Beacon Pointe is the largest female-led Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) firm in the nation working with institutions, defined contribution plans, individuals and families. Beacon Pointe is the firm it is today because of its people. We are a team of talented, diverse, and passionate individuals dedicated to maintaining an uplifting company culture and a premier service experience for our clients.
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Alisa Garnek, CFP®, CDFA®, MSTFP

Senior Financial Planner

Alisa Garnek holds the Certified Financial Planner™ designation as well as the Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®) designation. and is responsible for working with the firm’s clients to determine the best strategies to meet their financial goals. Alisa brings 20 years of experience in financial planning, wealth management, financial services, tax preparation, accounting services, and retirement planning strategies. Alisa graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from University of Delaware. She also holds a Master of Science in Taxation and Financial Planning from Widener University.

Alisha Rosenthal, CFP®, CRC®

Partner, Managing Director

Alisha Rosenthal is a Partner and Managing Director of Beacon Pointe’s Fort Worth office, providing customized wealth management solutions to her clients. Through comprehensive planning and investment management, Alisha develops strategies to help clients meet their financial goals. Alisha began her career in various positions in the staffing industry before transitioning to financial services, eventually becoming a financial advisor at Rosenthal Retirement Planning. Alisha graduated from the University of Texas with a bachelors degree in English and holds the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) and Certified Retirement Counselor (CRC®) certifications. In her spare time, Alisha enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, exercising, and playing the piano.

Allen Ferguson, CFP®

Partner, Senior Wealth Advisor

Allen Ferguson is a Partner and Senior Wealth Advisor at Beacon Pointe Advisors. With over a decade of experience in the financial services industry, Allen’s knowledge and expertise are only matched by his passion for providing a total solution to his clients’ financial needs. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Allen was an Associate Partner and Client Advisor at Benchmark Private Wealth Management (which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2022). Allen received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas and his MBA from Baylor University with a concentration in Finance. Additionally, he is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) professional. Allen resides in Dallas with his wife and children, and is an active member of his local community.

Allie Hines

Senior Business Development Associate

Allie is a Senior Business Development Associate for the Beacon Pointe National Sales Team. She is responsible for coordinating firmwide initiatives with the business development, operations, and marketing departments to support firm growth initiatives through strategic planning and implementation. She has a background in event management, marketing program development, staff development, and project management for various software platforms. Allie graduated from the University of Kansas with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing. She currently resides in Phoenix, Arizona with her dog, and in her free time, Allie enjoys sporting events, hiking, traveling and spending time with family.

Allison Hillgren Warner, MCM

Chief Marketing Officer

Allison (Alli) is the Chief Marketing Officer at Beacon Pointe. Her responsibilities include brand management, website oversight, marketing material design, presentation development, podcast and video creation, social media and content management, and market research, among other areas of focus. She graduated from the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California where she was captain of the Division 1, Pac-12, USC women’s volleyball team. She also received a Masters in Communication Management (MCM) from the Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism at USC.  Alli is very passionate about financial education. She is a founding member of the Beacon Pointe Women’s Advisory Institute and recently co-authored Your Dollars, Our Sense: A Fun and Simple Guide to Money Matters, an international best-selling book that has ranked #1 in six different business and finance categories. She also served as a past committee member for UC Irvine’s Center for Investment & Wealth Management Financial Literacy Summer Residential Program for four consecutive years. Outside of the office, Alli volunteers her time working with her family’s non-profit organization serving the military sector, The Patriots Initiative. She also enjoys being in the outdoors horseback riding, golfing, traveling, and spending time with family. Alli is engaged to be married and currently resides in Newport Beach, California.

Andrew Hoang, CFP®

Financial Planner

Andrew Hoang, CFP®, is a Financial Planner at Beacon Pointe Advisors and is responsible for helping clients develop, execute, and maintain a strategic financial plan in order to achieve their personal and financial goals. Andrew holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Finance with a concentration in Financial Planning from California State University, Fullerton. Prior to Beacon Pointe, he worked at Wells Fargo Bank for over eight years where he was responsible for helping affluent and business clients meet their banking and cash flow needs. Outside of work, Andrew enjoys attending music events, travelling abroad, and various outdoor activities. He currently resides in Mission Viejo, CA with his wife and son.

Andrew Howard

Associate Analyst, Institutional Consulting Services

Andrew is an associate within the Institutional Consulting Service Group at Beacon Pointe. His responsibilities range from preparing client performance reports and conducting asset allocation studies to investment research. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Andrew earned his B.S. in Business Administration from California Baptist University. In his free time, he enjoys playing basketball and golf, and spending time with family.

Andrew R. Reinhardt, CFP®

Partner, Managing Director

Andrew Reinhardt, CFP®, is a Managing Director at Beacon Pointe Wealth Advisors (BPWA) Arizona and is responsible for client service and new client development. Andy has specific expertise in the financial planning areas of retirement analysis, investment management, insurance, and tax and estate planning. Andy is a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) and he is also a member of the Financial Planning Association. Andy has spent over 15 years in facilitating growth and asset protection strategies for both high net worth individuals and families. Prior to joining BPWA, Andy was at Capital Investment Counsel and served as an investment consultant with Charles Schwab. He also worked for Hackett Investment Advisors as a Portfolio Manager. Andy has degrees in Business Administration and Exercise Science, with emphasis in Finance and Management, from Northern Arizona University, where he was a member of the Track & Field team and earned All-Conference and All-American honors as a sprinter and scholar.

Annie Parrish, SHRM-CP

Human Resources Manager

Annie is a Manager within the Human Resources Department at Beacon Pointe Advisors responsible for recruiting and onboarding efforts, supporting the implementation and management of the firm’s HRIS system, administration of benefits programs, and day-to-day human resource operations. Annie began her career in human resources at Delaware North, a hospitality company that helps staff sporting arenas. She started as an HR Coordinator and transitioned to their HR Manager. Annie graduated from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities with a bachelor’s degree in Sports Management. Annie was born and raised in Huntington Beach but now resides in Minneapolis, MN. She is an advocate for animals and has been vegan for the past 8 years. Outside of the office, Annie loves going to hockey games and checking off every arena on her bucket list.

Ariana Ivins

Senior Associate, Billing

Ariana is a member of the Finance & Accounting Department at Beacon Pointe Advisors. She is responsible for account audits, revenue reporting, and client billing across all Beacon Pointe offices located throughout the country. Ariana obtained a degree from the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences, focusing in Audio Engineering. She lives in Phoenix, Arizona and spends her free time outside or in a yoga studio.

Austin Kastenberg

Senior Associate Analyst, Institutional Consulting Services

Austin is a Senior Associate within the Institutional Consulting Services Group at Beacon Pointe Advisors. His duties range from preparing performance reports to conducting asset allocation studies to providing investment research and due diligence. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Austin worked as a commercial insurance broker and was also a graduate student researcher in Economics and Management. Austin earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Los Angeles and received his MBA in Finance from the Fowler College of Business at San Diego State University. Outside of the office, Austin enjoys spending time with family and friends, travelling, being outdoors, and staying active.

Austin Rouk, CFP®

Wealth Advisor

As part of Beacon Pointe’s Strategic and Financial Advising Department, Austin is responsible for helping private clients determine and achieve their financial goals. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and initially attended Concordia University and played on the Men’s Basketball Team, transferring to Oklahoma State University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. Outside of the office, Austin still enjoys playing basketball as well as golf, going to the gym, and spending time with family and friends. Austin is married and resides with his wife in Aliso Viejo, California.

Bo Ward, CFP®

Partner, Managing Director

Bo is a Managing Director at Beacon Pointe Wealth Advisors and is responsible for client service and new client development. With over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, Bo has extensive knowledge of investments and financial planning. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Bo co-founded Ironmark Advisors LLC in Plano, Texas, a boutique financial planning firm serving high net worth clients. Prior to that, Bo worked for American Express, enjoying an accomplished career as a Senior Financial Advisor, spending several years in key leadership roles. Bo holds the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) certification and graduated from Texas A&M University. He serves on various charitable boards and committees. He and his wife have been blessed with two wonderful daughters and, in his spare time, Bo enjoys playing tennis, traveling, hunting and volunteering at his church.

