finance from LSU in 1989. He returned to LSU where he earned his Juris Doctorate from LSU Law School in 1995. He became a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) in 2011. Walt’s community involvement includes The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Dominican High School, Jesuit High School, Christian Brothers School and St. Dominic Church and School. Walt, his wife and their three children are lifelong residents of the New Orleans area. Walt enjoys staying fit, jogging and photography while supporting his children’s activities.
Meet the New Orleans Financial Advisor Team
Ben Hess
Associate Wealth Advisor
Ben Hess is an Associate Wealth Advisor in Beacon Pointe’s New Orleans office and is responsible for partnering with advisors to provide customized solutions that help clients meet their financial goals and to ensure that clients receive a customized wealth management experience. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Ben was an intern and then a full-time member of the CBD Wealth Management team. As a New Orleans native, Ben is a third-generation graduate of Jesuit High School, where he achieved Class 5A All-State Honors in baseball, and is a graduate of LSU earning a B.S. in Finance. In his free time, you will find Ben with family, friends, or his high school sweetheart. He loves the people and the environment of the New Orleans community, and his glass-half-full personality fits in perfectly with our team.
Bobby Comeaux, JD, AIF©
Partner, Managing Director
Robert J. Comeaux, Jr. (Bobby) is a partner and managing director of Beacon Pointe’s New Orleans office. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Advisors, Bobby was founding partner of CBD Wealth Management with two life-long friends, Rocky Daigle and Walter Bond. While he began his professional career as an attorney, soon after, he joined the financial advisory field, assisting individuals and business owners in the management of their wealth. Bobby obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Louisiana State University in 1990 and went on to earn a Juris Doctorate from Loyola Law School in 1993. A lifelong native of New Orleans, he attended Jesuit High School, and expresses his hometown loyalty through active community participation, retaining leadership positions in numerous organizations including his role as a member of the Board of Directors for Dawn Busters Kiwanis Club, his role as Membership Chairman for Over the Mountain Athletic Club, and his role as a member of the Board of Directors for the Jesuit High School Endowment Fund. In his free time, Bobby enjoys following LSU sports and spending time travelling with his wife and their two sons. He also enjoys outdoor sporting, such as hunting and fishing, and volunteering as a coach for various youth athletics.
Brent Sheppard
Wealth Advisor
Brent J. Sheppard is a wealth advisor in Beacon Pointe’s New Orleans office and is responsible for partnering with Beacon Pointe’s investment and financial planning teams to provide customized solutions that help clients meet their financial goals. Prior to Beacon Pointe, Brent served in wealth advisor and relationship manager roles with regional and national banks located in the New Orleans area. Throughout his career, Brent has helped clients identify, plan for and work toward their financial goals and enjoys working with clients to navigate the challenges of saving and investing for a secure financial future. Brent graduated from Louisiana State University with a bachelor’s degree in Economics and his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Louisiana State University Law School. He also received his LL.M. in Taxation from Boston University School of Law and holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) designation. Outside of the office, Brent enjoys an active lifestyle and spending time with his family.
Craig Crespo
Reporting and Trading Manager
Craig serves as the Reporting and Trading Manager for the Beacon Pointe New Orleans office. Craig is responsible for asset allocation implementation and executing trades for retail and institutional clients. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, he spent 20 years as an institutional sales trader at Capital One SouthCoast, Iberia Capital Partners and Coker Palmer. Craig graduated from Jesuit High School and earned a MA in Economics with a Finance concentration from the University of New Orleans. He is an active member of St. Pius X parish and Mt. Carmel Academy communities. Craig enjoys spending time with his family, cooking and watching sports.
Doug Tillman
Wealth Advisor
Doug A. Tillman is a wealth advisor in Beacon Pointe’s New Orleans office and is responsible for partnering with Beacon Pointe’s investment and financial planning teams to provide customized solutions that help clients meet their financial goals. Prior to Beacon Pointe and CBD Wealth Management, Doug has served in a number of positions in the financial and banking industries holding the position of Vice‐President of Asset Acquisitions and Risk Management for Crescent Bank & Trust and its affiliated companies, a founding member and Executive Director for ReMark Capital Group, LLC, a Goldman Sachs & Co. company, and running a consulting firm focused on multi-industry businesses, banks, credit unions, and finance companies where he performed corporate advisory work, strategic planning and financial analysis for his clients. Throughout his career, Doug has helped a wide variety of companies achieve their goals and made the decision to transition to CBD Wealth Management to advise individual investors and business owners on their financial planning, business consulting, and investment needs prior to joining Beacon Pointe Advisors. Doug earned his MBA in 2001, and his Bachelor of Science in Accounting in 1997 from the University of New Orleans. Doug is an active volunteer with many local schools and charities, and currently serves as President of the Christian Brothers Foundation Board, Founder and Past President of the New Orleans Catholic Men’s Club Association, Past President of the Archbishop Rummel High School Alumni Association, and Past President of St. Matthew Men’s Club. He is an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoys spending time with his family.
Ellen O’Reilly
Office Manager
Ellen B. O’Reilly brings years of experience and commitment as a volunteer for various community organizations to her role in serving the needs of clients and team members in the Beacon Pointe New Orleans office. She puts her strong people skills to work answering client inquiries, scheduling appointments, and overseeing multiple office operations. Prior to Beacon Ponte, Ellen joined CBD Wealth Management in 2004 as a client service associate. She is a member of the Junior League of New Orleans and the St. Francis of Assisi Parish Council. Ellen’s strong organization skills and ability to multitask are due in part to raising four children – two boys and twin girls – and she is also a devoted grandmother to four.
Evan Francioni
Client Service Associate
Evan Francioni is a Client Service Associate in Beacon Pointe’s New Orleans office and is responsible for aiding in day-to-day operations along with servicing client needs. His duties include providing high-touch client service, account administrative duties, and daily office operational tasks. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Evan was a third-generation graduate of Archbishop Rummel High School. Out of high school, he played baseball at the University of New Orleans before transferring to Louisiana State University to play football. While at LSU, Evan was a 3-year letterman, a National Champion, 4-time All-SEC Honor roll, and attained captainship accolades. Evan graduated from LSU with a B.S. in Finance. In his free time, you will find Evan with loved ones, enjoying the outdoors, working out, or servicing his community.
Greg Dennie
Senior Associate, Client Service
Greg is responsible for supporting the team of wealth advisors in the Beacon Pointe New Orleans office. His responsibilities include providing high-touch client service, account administrative duties and daily office operational tasks. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Advisors, Greg worked for six years as a Client Service Specialist for Personal Financial Advisors in Covington, LA. Greg graduated from LSU with a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Administration in addition to a minor in Business Administration. Beyond his interests in investing and financial planning, in his spare time Greg enjoys being outside, hiking, biking, trying new restaurants and watching football.
Ian Blanchard, AIF©
Wealth Advisor
Edward Ian Blanchard (Ian) is a wealth advisor in Beacon Pointe’s New Orleans office and is responsible for partnering with Beacon Pointe’s investment and financial planning teams to provide customized solutions that help clients meet their financial goals. Prior to Beacon Pointe, Ian joined CBD Wealth Management in 2011 as a wealth advisor and focused on implementing financial research into portfolios tailored for each client’s specific needs. He plays an integral role in the financial planning process, interacting with clients and financial advisors in the development and monitoring of individual investment strategies and decisions. He is responsible for conducting research and analysis on current and future portfolio holdings, evaluating and monitoring portfolio risk and recommendations. Ian also specializes in 401(k) plan design assistance and analysis as well as helping establish new 401(k) plans for businesses and/or transitioning businesses from old plans. Ian attended Louisiana State University where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Economics with a double minor in Latin and Sociology. He is also a magna cum laude graduate from Jesuit High School in New Orleans. Ian lives with his wife and their two children in Lakeview, and in his free time he enjoys duck hunting, fishing and tennis.
Kimberly Crawford
Manager, Operations
Kimberly is the Manager of Operations for the Beacon Pointe New Orleans office. She is responsible for overseeing day-to-day firm operations, implementing policy and procedures, and works closely with the client service team to provide an exceptional client experience. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Kimberly worked at Personal Financial Advisors for over 12 years as the Director of Operations. In her free time, Kimberly enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons. They are very active in the community, love attending sporting events and being outdoors.