Bob Van Wetter

Partner, Managing Director

Bob Van Wetter is the Managing Director of the Beacon Pointe Advisors Denver office and is responsible for client service and new client development. Bob is energized by the challenge of helping his clients make sense of a changing world and developing strategies to build and preserve wealth. Bob first started working in the investment industry as a runner on the floor of the Pacific Stock Exchange starting in 1983. Bob co-founded Northstar Investment Advisors in 1995 to better serve individuals and families looking for wealth management services in the Denver area. Bob is a graduate of Dartmouth College and has served on a number of nonprofit boards, including the Colorado Ski Museum, the Children’s Museum of Denver, Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado, Denver B-Cycle and the finance committee of the Colorado Health Foundation. He currently serves as chair of the finance committee for the Lutheran Medical Foundation. Outside of the office, Bob enjoys being out in the mountains, participating in outdoor activities, and spending time with his wife and three grown children.

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.

Brad Meyer, CFP®

Wealth Advisor

As a Wealth Advisor for Beacon Pointe, Brad 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 joining Beacon Pointe, Brad was a Wealth Planner Assistant at Pinnacle Wealth Management (which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2023) and before that, worked at Edward Jones as a Wealth Advisor. Brad earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Creighton University and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) designation holder.  Outside of the office, Brad enjoys watching sports, spending time outdoors hiking, camping, and playing pickleball.

Brandon Lewellen

Senior M&A Analyst

As part of the Partnership Integration Department, Brandon works closely with Beacon Pointe’s Board of Directors on pursuing new advisor partnership opportunities across the country. He is responsible for helping oversee financial due diligence during these processes. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Advisors, Brandon worked as an Analyst at Fidelity Investments. Brandon graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with a degree in Finance, where he remains actively involved in the University’s Alumni mentorship program. Outside of the office, he enjoys exercise, playing chess, and climbing the next mountain.

Brandt Kuhn, CFP®

Partner, Managing Director

Brandt Kuhn, CFP® is a financial planning focused advisor. He creates financial plans that help clients identify and set goals for wealth accumulation and future needs, as well as establish priorities, take advantage of tax laws, and utilize financial products to their benefit.  In addition, Brandt specializes in qualified retirement plans, including plan design, implementation and management that help employers and employees reach their retirement savings goals. After graduating from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a concentration in Financial Management, Brandt came home to the Palm Springs area. Brandt holds the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) certification.  He serves on the board of the Desert Recreation District Foundation, the Advisory Board of The First Tee of the Coachella Valley, and the Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce. He is also a graduate of the prestigious Leadership Coachella Valley program and serves on the Alumni Council.  Brandt enjoys golf, snowboarding, and spending time with his wife and their black lab/beagle, Abby.

Brian L. Coughlan, MSIM

Partner, Managing Director

Brian Coughlan is a Managing Director at Beacon Pointe Wealth Advisors (BPWA) Arizona and is responsible for client service and new client development. Brian is also a member of the Beacon Pointe Investment Committee. Brian has 16 years of investment experience with major banks and private money management firms. In addition to his expertise in customized portfolio management, investment recommendations and financial planning, he has also underwritten municipal bond issues throughout the United States, and is a visiting Professor of Finance in the Keller Graduate School of Management’s MBA program. Currently pursuing his Chartered Financial Analyst accreditation, Brian is a member of the CFA Institute and the Phoenix Society for Financial Analysts (PSFA). He holds an MBA and a Master of Science degree in Information Management from the W.P. Carey School of Business and graduated with a degree in Finance from the University of Arizona. In his spare time, Brian enjoys playing golf, hiking, camping and spending time with his family.

Brian Plowman, CFP®

Associate Wealth Planner

Brian Plowman is an Associate Wealth Planner at Beacon Pointe Wealth Advisors Arizona and is responsible for partnering with clients and their advisors to provide customized solutions that help clients meet their financial goals. Prior to joining the firm, Brian spent nine years working in the financial services industry including four years as an Investment Advisor Representative. He holds the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) certification. He earned his B.A. in Finance from Washington State University in Pullman, WA and relocated from Seattle to Arizona in 2019 with his wife, son and three cats. In his free time, Brian enjoys spending sunny afternoons watching baseball and taking every opportunity to explore his new community.

Brittany Mangrum, CFP®

Senior Financial Planner

Brittany Mangrum is a Senior Financial Planner at Beacon Pointe and is responsible for working with the firm’s clients to determine the best strategies to meet their financial goals. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Brittany spent five years working for various RIAs, financial planning for individuals in the entertainment industry, and top executives. She also spent two years preparing income tax returns for high-net-worth individuals, partnerships, S-Corps, and non-profits. Brittany graduated from Colorado State University Northridge with a concentration in Financial Planning and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™. She also earned her Master of Science in Taxation (MST) degree from Colorado State University Northridge focusing on the taxation of partnerships, corporations, estate taxation and planning, income taxation of estates and trusts, tax aspects of charitable giving, and the taxation of real estate. Outside of the office, Brittany enjoys snowboarding, hiking, and chasing around her fearless toddler son.

Bruce Meyer, JD, LL.M.

Partner, Senior Managing Director

Bruce is the Senior Managing Director of BPWA AZ and is responsible for the BPWA AZ office. Prior to joining BPWA AZ Bruce was the Managing Director of Copperwynd Financial, a Scottsdale based investment firm. Bruce earned a B.A. from Lake Forest College, Lake Forest, IL; a J.D. from I.I.T.-Chicago-Kent College of Law, Chicago, IL; and a LL.M. in Taxation from the University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL. Additionally, Bruce holds a CPA designation (inactive). Bruce is active in the community and has served on various boards and committees for the National Kidney Foundation of AZ, The Phoenix Children’s Hospital, The Phoenix Boy’s Choir and Congregation Beth Israel. Bruce has been married to Pam since 1986 and has three children. In his spare time, he enjoys golf, skiing, and relaxing with friends and family.

Burk Rosenthal, CFP®, ChFC®, CRC®, CFS

Partner, Managing Director

Burk is a partner and managing director of Beacon Pointe’s Fort Worth office.  He has been advising clients for over 30 years on strategies designed to help preserve and manage wealth. After two years with a large financial services firm, Burk established his own firm in 1992, where he was founder and president of Rosenthal Retirement Planning & Rosenthal Advisory Services for many years prior to merging with Beacon Pointe Advisors.  Burk is a member of the Financial Planning Association and has earned the following certifications: CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, Chartered Financial Consultant, Certified Retirement Counselor, and Certified Fund Specialist.  Burk is especially adept at helping with the special challenges people face during times of transition, such as retirement, divorce, death of a spouse, or the sale of a business. Burk was named to D Magazine’s Best Financial Planners of 2022 in the greater Fort Worth – Dallas community and has appeared on CNBC, CBS News, ABC News, and served as a retirement specialist on TXA-21 Evening News. He has also hosted the radio show and podcast Your Money. Burk lives in Fort Worth and enjoys spending time with his wife, Alisha, and twin daughters, Regan and Natalie. He also enjoys traveling, red wine, muscle cars, old-time radio shows from the 1940s and 50s, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and has most recently taken up golf.

Carlin Lawlor

Senior Strategic Integration Coordinator

Carlin is a member of the Strategic Integration Department and is primarily responsible for new office integration and operational and strategic project implementations across Beacon Pointe offices located throughout the country. Carlin is currently working towards her degree in Finance from Arizona State University. In her free time, she enjoys traveling as well as spending time with her family and friends.

Catherine Prentice, IACCP®

Director of Compliance

Cathi oversees the firm’s compliance operations. Previously, Cathi served as the Client Services Manager for Syndicated Capital, a brokerage startup based in Irvine, California. Prior to that, Cathi served as Client Services Manager at Brookstreet Securities. Cathi has received the Investment Advisor Certified Compliance Professional® (IACCP®) designation.  Cathi attended Texas Women’s University and lives with her family in Irvine, California.

Chad Weatherman, CFP®

Wealth Advisor

Chad Weatherman is a Financial Planner who specializes in serving healthcare professionals and corporate executives who have tax complexity associated with business partnerships and stock ownership. Chad has over a decade of experience collaborating with clients to help them determine their financial goals and align them with their life and their wealth. Chad graduated from North Carolina State University and holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) designation. Chad is married to his college sweetheart and they have two sons who eat their budget away (literally!). In his free time, Chad enjoys chasing his boys on hiking trails, building sandcastles at the beach, and jamming out on concert date nights.

Chandler Hammersla

M&A Analyst

As an M&A Analyst, Chandler is a member of the Partnership Integration team pursuing new advisor partnership opportunities across the country. She is responsible for helping oversee financial due diligence during these processes. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Advisors, Chandler worked as a Senior Analyst at Goldman Sachs within a Valuations and Reporting group focused specifically on debt funds. Chandler graduated magna cum laude from Elon University with a major in Accounting and a minor in Finance. During her time at Elon, Chandler spent four months studying Business and Culture in Barcelona, Spain. Outside of the office, she enjoys traveling, attending exercise classes, and spending time with family and friends.