Megan Cochran
Director of Operations, Wealth Advisor
Megan Cochran serves as Director of Operations for the Beacon Pointe New Orleans office, in addition to her role serving alongside Rocky Daigle as the client service manager for the team’s corporate retirement plan division. Megan’s initial interest in the financial industry came at an early age when her parents exposed her to the financial intricacies of running a small business. Through this, her interest grew into a passion for finance. After high school, Megan decided to turn her passion into a career and attend Loyola University’s School of Business. After obtaining her B.S. in Finance and Economics from LSU, Megan joined a national bank to begin her professional career. After several years and various roles within the bank, Megan came to realize she wanted to utilize her skills at a more local, family-oriented and client-focused business. Megan found what she was searching for when she joined the CBD Wealth Management (CBD) team in 2013 and continued with this sentiment when CBD merged with Beacon Pointe Advisors. Megan is also a New Orleans area native and an active member in the John Curtis Christian School community. When Megan is not at the office, she spends most of her time with her husband chasing after their young daughter. Traveling to visit the famous mouse has become the family’s favorite annual vacation destination!
Mollie Taylor, CFP®
Wealth Advisor
Mollie is a Wealth Advisor in Beacon Pointe’s New Orleans office and has worked in the financial industry for nearly a decade. Born in the New Orleans area and raised by a local high school administrator and a local high school guidance counselor, she learned at an early age the importance of financial stability and independence. It was during an internship with a local financial firm that Mollie took an interest in helping people toward retirement and realized this was the career path for her. Mollie holds a B.S. in Economics with a minor in Accounting from Loyola University New Orleans and is an active member of Archbishop Chapelle High School Alumnae. She is a supporter of the Women’s New Life Center, and a member of the Old Metairie Garden Club. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling with her husband, and running around Pontiff Playground with their golden doodle. Mollie and her husband welcomed their first child in January 2020.
Natalie Trainor
Senior Relationship Manager
Natalie Hand Trainor is a senior relationship manager within the Beacon Pointe New Orleans office, overseeing account management and processes, and client service. Natalie earned her Bachelor of Arts degree and worked for several years in the financial services industry. She left the field to obtain her Associates Degree in nursing, which would play a pivotal role in her later career decisions. After leaving the nursing profession, Natalie sought a firm that truly cared for their clients. She was inspired by the strong family values she found at the firm, which emphasize caring for clients as family and ensuring that their financial health is the primary goal in every decision made. Natalie applies this same philosophy to her role whether she is opening or maintaining client accounts, responding to client inquiries, or preparing materials for client review. Natalie and her husband live in the New Orleans area with their two children. Outside of the office, she likes to spend time with her family and friends.
Rocky Daigle, JD, AIF©
Partner, Managing Director
Rocky Daigle is a partner and managing director of Beacon Pointe’s New Orleans office handling select client relationships and the corporate retirement plan division. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Advisors, and after several years as a practicing attorney, Rocky founded CBD Wealth Management in 2004, partnering up with high school classmates and fraternity brothers Walt Bond and Bobby Comeaux to build a financial planning business from scratch to help hard-working families meet their retirement dreams. In 2019, he was recognized as one of the Best-in-State Wealth Advisors by Forbes Magazine. Rocky is a New Orleans native, and alumnus of Jesuit High School, he received a B.S. in Finance from LSU and received his Juris Doctorate from LSU Law School. He is an active member of the community, having served in leadership roles on numerous boards and committees of civic, professional and charitable organizations, including Jesuit High School, Christian Brothers School, Dominican High School and Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeast Louisiana. When he’s not at the office, Rocky tries to find time to get his golf handicap to a manageable number, play tennis, travel with his wife and his three young adult children, and follow the New Orleans Saints.
Savannah Taucedo
Office Manager
Savannah is the Office Manager for the Beacon Pointe Advisors New Orleans office. In addition to managing the office, Savannah works closely with the wealth advisors in providing support to clients. Savannah’s interest in finance came from an elective course she took her senior year of high school, where she first learned the importance of personal finance and financial planning. She attended Loyola University before graduating from the University of New Orleans, obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Finance, with a concentration in Financial Analysis. In her free time, Savannah enjoys gardening, exercising, and arranging flowers with her mother.