Charles E. Carrick, CFP®, ChFC

Partner, Managing Director

Charles (Chuck) Carrick is a Partner and Senior Wealth Advisor in Beacon Pointe’s North Carolina office and brings 30+ years of financial planning experience to the clients he serves.  Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Advisors, Chuck was the Managing Partner for two decades at DMJ Wealth Advisors, LLC (DMJWA).  While at DMJWA, Chuck worked hard alongside industry professionals to develop a deep, substantive planning approach, which considered each client’s unique needs.  He was also a Partner at Advanced Planning Concepts , prior to a merger with DMJWA where he worked with small business owners to develop and executive benefit plans to reward, retain and recruit key staff. Chuck graduated with honors from Guilford College and holds both the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) designations.  Chuck previously participated in Leadership North Carolina, an initiative aimed at integrating economic development, education, environment, government, and health programs throughout the state. Although he resides in Greensboro, North Carolina, Chuck is originally from Baltimore, Maryland and still is an avid Orioles fan.

Charlie Duncan, CFP®, AIF®, ChFC®

Partner, Managing Director

Charlie Duncan is a Partner and the Managing Director of the Carlsbad, CA office of Beacon Pointe Advisors.  After graduating from the University of San Diego with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, he worked for the Principal Financial Group for 13 years assisting families and small businesses with their financial planning needs.  In 1999 he decided to become independent and formed Duncan Investment Advisors (dba Duncan Financial) which he ran for 23 years before merging with Beacon Pointe.  During the 35 years he has spent in the financial services industry, Charlie and his firm have helped over 1,000 families and individuals meet their financial goals by achieving financial independence and smoothly transitioning into retirement.  He is a specialist in the areas of investment management and retirement planning, and Charlie holds the Certified Financial Planner, Accredited Investment Fiduciary, and Chartered Financial Consultant designations.  As the dad of a son who has autism Charlie serves on the Board of Directors of Beacons, Inc (no relation), a nonprofit that provides vocational, recreational, and social services to young adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities.  He is actively involved with several other charities, including HALO (Helping Autism Through Learning Outreach) as well as the University of San Diego Athletic Department.  His eldest daughter lives and works in New York City while his youngest daughter just graduated from college and lives and works in Los Angeles. Charlie and his very patient wife of 30 years live with their son in Encinitas.  He tries to read a book every two weeks and when he isn’t working on completing his private pilot certification Charlie can be found golfing, traveling, or spending time with his family.

Charlie Farrell, J.D.,LL.M.

Partner, Managing Director

Charlie Farrell, J.D.,LL.M, is the Managing Director of the Beacon Pointe Advisors Denver office and is responsible for working with clients to meet their investment and income objectives. Charlie focuses on managing wealth for individuals, families, and business owners, providing the full continuum of personal and family wealth management, through all the phases of his clients’ financial lives. Charlie began his career as a tax attorney helping business owners establish and fund corporate retirement plans. While working with owners who eventually retired, Charlie often received questions from clients about how to live off their money during retirement. These conversations ultimately sparked Charlie’s desire to work in investment management, prompting him to leave the legal and tax field. Charlie is the author of the book, Your Money Ratios: 8 Simple Tools for Financial Security. He is also the author of a monthly column known as the “Road to Retirement” for the Denver Post and has contributed to numerous industry publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Money Magazine, Consumer Reports Money Advisor and Barron’s. Charlie has a bachelor’s degree from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA, and a law degree from The American University Washington College of Law in Washington, D.C., where he graduated summa cum laude. He also holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in taxation from the Case Western Reserve University School of Law. Charlie is a former board member of the Mountain Area Land Trust and the Denver Public Library Friends Foundation. Charlie currently resides in Golden, Colorado with his wife, and in his spare time enjoys fly fishing and riding horses.

Chloe Trimarche

Marketing & Communications Associate

Chloe is an Associate within Beacon Pointe’s Marketing and Communications Department. Her responsibilities include digital marketing and social media management, public relations coordination, event management, marketing material oversight, and content development, among other marketing-related responsibilities. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Chloe was an intern for The Hartford Financial Services Group and Maricopa County in Phoenix, Arizona. She also previously held roles as a college ambassador for Hint Water and Bumble. Chloe earned her Business Communication degree from the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University, along with a Certificate in Tri-Sector Leadership. Outside of the office, Chloe enjoys spending time with family and friends, soaking up the sun, and traveling.

Chris Clark

Learning and Development Coordinator

Chris Clark serves as the Learning & Development Coordinator for Beacon Pointe. He is responsible for advancing in-person and virtual training experiences for Beacon Pointe employees and maintaining the firm’s learning management system. Chris has a background in teaching and coaching and is well versed in various learning systems and is experienced in implementing functions within two fast-growing companies. Chris graduated from the University of South Dakota with a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and earned his master’s degree in Sports Management while coaching women’s basketball at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Chris currently resides in the Minneapolis area and enjoys traveling, golfing, and other fun activities with his wife and two girls.

Christopher F. Palermo, CFA, CFP®

Partner, Managing Director

Chris Palermo, CFA, CFP®, is a Managing Director at Beacon Pointe Wealth Advisors (BPWA) Arizona and is responsible for client service and new client development. Chris brings over 15 years of investment experience. As a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) and a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) professional, Chris specializes in portfolio management with an emphasis on financial, retirement, estate, tax and insurance planning, and focuses on providing investment solutions that are tailored to each client’s specific goals. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Wealth Advisors, Chris was at Capital Investment Counsel, and prior to that, a portfolio manager with Northern Trust in Phoenix where he managed assets for high net worth individuals, foundations and non-profit organizations. Previous to Northern Trust, he worked for Charles Schwab where his various roles included asset management, derivative trading, and conducting investment seminars across the United States. Chris graduated from Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a major in Finance. Furthermore, he is a member of the Phoenix CFA Society and the Phoenix Financial Planning Association. In his free time, Chris enjoys golfing, traveling and spending time with his wife and two children.

Commie Stevens, JD

Chief Practice Officer

Commie designed and oversees the firm’s approach to financial and estate planning. She works closely with individuals and their families to best utilize their wealth to meet their lifetime and legacy goals. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Advisors, Commie practiced as an estate planning attorney at Albrecht and Barney and served as the Director of Estate Planning for Pacific Life Insurance Company. She earned her Juris Doctor from Pepperdine University School of Law, her BA in Economics from the University of California at Irvine, is a member of the State Bar of California and an Investment Advisor Representative (Series 65). She has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, US News & World Report, The Street, Financial Advisor IQ, The National Financial Educators Council, The Journal of Practical Estate Planning and The University of California, Irvine’s Wealth Management Frontier Journal. Commie is passionate about financial education and regularly speaks on a host of financial and estate planning topics and has been a guest lecturer at The Paul Merage School of Business at the University of California at Irvine and Stanford University. She is also is a founding member of the Beacon Pointe Women’s Advisory Institute and co-authored Your Dollars, Our Sense: A Fun and Simple Guide to Money Matters, an international best-selling book that has ranked #1 in six different business/finance categories. Commie has served as the Governance Chair for Hi Hopes Identity Discover Foundation. Commie enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters and resides in Laguna Niguel, California.

Courtney Shields

Senior Compliance Associate

Crystal Garner

Principal, Senior Wealth Advisor

Darin Simonian, CFP®, CPA

Partner, Managing Director

Darin Simonian is a Partner and Managing Director at Beacon Pointe Advisors and is responsible for working with clients to meet their planning, investment, and income goals. With more than three decades of industry experience, Darin specializes in sophisticated investment design, business and tax planning, asset protection and estate planning for families and individuals. He discovered his passion for financial and tax business while attending Whittier College and majoring in Business and Accounting and working for three years at the local CPA firm. Over time, he worked at Arthur Young & Co. (Now Ernst & Young), as an auditor and in their Mergers and Acquisitions department and became a CPA.  Darin transitioned to financial services in 1989, working for sophisticated investor David Murdock (Pacific Holding Company) as a financial analyst on acquisitions and reporting before venturing out on his own in 1991 to form what evolved to be Newport Wealth Strategies (which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2021). Darin is a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), and a licensed CPA though the license is currently inactive as he is not-practicing. A California native, Darin has three grown daughters and lives with his wife of 25 years. In his spare time he enjoys playing a variety of sports and spending time with his family.

David Emmes, MBA

Partner, Managing Director

David Emmes is a partner and managing director with over four decades of professional experience advising high-net-worth families, individuals, institutions, and business owners. David’s previous experience includes working in both venture capital and the derivative industry, most recently as U.S. Markets President – West for BNY Mellon Wealth Management. Prior to merging with Beacon Pointe Advisors in 2021, David was managing partner at Pacific Edge Advisors. David graduated from California State University Long Beach with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Business Administration, and he currently serves on the Board of the Orange County Museum of Art as an emeritus trustee. Outside of the office, David enjoys beach volleyball, golf and mountain biking.

David Le, CFP®

CTO, Wealth Advisor

David Le serves as Chief Technology Officer for Beacon Pointe and is responsible for the firm’s technology strategy and architecture, including the development of shared application platforms and services used by all teams throughout the company. David has more than 15 years of experience in technology, with expertise in building and developing enterprise systems. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, he worked at the Irvine Ranch Water District, where he spent 7 years in various technical and management roles overseeing their Enterprise Resource & Planning (ERP) and Geographic Information System (GIS) systems. Concurrent to his role, David is also a Wealth Advisor in Beacon Pointe’s Private Client Services Group and is dedicated to providing his clients with individually tailored solutions and strives to achieve the optimal alignment between their wealth, values and goals. He holds the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) designation. David earned his Masters in Business Administration from the University of California, Irvine and holds a Bachelors of Arts in Business Economics from the University of California, Riverside. He has been a guest lecturer at The Paul Merage School of Business at the University of California, Irvine. In his free time, David enjoys trying new types of food, perfecting his cooking skills and cycling.

David Massart

Partner, Managing Director

David Massart is a Partner and Managing Director at Beacon Pointe Advisors with over twenty years of entrepreneurial experience working with high-net-worth individuals and families. David is responsible for establishing strategic and tactical asset allocation decisions, investment manager evaluation, and client relationship management. David has held a variety of leadership roles within the financial services industry including roles as a Manager at Wells Fargo Investments, LLC and Managing Director at Strong Capital Management, Inc. He later went on to found Next Generation Wealth Management (which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2021). David’s expertise is frequently sought after for public speaking on a variety of wealth management topics including asset allocation, portfolio design, tax-aware investment strategies, and retirement planning. He currently serves as a trustee of U.S. Bank’s Managed Portfolio Series Trust and ETF Series Solutions Trust, which are SEC-registered open-end management investment companies. In 2006, David co-founded Next Generation Philanthropy, LLC, and is the founder of the Next Generation Entrepreneurs Group, a Milwaukee-based think-tank for entrepreneurial professionals. David has an undergraduate degree in Business Management from the University of Minnesota where he achieved the honor of being a three-time Bierman Scholar and was awarded a four-year Varsity Tennis scholarship, winning two Big Ten Men’s Tennis Team Championships during his time there. David is married and currently resides with his wife and two children in Elm Grove, Wisconsin.

Derek Newcomer, CFA, CAIA

Director, Investment Research

Derek leads investment manager research and due-diligence in the area of alternative investments, in addition to being a member of Beacon Pointe’s Investment Committee. Prior to Beacon Pointe, Derek held the role of Vice President at CRESO Capital Partners, Newport Beach, California, an investment banking firm focused on mezzanine investments, capital raising for preferred and common equity, and merger & acquisitions for privately held companies with revenues of $10MM to $250MM. His primary duties included client development as well preliminary financial and market due diligence of investment opportunities. Derek currently serves as the Chair of the Investment Committee at the Goodwill of Orange County. He is a graduate of University of California at Santa Cruz with a major in Economics/Business Management. He is a CFA charterholder and a member of the CFA Society of Orange County and holds the designation of Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA).

Donald J. Hertling, CFP®, MST

Partner, Managing Director

Don has more than two decades of experience in wealth management. In his role as Partner and Managing Director of the Beacon Pointe New Jersey office, Don is a driving force for innovation, process and growth. In his other capacities, Don develops, implements and monitors financial planning strategies for clients and oversees the office’s compliance processes. Don takes great pride in his team’s ability to provide an exceptional experience to each and every client. Previously, Don spent nine years at a regional wealth advisory firm where he led the financial planning department. Don earned his Master’s in Taxation from Fairleigh Dickenson University and his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Rider University. He also holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) designation. Don is a past Board Member of the New Jersey Institute of Certified Financial Planners and the New Jersey Financial Planning Association. Don resides in Morganville, NJ with his wife Tara and two children.

Eliza Moody

Marketing & Communications Associate

Eliza Moody is an Associate within Beacon Pointe’s Marketing and Communications Department. Her responsibilities include digital marketing and social media management, public relations coordination, event management, marketing material oversight and content development, among other marketing-related responsibilities. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Eliza worked as a Marketing Coordinator for a start-up in the technology industry. She graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degrees in both Communication and Film & Media Studies. She was also the captain of the UCSB Sailing Team. Outside of the office, Eliza loves to cook, paint, and spend time outdoors and on the water with her friends and family.

Emily Dang

Compliance Associate

Emily is an associate within the Compliance Department and is responsible for the implementation and execution of compliance processes. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Advisors, Emily held a compliance role at an online mortgage company where she gained experience processing incident management cases and working cross-functionally between stakeholders and multiple company departments. In her free time, Emily enjoys listening to music, going to the gym, and spending time eating good food with friends and family.

Eric Faber, MBA

Principal, Regional Director, Senior Wealth Advisor

Eric is a Regional Director and Senior Wealth Advisor in the Beacon Pointe Florida office responsible for assisting clients with setting and achieving their long-term financial goals along with coordinating and leading business development efforts across Beacon Pointe’s referral networks and custodial partners. Eric builds long-term trusting relationships with his clients and ensures that their financial objectives and expectations are met or exceeded.  Eric is a native of Orlando, Florida and a graduate of Rollins College where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and played Division II basketball earning All-American honors. Eric obtained his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Central Florida and is currently a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) candidate. Prior to joining the Ferrell Wealth Management team, Eric worked as a sales representative for both PepsiCo and GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals. Eric is currently a board member for the Orlando branch of After-School All-Stars and loves to spend time with his wife and their two children.  In his spare time, he loves to play golf and remain actively involved in the game of basketball.

Eric Witte, CFP®

Partner, Managing Director

Eric is a Managing Director at Beacon Pointe Wealth Advisors and is responsible for client service and new client development. With over 24 years of experience in the financial services industry, Eric has extensive knowledge of investments and financial planning. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Eric co-founded Ironmark Advisors LLC in Plano, Texas, a boutique financial planning firm serving high net worth clients. Prior to that, Eric worked for American Express, enjoying an accomplished career as a Senior Financial Advisor. Eric holds the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) certification and graduated from Oklahoma State University with a BS in Business Administration, majoring in Finance and minoring in Accounting. He and his wife have three children and Eric enjoys spending time on the soccer, baseball, and football fields, reading a good book, hunting and fishing and traveling with his wife.

Felix Lin, CFA

Senior Advisor

Felix has been with the firm since its inception and is a founding partner.  Felix is responsible for overseeing Beacon Pointe’s Institutional Consulting Services Group. In addition, he is a member of Beacon Pointe’s Investment Committee. As a consultant, his responsibilities included asset allocation, investment manager structure, and investment manager due diligence and evaluation. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Advisors, Felix was Vice President at Canterbury Consulting. Felix began his investment consulting career as a member of the client service and consulting team for Wilshire Associates’ institutional fund management tool, the Wilshire Compass. His clients included large endowments and foundations, corporate, insurance, and defined benefit plans. Felix was an Eagle Scout, graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a BA, and received his MBA from the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business. He previously served as the Investment Chair for the Goodwill of Orange County, was a member of the Human Society of Silicon Valley Finance Committee, and serves as an Ambassador for Free Wheelchair Mission. Felix has earned the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and is a member of the CFA Society of Los Angeles.

Fred Taylor

Partner, Managing Director

Fred Taylor is the Managing Director of the Beacon Pointe Advisors Denver office and is responsible for working with clients to meet their investment and income objectives. Fred has nearly four decades of experience in the financial services industry and began his career in 1984 on the municipal bond trading desk of Mabon Nugent in New York City. Over the course of his career, he worked for various financial institutions prior to founding Northstar Investment Advisors in 1995 to meet demand for wealth management in the Denver area. Fred is a past board member and chairman of the investment committees of Children’s Hospital Colorado, The Denver Foundation, the Colorado Zoological Trust, the Women’s Foundation of Colorado, and Kent Denver School. In recognition of his work with Denver’s non-profits, Fred was a recipient of the Denver Foundation’s 2017 Philanthropic Leadership Award and was in the first class of the Denver Business Journal’s 40 under 40 awards in 1997. From 2008 to 2010, Fred served as an economic advisor to Colorado Governor Bill Ritter and he is also a member of the Colorado Forum, a collection of business leaders focused on critical policy issues facing the state. Fred is a Colorado native and graduated cum laude from Middlebury College with honors in American History. He currently lives in Denver with his with wife, children and grandchildren.