Scott Schneider, CLU®, CFP®
Wealth Advisor
Scott Schneider is a Wealth Advisor in Beacon Pointe’s New Orleans office and is responsible for partnering with Beacon Pointe’s investment and financial planning teams to provide customized solutions that help clients achieve their financial goals. Scott has worked in the financial services industry since 2008. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Advisors, Scott worked at Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC and TIAA-CREF where he helped clients with investment planning, retirement income planning, and insurance planning. Scott is a New Orleans native who graduated summa cum laude from Brother Martin High School, before obtaining his Bachelor of Science in Business Management from The University of New Orleans. Scott currently holds the CLU (Chartered Life Underwriter) designation from the American College of Financial Services and is a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®). In his spare time, Scott enjoys playing soccer, tennis, softball, and sailing; and spending time with his wife, Amy, and their 4 children: Adele, Sean, Clara, and Sloane.
Walt Bond, JD, CFP®
Partner, Managing Director
Walter A. Bond (Walt), J.D., CFP®, is a partner and managing director of Beacon Pointe’s New Orleans office. He provides comprehensive financial planning on a more personal level to retirees and business owners with a specialty in advising clients retiring from Chevron and Entergy. Walt has worked as a financial planner and advisor since 1998. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Advisors, he teamed up with Bobby Comeaux and Rocky Daigle in 2004 to open their own advisory practice, CBD Wealth Management. For three years beginning in 1995, he gained valuable experience as a practicing attorney specializing in the areas of defense litigation and estate planning. Prior to law school, he worked as Assistant Vice President of Commercial Lending with Hibernia National Bank. Walt obtained a Bachelor of Science in Finance from LSU in 1989. He returned to LSU where he earned his Juris Doctorate from LSU Law School in 1995. He became a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) in 2011. Walt’s community involvement includes The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Dominican High School, Jesuit High School, Christian Brothers School and St. Dominic Church and School. Walt, his wife and their three children are lifelong residents of the New Orleans area. Walt enjoys staying fit, jogging and photography while supporting his children’s activities.
Meet the New Orleans Financial Advisor Team
Ben Hess
Associate Wealth Advisor
Ben Hess is an Associate Wealth Advisor in Beacon Pointe’s New Orleans office and is responsible for partnering with advisors to provide customized solutions that help clients meet their financial goals and to ensure that clients receive a customized wealth management experience. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Ben was an intern and then a full-time member of the CBD Wealth Management team. As a New Orleans native, Ben is a third-generation graduate of Jesuit High School, where he achieved Class 5A All-State Honors in baseball, and is a graduate of LSU earning a B.S. in Finance. In his free time, you will find Ben with family, friends, or his high school sweetheart. He loves the people and the environment of the New Orleans community, and his glass-half-full personality fits in perfectly with our team.
Bobby Comeaux, JD, AIF©
Partner, Managing Director
Robert J. Comeaux, Jr. (Bobby) is a partner and managing director of Beacon Pointe’s New Orleans office. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Advisors, Bobby was founding partner of CBD Wealth Management with two life-long friends, Rocky Daigle and Walter Bond. While he began his professional career as an attorney, soon after, he joined the financial advisory field, assisting individuals and business owners in the management of their wealth. Bobby obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Louisiana State University in 1990 and went on to earn a Juris Doctorate from Loyola Law School in 1993. A lifelong native of New Orleans, he attended Jesuit High School, and expresses his hometown loyalty through active community participation, retaining leadership positions in numerous organizations including his role as a member of the Board of Directors for Dawn Busters Kiwanis Club, his role as Membership Chairman for Over the Mountain Athletic Club, and his role as a member of the Board of Directors for the Jesuit High School Endowment Fund. In his free time, Bobby enjoys following LSU sports and spending time travelling with his wife and their two sons. He also enjoys outdoor sporting, such as hunting and fishing, and volunteering as a coach for various youth athletics.