Gabriel Kennan

Senior Associate, Investment Research

Gabriel is a senior associate within the Investment Research Group at Beacon Pointe Advisors, with a focus on alternative investment strategies. His responsibilities include conducting due diligence of investment opportunities, maintaining ongoing diligence and monitoring of investment managers, and developing alternative investment programs for institutional clients. Gabriel earned his B.A. in Business Administration with a specialization in finance from the University of California, Irvine. Gabriel has a passion for film-making and enjoys watching, writing, and making movies in his spare time.

Garth K. Flint

Partner, Founder

Garth has over 40 years of experience as an institutional investment consultant. He is a member of Beacon Pointe’s Investment Committee. Prior to launching Beacon Pointe Advisors, Garth was a founder and Managing Director with Canterbury Consulting, responsible for Advisor Services to Institutions and High Net Worth Individuals. Garth was a founder and principal for the Kidder Peabody West Coast Institutional Consulting Services of Newport Beach and served eight years as Vice President with Merrill Lynch as an institutional investment consultant. Garth holds a BS degree in Economics from St. Mary’s College of California. He serves on the board of Boys Hope/Girls Hope of Southern California, is a former Trustee of St. Mary’s College of California where he was Chairman of the Advancement Committee as well as the Investment Committee. He currently is on the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet Province Finance Advisory Board and serves on the Presidential Advisory Council of Concordia University. Garth spent 15 years as a Naval Aviator flying in the F-4 Phantom II. Garth is married, has six children, ten grandchildren, and lives with his wife in Newport Beach, California.

Gene Ka, CPWA®

Partner, Managing Director

Gene is a partner and the managing director of Beacon Pointe’s San Jose office. He  cares deeply about helping people and intentionally asks thought-provoking questions that allow him to truly listen to clients and their needs. A detailed strategist and a tireless implementer, Gene is a strong advocate for complete transparency when working with his clients. With over three decades experience in the financial industry, Gene has extensive knowledge of investments, financial planning, and asset management. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Gene was a Senior Financial Advisor with American Express before forming his own independent advisory firm Ka, Demmler & Associates, later renamed Wealth Design, LLC in 2000. Gene graduated from Purdue University and holds the Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA®) certification. Gene currently resides in Silver Creek, California with his wife, one of his three daughters and his mother.

 

Beacon Pointe Advisors, LLC is a Registered Investment Advisor. Certain representatives of Beacon Pointe Advisors, LLC are also Registered Representatives offering securities through APW Capital, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. 100 Enterprise Drive, Suite 504, Rockaway, NJ 07866 (800)637-3211.

Georgia Bennicas

Partner, Senior Wealth Advisor

Georgia is a Partner and Senior Wealth Advisor for Beacon Pointe’s Portola Valley office and is responsible for working with clients to meet their investment and income objectives. With over 35 years of experience in the financial services industry, Georgia has comprehensive expertise in designing personalized securities portfolios, formulating retirement plans, implementing tax strategies and estate objectives, and analyzing real estate investments for clients. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Georgia founded Bennicas and Associates (which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2023). Georgia earned her bachelor degree’s in both Economics and Business Administration from Notre Dame.

Graham Pierce

Partner, Managing Director

Graham oversees the private client advisory team and is a member of the Beacon Pointe Investment Committee and Board of Directors. He started his career in New York City in 1993 where he worked in the Private Client Services Group of Morgan Stanley and Company. He then moved to the institutional side of the business as an equity research sales trader at Salomon Smith Barney’s affiliate in Buenos Aires, Argentina, covering the local pension funds and Latin America focused investment funds throughout the U.S. and Europe. Immediately before joining Beacon Pointe, Graham worked out of the treasury department of a large publicly traded telecommunications firm managing its capital markets initiatives. He is a current adjunct professor at the University of California, Irvine Paul Merage School of Business. Graham received his BA from the University of Virginia and his MBA from UCLA Anderson School of Business. Graham is married, has two children, and lives with his wife in Irvine, California.

Grant E. Hartvigson, CFP®, CLU

Partner, Managing Director

Grant is the Partner and Managing Director for Beacon Pointe’s Seattle office and is responsible for select client service and new client development. He has a passion for fostering intimate client relationships, delivering comprehensive financial advice and providing a personalized planning experience. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Advisors, Grant founded Rainier Financial Group where he dedicated eighteen years to helping clients achieve financial independence. Actively involved in the financial world, Grant is a member of the Puget Sound Business Journal’s prestigious “40 Under 40,” where he has been recognized as a dynamic leader in both the industry and community in 2011. Grant was included in the 2020 Financial Times’ Top 400 Financial Advisors list and was a perennial member of LPL Financials Executive Council. Grant is a Seattle native and graduate of the University of Washington Foster School of Business. In addition, Grant holds both the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) and Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designations. As a member of Seattle Children’s Legacy Advisors, he helps to inspire a new community of philanthropists by assisting in the creation of charitable plans that endeavor to represent the best alignment of donors’ minds, hearts and wallets. Outside the office, Grant can be found on the tennis court, golf course, coaching basketball or spending time with his wife and two daughters, and their family dog.

Heather O’Neill Fairbanks, CFP®, ChFC®

Partner, Managing Director

Heather O’Neill Fairbanks is a Partner and Managing Director at Beacon Pointe Advisors. With over 30 years of experience, Heather has focused on retirement planning and building trust and confidence in her client relationships, while providing personalized service based on each client’s needs. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Heather founded Midwest Financial Advisors Group, a full-service planning and investment advisory firm (which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2023). In addition to managing the firm, she played an integral part in the investment research process, and creating customized planning solutions for each client. Heather graduated with a business degree from Western Michigan University, is a Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®) and has been a Certified Financial Planner™ professional (CFP®) since 1995. She is an active member of the Financial Planning Association (FPA) and Financial Services Institute (FSI) and has served on the Investment Advisory Council, National Education Task Force and Advisory Board for FSC Securities Corporation. Heather served on the first AIG Advisor Group Women’s Advisory Board, which began in 2013. Her board commitment focused on serving women in mentorship, leadership, community outreach & development. Outside of the office, Heather’s focus is her family.

Heidi Benavidez, CFA

Partner, Managing Director

Heidi Benavidez brings over two decades of investment advisory and financial services experience and is a managing director and partner at Beacon Pointe Advisors. Prior to Beacon Pointe, she was a Senior Wealth Manager at BNY Mellon before her role as managing partner at Pacific Edge Advisors (which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2021). In addition to managing the investment holdings of her predominantly business owner clientele, she prepares comprehensive financial plans including cash flow, leverage and tax analysis. She also assists clients with developing wealth transfer and charitable giving plans. Heidi graduated from California State University Long Beach with a bachelor’s in Finance with a concentration in Investments and holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. Heidi is passionate about empowering women both personally and professionally and is an active member of Beacon Pointe’s Women’s Advisory Institute. She currently serves on the Investment Committee of the Girl Scouts of Orange County. Outside of the office, Heidi enjoys hiking, Pilates and traveling with her family.

Helen Goldstein, CFP®

Partner, Managing Director

Helen Goldstein, CFP® has over 35 years of experience in the financial services industry, beginning her career in commercial lending and moving into money management before founding her own company.  She graduated from Indiana University with a B.S. in Economics and Finance and holds the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) designation. As a member of the prestigious Stanley K. Lacy Leadership Program early in her career, Helen was introduced to numerous community organizations and charities with whom she served in many capacities as a committee member, board member and President. As a volunteer consultant, Helen helped to establish and grow numerous community Endowment Funds and revised and revamped financial models for these organizations. In doing this work she fulfills a personal goal of helping better the lives of people through the creation of sustainable financial models for these important community agencies. Helen is also a member of Beacon Pointe’s Women’s Advisory Institute and is the founding member of the Indiana Women’s Presidents Organization and has been involved in the National Association of Women’s Business Owners (NAWBO) and the Financial Planning Association. She has served on the Board of her synagogue, was President of the Jewish Community Center of Indianapolis and has raised funds totaling in the millions for the JCC the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis, among other organizations.

Ike Egwuonwu

Associate Financial Planner

Ike Egwuonwu is an Associate Financial Planner at Beacon Pointe Advisors and is responsible for helping clients develop, execute, and maintain a strategic financial plan in order to achieve their personal and financial goals. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Ike worked at Ayco Goldman Sachs as a financial planner and coach having previously transitioned from a role at Deloitte as a project controller. Ike earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Pepperdine University as a Posse Foundation Scholar. He is currently a CFP candidate through the Boston Institute of Finance. Ike currently resides in Orange, CA with his fiancé and outside of the office he enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing basketball, jamming with other musicians, and catching up on his favorite shows.

Indya M. Yuill

Partner, Managing Director

Indya is a member of the Beacon Pointe Board of Advisors and is part of the firm’s management team setting strategic direction for the firm and its nationwide initiatives. She also oversees Beacon Pointe’s Los Angeles regional office, providing customized wealth management solutions to corporate executives, professionals and their families. Through comprehensive planning and investment management, Indya develops strategies to help clients meet their financial goals. Previously, Indya worked as a Regional Vice President and Portfolio Specialist at Guggenheim Investments, in Institutional Sales at Citigroup in Sydney, and as a Credit Analyst at Macquarie Investment Bank in New York.  Alongside female peers and fellow Beacon Pointe financial professionals, she is passionate about empowering women, both personally and professionally, and is an active member of Beacon Pointe’s Women’s Advisory Institute. Indya is a graduate of the University of Southern California (USC) Marshall School of Business.

Isamu Fairbanks, MBA

Managing Director

Isamu Fairbanks is a Managing Director at Beacon Pointe Advisors. He brings 30 years of experience in Management Consulting with a focus on cost reports and financial analysis. Isamu is experienced in many areas of business, including operational effectiveness, technology strategy, financial management and analysis, regulatory compliance, human resource management and corporate strategy. Isamu spent the first 10 years of his career at Deloitte Consulting before starting his own consulting firm in 2004. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Isamu spent seven years as the Chief Executive Officer of Midwest Financial Advisors Group (which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2023). He graduated with a master’s in business administration from the University of Chicago.

J. Kent Giguere, Jr., CFP®, ChFC®

Partner, Senior Wealth Advisor

Kent Giguere, Jr. is a senior wealth advisor for the Beacon Pointe South Carolina office is responsible for partnering with Beacon Pointe’s investment, operations, and financial planning teams to provide customized solutions that help clients meet their financial goals. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Kent worked as Chief Operating Officer for CDA Group, a boutique financial planning firm serving high-net-worth families and business owners. Kent holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™ (CFP®) certification and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) designation. Kent graduated from Wofford College with a bachelor’s degree in Finance. In his free time, Kent enjoys hunting, golfing, and chasing his three boys around.

J.L. Hurt IV, MBA

Principal, Senior Wealth Advisor

Jack Cooper

Director, Mergers & Acquisitions

Jack is a Director on the Mergers & Acquisitions team who works closely with Beacon Pointe’s Board of Directors on pursuing new advisor partnership opportunities across the country. He is responsible for leading the business development efforts on behalf of the M&A team, including interfacing with any deal intermediaries and third-party representatives. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Advisors, Jack was an Account Services Representative at TD Ameritrade. Jack graduated cum laude from Boston College with a major in History and minors in Irish Studies and Management & Leadership. He is a Founding Father of the Massachusetts Iota chapter of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and served two terms on the chapter’s Executive Board as Vice President of Recruitment. Jack lives with his wife in Dallas, TX.

Jacob Vick, CFA

Director, Mergers & Acquisitions

As part of the Partnership Integration Department, Jacob works closely with Beacon Pointe’s Board of Directors on pursuing new advisor partnership opportunities across the country. He is responsible for overseeing financial due diligence during these processes, in addition to strategic projects and analysis for the senior management team at Beacon Pointe. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Advisors, Jacob worked as an Associate within the Leveraged Finance and Debt Capital Markets team at Citizens Financial Group. Jacob graduated from Babson College with concentrations in Finance and Legal Studies, and was actively involved in the Babson Investment Banking Association and Center for Career Development. During his time in school, he spent four months living and volunteering in Sub-Saharan Africa across Ghana, Rwanda, and Kenya, as well as pursuing independent research related to entrepreneurship across the continent. Outside of the office, he enjoys traveling to new countries, finding the latest podcast, and playing basketball.

Jade Goodman, MBA, JD, LL.M.

Director, Strategic and Legacy Planning

Jade helps individuals and their families to best utilize their wealth to meet their lifetime and legacy goals. She works with advisors and clients to provide and coordinate customized strategies to preserve and transfer wealth through charitable, business, financial, tax, and estate planning solutions. Jade has been featured on CNBC and presents on various tax planning topics at industry and partner events. Prior to Beacon Pointe, Jade practiced as a Trusts and Estates Attorney focusing on all aspects of estate planning and administration. She advised individuals and families as to overall wealth and estate planning, including gifting strategies and gift tax compliance, and counseled individuals and banks acting in fiduciary capacities in matters of estate and trust administration.  Before private practice, Jade served as a Trust Officer/Administrator at U.S. Trust/Bank of America Private Bank and City National Bank, providing a coordinated approach to trust and estate administration and investment management. Jade obtained her Master in Laws degree (LL.M.) in Taxation, with an emphasis in High Net Worth/Private Client, from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. She previously earned her J.D. from Loyola Law School, completing a concentration in Tax Law with honors. Prior to law school, Jade earned her M.B.A. at Campbell University in North Carolina, as well as a B.S. in Business Administration, cum laude, in Trust and Wealth Management, a dual concentration in Accounting, and a minor in Financial Planning. Jade is a member of Beacon Pointe’s Women’s Advisory Institute (“WAI”). She resides in Scottsdale, Arizona, with her husband and son.

James Davenport

Partner, Managing Director

James (Jim) is responsible for counseling clients with their wealth management decisions, particularly in the area of investments. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Wealth Advisors, Jim worked in Wells Fargo Advisor’s Private Client Group, marketing the firm’s wealth management services to new clients and enhancing existing client relationships. Jim is a Managing Director and Partner with Beacon Pointe, working out of both the Orange County and Inland Empire offices. Jim earned his MBA from Chapman University Argyros School of Business and Economics, and his Bachelor’s Degree from the Annenberg School of Communication at the University of Southern California. He serves on the advisory board for Big Brothers Big Sisters-Inland Empire and also is a member of both the Endowment Council Chapman University and Leaders, Executives, and Directors; Advancing Philanthropy (LEAD-OC). Outside of work, Jim enjoys traveling, playing golf and spending time with his wife and two children.

James P. Cooper

Partner, Senior Wealth Advisor

James Cooper is a Partner and Senior Wealth Advisor in Beacon Pointe’s Sarasota, Florida office. He specializes in customized solutions paired with the highest level of service that help clients meet their investment and wealth planning goals. Retirement income and wealth planning have become a focus of his business.  Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, James helped build Southern Trust Financial Planning in Sarasota, Florida and was the Senior Vice President of Investments. Southern Trust Financial Planning merged with Beacon Pointe in 2021.  James started his twenty-three-year career at Moors & Cabot Financial Advisors, LLC, (a division of Moors & Cabot, Inc), a 117-year-old Boston based NYSE firm. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Florida State University, specializing in Economics and Finance.   Outside of the office, James is involved in fundraising and volunteering at many local Sarasota schools. He is the proud husband of Nancy and father of Trisha and Dominic.

James W. Ferrell, MBA, CPA, CFP®, PFS, CIMC

Partner, Managing Director

Jameson Van Houten, CFP®

Partner, Managing Director

Jameson Van Houten, CFP®, is a Partner and Managing Director at Beacon Pointe Advisors and is responsible for working with clients to meet their investment and income objectives. Jameson has nearly twenty years of experience in the financial services industry and discovered his passion for investing at the early age of 16. Jameson graduated summa cum laude from the Barrett Honors College of Arizona State University, where he was awarded ‘Most Outstanding Graduating Senior and Valedictorian’ from W.P. Carey School of Business and holds the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) designation. Jameson is an active member in the local Scottsdale community, past Governing Board member of Make-A-Wish Arizona and is an Esteemed Member with Gift for Life, a non-profit dedicated to helping provide life-saving heart surgeries for children. Most recently, Jameson was appointed by the Mayor of Paradise Valley to serve as Chairman of the Board for the Paradise Valley Public Safety Retirement Plan. Jameson graduated summa cum laude from the Barrett Honors College of Arizona State University, where he was awarded ‘Most Outstanding Graduating Senior and Valedictorian’ from W.P. Carey School of Business and holds the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) designation. Outside of the office, Jameson enjoys traveling, sports, cars, golfing, and spending time with his family.