Brent Sheppard
Wealth Advisor
Brent J. Sheppard is a wealth advisor in Beacon Pointe’s New Orleans office and is responsible for partnering with Beacon Pointe’s investment and financial planning teams to provide customized solutions that help clients meet their financial goals. Prior to Beacon Pointe, Brent served in wealth advisor and relationship manager roles with regional and national banks located in the New Orleans area. Throughout his career, Brent has helped clients identify, plan for and work toward their financial goals and enjoys working with clients to navigate the challenges of saving and investing for a secure financial future. Brent graduated from Louisiana State University with a bachelor’s degree in Economics and his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Louisiana State University Law School. He also received his LL.M. in Taxation from Boston University School of Law and holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) designation. Outside of the office, Brent enjoys an active lifestyle and spending time with his family.
Craig Crespo
Reporting and Trading Manager
Craig serves as the Reporting and Trading Manager for the Beacon Pointe New Orleans office. Craig is responsible for asset allocation implementation and executing trades for retail and institutional clients. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, he spent 20 years as an institutional sales trader at Capital One SouthCoast, Iberia Capital Partners and Coker Palmer. Craig graduated from Jesuit High School and earned a MA in Economics with a Finance concentration from the University of New Orleans. He is an active member of St. Pius X parish and Mt. Carmel Academy communities. Craig enjoys spending time with his family, cooking and watching sports.
Doug Tillman
Wealth Advisor
Doug A. Tillman is a wealth advisor in Beacon Pointe’s New Orleans office and is responsible for partnering with Beacon Pointe’s investment and financial planning teams to provide customized solutions that help clients meet their financial goals. Prior to Beacon Pointe and CBD Wealth Management, Doug has served in a number of positions in the financial and banking industries holding the position of Vice‐President of Asset Acquisitions and Risk Management for Crescent Bank & Trust and its affiliated companies, a founding member and Executive Director for ReMark Capital Group, LLC, a Goldman Sachs & Co. company, and running a consulting firm focused on multi-industry businesses, banks, credit unions, and finance companies where he performed corporate advisory work, strategic planning and financial analysis for his clients. Throughout his career, Doug has helped a wide variety of companies achieve their goals and made the decision to transition to CBD Wealth Management to advise individual investors and business owners on their financial planning, business consulting, and investment needs prior to joining Beacon Pointe Advisors. Doug earned his MBA in 2001, and his Bachelor of Science in Accounting in 1997 from the University of New Orleans. Doug is an active volunteer with many local schools and charities, and currently serves as President of the Christian Brothers Foundation Board, Founder and Past President of the New Orleans Catholic Men’s Club Association, Past President of the Archbishop Rummel High School Alumni Association, and Past President of St. Matthew Men’s Club. He is an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoys spending time with his family.
Ellen O’Reilly
Office Manager
Ellen B. O’Reilly brings years of experience and commitment as a volunteer for various community organizations to her role in serving the needs of clients and team members in the Beacon Pointe New Orleans office. She puts her strong people skills to work answering client inquiries, scheduling appointments, and overseeing multiple office operations. Prior to Beacon Ponte, Ellen joined CBD Wealth Management in 2004 as a client service associate. She is a member of the Junior League of New Orleans and the St. Francis of Assisi Parish Council. Ellen’s strong organization skills and ability to multitask are due in part to raising four children – two boys and twin girls – and she is also a devoted grandmother to four.
Evan Francioni
Client Service Associate
Evan Francioni is a Client Service Associate in Beacon Pointe’s New Orleans office and is responsible for aiding in day-to-day operations along with servicing client needs. His duties include providing high-touch client service, account administrative duties, and daily office operational tasks. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Evan was a third-generation graduate of Archbishop Rummel High School. Out of high school, he played baseball at the University of New Orleans before transferring to Louisiana State University to play football. While at LSU, Evan was a 3-year letterman, a National Champion, 4-time All-SEC Honor roll, and attained captainship accolades. Evan graduated from LSU with a B.S. in Finance. In his free time, you will find Evan with loved ones, enjoying the outdoors, working out, or servicing his community.