Janet Hathaway

General Counsel

Janet Hathaway is the General Counsel at Beacon Pointe.  She started her career in private practice at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher.  Since then, she has served as corporate in-house counsel, first at Crain Communications Inc, a global media company, and most recently at Pathway Capital Management, a private equity investment firm. Janet received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Notre Dame, magna cum laude, and her J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law. Outside of work, Janet enjoys jogging with her girlfriends, practicing yoga, and watching her children’s sporting events. She lives with her husband and four children in Newport Beach, California.

Jason Overholtzer, CFA

Director, Investment Research

Jason is primarily responsible for manager research and due diligence. In addition, he is a member of Beacon Pointe’s Investment Committee. Prior to rejoining Beacon Pointe in 2014, he spent approximately three years overseeing equity manager research for a $7 billion Los Angeles based investment advisory firm. Prior to this, Jason was with Beacon Pointe for nine years where he was responsible for conducting research and due diligence on investment managers and working with institutional clients in the areas of investment policy development, asset allocation, manager selection, and performance measurement and evaluation. Prior to originally joining Beacon Pointe in 2002, he was with Canterbury Consulting for three years. Jason received a BA in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from California State University, Fullerton. He also holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and is a member of the CFA Society of Los Angeles. Jason currently serves on the Investment Committee of the Goodwill of Orange County. Jason lives in Ladera Ranch, California with his wife and three children.

Jay Healy, CFP®, CEPA

Partner, Managing Director

Jaynie Hexberg

Human Resources Associate

Jaynie is a Human Resources Associate at Beacon Pointe Advisors. She is responsible for recruiting, assisting with onboarding efforts, and day-to-day human resource operations. She is from Orange County and currently lives in Laguna Beach, California. In her free time, Jaynie enjoys hiking, going to the beach with friends and spending time with her two nephews.

Jeff Hwang, CFP®, CRPC

Partner, Managing Director

Jeff Hwang is a Partner and Managing Director of Beacon Pointe’s North Carolina office with over 15 years of experience delivering authentic planning and investment solutions to his clients. Jeff leads a team of like-minded professionals serving private business owners, corporate executives and health care professionals with their unique planning and investment needs.  Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Jeff was a partner at DMJ Wealth Advisors, a firm focused on collaborating with industry professionals to deliver personalized solutions to clients with complex needs. Jeff began his career in financial services at Merrill Lynch where he served as a Financial Advisor.  Jeff holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) certification, is a Chartered Retirement Planning Specialist (CRPC) and graduated from Davidson College.  He and his wife have three sons and are actively involved in the community through their church and the local Young Life chapter. In his spare time, Jeff enjoys spending time cheering his boys on the soccer field, playing guitar and staying active.

Jen Steele

Billing Specialist

Jen is a member of the Finance & Accounting Department at Beacon Pointe Advisors. She is responsible for account audits, revenue reporting, and client billing across all Beacon Pointe offices located throughout the country. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Jen worked as an analyst in the health insurance industry before transitioning to accounting roles in tech startups and waste management. Outside of the office, Jen enjoys volunteering, going to concerts, watching football and spending time with friends and family.

Jennifer Holmes

HR Payroll Specialist

Jennifer is the Human Resources Payroll Specialist for Beacon Pointe Advisors. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Jennifer has had over a decade of diverse payroll experience. Her areas of expertise include multi-state payroll, payroll taxes, and certified payrolls. Jennifer resides in Peoria, AZ with her four children, and in her free time she enjoys family activities, playing pool competitively, going to concerts and sporting events, and relaxing at home watching football games with family.

Jesse Crane

Manager, ICS Business Development

Jesse Crane serves as the Business Development Manager for Beacon Pointe’s Institutional Consulting Services Group and is responsible for new client development. With over 10 years of experience in the investment management industry, Jesse joins Beacon Pointe after a lengthy career with PIMCO Investments and Morgan Stanley. Jesse earned his Master of Business Administration from Syracuse University’s Whitman School of Management and his undergraduate degree in Economics from the State University of New York (SUNY) College at Cortland. Outside of the office, Jesse stays busy serving on the board of directors and as vice-chair of the finance committee for the SUNY Cortland College Foundation.

Jill B. Steinberg, MBA, CDFA®

Partner, Managing Director

Jill Steinberg brings over 30 years of investment advisory and banking experience and joined Beacon Pointe Advisors as a Managing Director and Partner.  Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Jill founded Walden Capital Advisors in 2006 to provide high net worth women and men comprehensive investment advice to help them achieve their financial and life goals. She is very passionate about empowering women both personally and professionally and is an active member of Beacon Pointe’s Women’s Advisory Institute. Jill serves on boards and investment committees for several local Philadelphia non-profits (including Live Like Blaine, a nonprofit founded in her daughter’s honor). Jill graduated cum laude from Princeton University with a degree in Economics and earned an MBA with distinction in Finance and Real Estate from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and holds Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®) designation.

Joe D. Schofield, III

Partner, Managing Director

Joe D. Schofield III, is a partner and managing director of Beacon Pointe’s South Carolina office with over 27 years of professional experience in advising high net worth families and business owners. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Advisors, Joe was the Chief Executive Officer and Partner of CDA Group LLC, a boutique financial planning firm serving high net worth families and business owners. Joe’s primary responsibilities are advising clients on investment policy development, portfolio construction, asset allocation, risk management and wealth and estate transfer planning. Joe graduated from Clemson University in 1989 with a BS in Management.

John Gray

Chief Financial Officer

John is the Chief Financial Officer for Beacon Pointe Advisors and is responsible for leading Accounting and Finance for the firm. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, John led the accounting team for United Capital Financial Advisors, which was successfully sold to Goldman Sachs in 2019.  John has also led the accounting team for firms in sports broadcasting and photography. He graduated from California State University San Marcos, with a B.S. degree in Accounting.  Before starting his career in accounting, John served in the United States Marine Corps as a Military Police Officer and is a Gulf War Veteran. He is married with two children and in his free time, John enjoys camping, hiking, snow skiing, fishing and frequent trips to Maui with his family.

John Martindale, CFP®

Partner, Managing Director

John Martindale, CFP®, is a Managing Director at Beacon Pointe and is responsible for high-net-worth relationships and new business development. With over three decades of conceptual financial planning experience, John is well-versed in complicated estates and retirement income planning.  As a relationship manager, John advises his clients on wealth accumulation and preservation concepts. He is sought after for his skills in investment and portfolio analysis, tax planning, real estate transactions, insurance analysis, estate planning strategies, and philanthropic giving.

Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, John founded Ailsa Capital (which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2023). John graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Brigham Young University and obtained his CFP® designation and certification from the College of Financial Planning in Denver, Colorado. John places great value in his local and global community and has been active in non-profit organizations since 1988. In 1992, John co-founded the annual Mountain Shadows Golf Classic to benefit the Mountain Shadows Community Homes in Escondido, California, where he has procured over $800,000 in charitable gifts. He currently serves as Past President of the Canyon Education Foundation (Sandy, Utah), where funds are raised to support students and teachers in the classroom, providing college scholarships to graduating seniors. Some of the non-profit organizations he’s had the pleasure of assisting include, The Kidney Foundation of Utah, The Forever Young Foundation, Snowbird Adaptive Sports, Canyons Education Foundation, and the Mountain Shadows Foundation.

John enjoys international travel, rounds of golf, and spending time with his wife Tresa, four children, and 3 grandchildren.

Jonathan Acosta, JD

Partner, Managing Director

Jonathan is a Partner of Beacon Pointe Advisors and member of the firm’s Investment Committee.  He is responsible for client service and new client development in Beacon Pointe’s Private Client Services Group. Through comprehensive planning and investment management, Jonathan and his team develop customized strategies to help individuals and families meet their financial goals. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Jonathan worked at Pacific Investment Management Company (PIMCO), where he helped the firm develop and maintain relationships with consulting firms and clients. As a former practicing attorney, Jonathan gained experience in both litigation and transactional matters. He earned his B.A. from the University of California, Los Angeles and was the Team Captain of UCLA’s Division I Men’s Volleyball team. Jonathan received his JD from Pepperdine University School of Law and his MBA from UCLA Anderson School of Management. Jonathan is married, has three daughters, and lives with his family in Newport Beach, CA.