Greg Dennie
Senior Associate, Client Service
Greg is responsible for supporting the team of wealth advisors in the Beacon Pointe New Orleans office. His responsibilities include providing high-touch client service, account administrative duties and daily office operational tasks. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Advisors, Greg worked for six years as a Client Service Specialist for Personal Financial Advisors in Covington, LA. Greg graduated from LSU with a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Administration in addition to a minor in Business Administration. Beyond his interests in investing and financial planning, in his spare time Greg enjoys being outside, hiking, biking, trying new restaurants and watching football.
Ian Blanchard, AIF©
Wealth Advisor
Edward Ian Blanchard (Ian) is a wealth advisor in Beacon Pointe’s New Orleans office and is responsible for partnering with Beacon Pointe’s investment and financial planning teams to provide customized solutions that help clients meet their financial goals. Prior to Beacon Pointe, Ian joined CBD Wealth Management in 2011 as a wealth advisor and focused on implementing financial research into portfolios tailored for each client’s specific needs. He plays an integral role in the financial planning process, interacting with clients and financial advisors in the development and monitoring of individual investment strategies and decisions. He is responsible for conducting research and analysis on current and future portfolio holdings, evaluating and monitoring portfolio risk and recommendations. Ian also specializes in 401(k) plan design assistance and analysis as well as helping establish new 401(k) plans for businesses and/or transitioning businesses from old plans. Ian attended Louisiana State University where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Economics with a double minor in Latin and Sociology. He is also a magna cum laude graduate from Jesuit High School in New Orleans. Ian lives with his wife and their two children in Lakeview, and in his free time he enjoys duck hunting, fishing and tennis.
Kimberly Crawford
Manager, Operations
Kimberly is the Manager of Operations for the Beacon Pointe New Orleans office. She is responsible for overseeing day-to-day firm operations, implementing policy and procedures, and works closely with the client service team to provide an exceptional client experience. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Kimberly worked at Personal Financial Advisors for over 12 years as the Director of Operations. In her free time, Kimberly enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons. They are very active in the community, love attending sporting events and being outdoors.
Megan Cochran
Director of Operations, Wealth Advisor
Megan Cochran serves as Director of Operations for the Beacon Pointe New Orleans office, in addition to her role serving alongside Rocky Daigle as the client service manager for the team’s corporate retirement plan division. Megan’s initial interest in the financial industry came at an early age when her parents exposed her to the financial intricacies of running a small business. Through this, her interest grew into a passion for finance. After high school, Megan decided to turn her passion into a career and attend Loyola University’s School of Business. After obtaining her B.S. in Finance and Economics from LSU, Megan joined a national bank to begin her professional career. After several years and various roles within the bank, Megan came to realize she wanted to utilize her skills at a more local, family-oriented and client-focused business. Megan found what she was searching for when she joined the CBD Wealth Management (CBD) team in 2013 and continued with this sentiment when CBD merged with Beacon Pointe Advisors. Megan is also a New Orleans area native and an active member in the John Curtis Christian School community. When Megan is not at the office, she spends most of her time with her husband chasing after their young daughter. Traveling to visit the famous mouse has become the family’s favorite annual vacation destination!
Mollie Taylor, CFP®
Wealth Advisor
Mollie is a Wealth Advisor in Beacon Pointe’s New Orleans office and has worked in the financial industry for nearly a decade. Born in the New Orleans area and raised by a local high school administrator and a local high school guidance counselor, she learned at an early age the importance of financial stability and independence. It was during an internship with a local financial firm that Mollie took an interest in helping people toward retirement and realized this was the career path for her. Mollie holds a B.S. in Economics with a minor in Accounting from Loyola University New Orleans and is an active member of Archbishop Chapelle High School Alumnae. She is a supporter of the Women’s New Life Center, and a member of the Old Metairie Garden Club. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling with her husband, and running around Pontiff Playground with their golden doodle. Mollie and her husband welcomed their first child in January 2020.
Natalie Trainor
Senior Relationship Manager
Natalie Hand Trainor is a senior relationship manager within the Beacon Pointe New Orleans office, overseeing account management and processes, and client service. Natalie earned her Bachelor of Arts degree and worked for several years in the financial services industry. She left the field to obtain her Associates Degree in nursing, which would play a pivotal role in her later career decisions. After leaving the nursing profession, Natalie sought a firm that truly cared for their clients. She was inspired by the strong family values she found at the firm, which emphasize caring for clients as family and ensuring that their financial health is the primary goal in every decision made. Natalie applies this same philosophy to her role whether she is opening or maintaining client accounts, responding to client inquiries, or preparing materials for client review. Natalie and her husband live in the New Orleans area with their two children. Outside of the office, she likes to spend time with her family and friends.
Rocky Daigle, JD, AIF©
Partner, Managing Director
Rocky Daigle is a partner and managing director of Beacon Pointe’s New Orleans office handling select client relationships and the corporate retirement plan division. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Advisors, and after several years as a practicing attorney, Rocky founded CBD Wealth Management in 2004, partnering up with high school classmates and fraternity brothers Walt Bond and Bobby Comeaux to build a financial planning business from scratch to help hard-working families meet their retirement dreams. In 2019, he was recognized as one of the Best-in-State Wealth Advisors by Forbes Magazine. Rocky is a New Orleans native, and alumnus of Jesuit High School, he received a B.S. in Finance from LSU and received his Juris Doctorate from LSU Law School. He is an active member of the community, having served in leadership roles on numerous boards and committees of civic, professional and charitable organizations, including Jesuit High School, Christian Brothers School, Dominican High School and Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeast Louisiana. When he’s not at the office, Rocky tries to find time to get his golf handicap to a manageable number, play tennis, travel with his wife and his three young adult children, and follow the New Orleans Saints.
Savannah Taucedo
Office Manager
Savannah is the Office Manager for the Beacon Pointe Advisors New Orleans office. In addition to managing the office, Savannah works closely with the wealth advisors in providing support to clients. Savannah’s interest in finance came from an elective course she took her senior year of high school, where she first learned the importance of personal finance and financial planning. She attended Loyola University before graduating from the University of New Orleans, obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Finance, with a concentration in Financial Analysis. In her free time, Savannah enjoys gardening, exercising, and arranging flowers with her mother.
Scott Schneider, CLU®, CFP®
Wealth Advisor
Scott Schneider is a Wealth Advisor in Beacon Pointe’s New Orleans office and is responsible for partnering with Beacon Pointe’s investment and financial planning teams to provide customized solutions that help clients achieve their financial goals. Scott has worked in the financial services industry since 2008. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Advisors, Scott worked at Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC and TIAA-CREF where he helped clients with investment planning, retirement income planning, and insurance planning. Scott is a New Orleans native who graduated summa cum laude from Brother Martin High School, before obtaining his Bachelor of Science in Business Management from The University of New Orleans. Scott currently holds the CLU (Chartered Life Underwriter) designation from the American College of Financial Services and is a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®). In his spare time, Scott enjoys playing soccer, tennis, softball, and sailing; and spending time with his wife, Amy, and their 4 children: Adele, Sean, Clara, and Sloane.
Walt Bond, JD, CFP®
Partner, Managing Director
Walter A. Bond (Walt), J.D., CFP®, is a partner and managing director of Beacon Pointe’s New Orleans office. He provides comprehensive financial planning on a more personal level to retirees and business owners with a specialty in advising clients retiring from Chevron and Entergy. Walt has worked as a financial planner and advisor since 1998. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Advisors, he teamed up with Bobby Comeaux and Rocky Daigle in 2004 to open their own advisory practice, CBD Wealth Management. For three years beginning in 1995, he gained valuable experience as a practicing attorney specializing in the areas of defense litigation and estate planning. Prior to law school, he worked as Assistant Vice President of Commercial Lending with Hibernia National Bank. Walt obtained a Bachelor of Science in Finance from LSU in 1989. He returned to LSU where he earned his Juris Doctorate from LSU Law School in 1995. He became a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) in 2011. Walt’s community involvement includes The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Dominican High School, Jesuit High School, Christian Brothers School and St. Dominic Church and School. Walt, his wife and their three children are lifelong residents of the New Orleans area. Walt enjoys staying fit, jogging and photography while supporting his children’s activities.
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