Jordan Heller, CFA, CFP®, CPA

Partner, Managing Director

Julien Frazzo, MBA

Director, Risk Management and Securities Research

Julien is the Director of Risk Management and Securities Research at Beacon Pointe Advisors and is a member of the Beacon Pointe Investment Committee. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Julien served as Director of Equity Research at The Bahnsen Group. Julien is a seasoned investment professional with twenty-two years of experience, including fourteen years as a risk taker in alternative asset management, five years in investment banking, and three years in private wealth management. He began his career in the financial industry as an M&A banker and equity research analyst as part of Lehman Brothers analyst and associate programs. Julien transitioned to the buy-side of the industry in 2004 by joining Citadel as a Senior Analyst before being promoted to Managing Director of Citadel’s Principal Strategy. Julien subsequently served as a Portfolio Manager at several multi-billion-dollar boutique hedge funds before relocating his family to Southern California and transitioning to private wealth management in 2019. Julien earned a master’s degree in Accounting and Finance and a postgraduate degree in Corporate Finance, Financial Engineering, and Securities Law from the University of Paris Dauphine in Paris, France. A French native, Julien holds American and British citizenships and lives in Seal Beach, California. Having worked in Paris, Amsterdam, London, Chicago, Monaco, and Newport Beach, Julien is a student of many cultures and brings a global understanding of investments to the table.

Kara Felten

Business Development Associate

Kara Felten is a Business Development Associate on the Beacon Pointe National Sales team. She is responsible for coordinating leads from custodial referral channels and maintains data relevant to the sales process while providing clear communication with our partner offices and Wealth Advisors. She has a strong background in sales, event management and production which is beneficial to participating in team projects and assisting with initiatives designed to streamline firm policies and procedures.  She currently resides in Mission Viejo, CA with her twin daughters.  In her free time, she enjoys lake days, concerts and spending time at the soccer and softball fields with her girls.

Karisa Diephouse

Chief Operating Officer

Karisa Diephouse is responsible for partnership integration, operations and strategy execution across all Beacon Pointe offices located throughout the country. Karisa brings over 15 years of experience in financial services, wealth management and retirement planning strategies and understands the operational components involved with office and service efficiencies. She has worked at Charles Schwab and Fidelity Investments where she held various roles of increasing responsibilities in sales, planning, operations, compliance and client services. She is also a founding member of the Beacon Pointe Women’s Advisory Institute and co-authored Your Dollars, Our Sense: A Fun and Simple Guide to Money Matters, an international best-selling book that has ranked #1 in six different business/finance categories. Karisa received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Finance from California State University, Long Beach. Karisa is married and lives with her husband and two young sons in Mission Viejo, CA. She enjoys taking long walks to the park with her kids, traveling, running and spending time with her family and friends.

Keith Ferguson

Partner, Senior Wealth Advisor

Keith Ferguson is a Partner and Senior Wealth Advisor at Beacon Pointe Advisors and is responsible for partnering with Beacon Pointe’s investment, operations, and financial planning teams to provide clients customized solutions to meet their unique financial goals. With over four decades of experience in wealth management, Keith has built a career on establishing and fostering client relationships based on integrity and trust. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Keith was a partner at Benchmark Private Wealth Management (which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2022). Before joining Benchmark, Keith was Managing Principal of Ferguson Wealth Management Group in Waco, Texas. He graduated from Baylor University with a degree in Business Administration. Keith and his wife reside in Waco where he is a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church, the Rotary Club of Waco, and the Waco Business League. Outside of the office, he enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Kelly DiGonzini, CFP®, MST

Director of Financial Planning

Kelly is responsible for helping the firm’s private clients determine and meet their financial and estate planning goals. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Advisors, Kelly spent four years doing financial planning at MetLife for individuals and small business owners. She graduated from Gonzaga University School of Business with a concentration in Business Law, and earned her Master of Science in Taxation (MST) degree from William Howard Taft University focusing on the taxation of partnerships, estate taxation and planning, income taxation of estates and trusts, tax aspects of charitable giving and the taxation of real estate. Kelly received her Personal Financial Planning certification from the University of California Irvine, and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™.  Kelly is very passionate about financial education. She is a founding member of the Beacon Pointe Women’s Advisory Institute and co-authored Your Dollars, Our Sense: A Fun and Simple Guide to Money Matters, an international best-selling book that has ranked #1 in six different business/finance categories. Kelly’s writing about various tax and financial planning topics has appeared in multiple publications including CNBC, Martha Sewart Weddings, Financial Planning Association, MainStreet!, and Financial Advisor IQ. She is a member of the Financial Planning Association of Orange County and volunteers for WomenSage. Kelly spends her free time chasing her toddler daughter and resides with her husband in South Orange County, California.

Kenneth Griffin

Associate Wealth Advisor

Kenneth (KC) is an Associate Wealth Advisor and is responsible for partnering with advisors to help clients meet their financial goals and ensure a personalized wealth management experience. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, KC gained experience in a variety of industries including financial markets, behavioral health, and college athletics. KC graduated from the University of Memphis with a bachelor’s degree in Economics and was a member of the Division I Men’s Tennis team. Outside of the office, KC enjoys traveling, playing pickleball, and learning about all things health and fitness.

Kerstin M. Murphy

Partner, Senior Relationship Manager

Kerstin Murphy is a wealth advisor in Beacon Pointe’s Vero Beach, Florida office.  With over twenty years of experience, she has earned a reputation for her broad level of expertise as well as for the exceptional level of care and guidance she provides her clients.  Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Kerstin was a Managing Partner, Chief Compliance and Operating Officer at Essex Asset Management, LLC.   She is a graduate of Bucknell University, with her studies focused on economics and political science.  Prior to joining Essex Asset Management, Kerstin was a Portfolio Manager at the Bank of New York Mellon.  Kerstin began her career as an analyst at a hedge fund in New York City.

Kevin DiSano, CIMA®, CPWA®

Chief Growth Officer

Kevin is an accomplished sales and management professional with expertise developed over 28 in business. Most recently he was Senior Managing Director and Head of ETF sales at Nuveen. Prior to that he was one of the senior executives at IndexIQ, a leading alternative investment manager that was sold to New York Life Insurance Company. Kevin was instrumental in the growth of the business from the initial launch in 2009 until the sale.  Kevin has a wealth of experience in sales and executive management roles and specializes in building and leading successful teams from the ground up. He has hands-on experience helping startup businesses establish themselves through both individual contributor and executive management roles with a focus on the development of effective sales and marketing strategies. Over the course of his career, Kevin has been asked to share insights and expertise through appearances on CNBC, Bloomberg Radio and has been interviewed for various print and online media publications. Kevin holds a B.S. Degree in Speech Communications, Psychology and Business Industry Education from the University of Minnesota and also holds the Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA®) and Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®) Designations from the Investment Management Consultants Association in conjunction with the Wharton School of Management at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Chicago, respectively.

Krista Jones

Senior Associate, Billing

With over three decades of experience in the financial services industry, Krista brings her operational and financial skillsets to her role as a Senior Associate in the Accounting Department at Beacon Pointe. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Krista started working right out of high school spending 18 years at JP Morgan Chase and has most recently worked for another RIA firm where she was responsible for trading, new account management, quarterly billing and performance reporting. Krista is a Canadian citizen with permanent residency in the United States, and she enjoys traveling, camping, concerts, and attending classic car shows.

Kyle R. Boyd

Partner, Managing Director

Kyle Boyd is a Partner and Managing Director at Beacon Pointe Advisors 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. Kyle has over three decades of experience in the financial services industry and previously was Principal with the investment counseling firm of Boys, Arnold and Co., where he served as a senior investment counselor and on the firm’s Investment Committee, handling many of the firm’s largest and most complicated portfolios. He also served as President of Boys, Arnold Trust Company and was responsible for Trust Company planning, formation and management. As Senior Vice President and Chief Trust Officer for Merrill Lynch Trust Company, Kyle was on the Investment Committee. He supervised all trust company administration and management in its Greensboro, Chicago, Bloomfield Hills, Columbus, and Washington, D.C., offices overseeing $1.7 billion in trust assets. Prior to joining Merrill, he served as Vice President and Regional Manager for Wachovia Bank of North Carolina’s Trust Division in the Piedmont Triad Region. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Kyle was a Managing Principal and Wealth Advisor at Altavista Wealth Management, which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2022. Kyle is an attorney and member of the Alabama, Georgia, and North Carolina State Bar Associations. He is a graduate of the University of Alabama, holds a law degree from Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law and is a graduate of the American Bankers Association National Trust School. He has served as a member of the Vestry of Trinity Episcopal Church in Asheville, North Carolina, and is on the board of directors of the Asheville Catholic School, Cradle of Forestry and National Independent Trust Company. Kyle lives in Asheville, North Carolina with his wife and two daughters.

L. Daniel Akers, Jr., CFP®, CPA

Partner, Managing Director

Daniel (Dan) Akers, Jr., is a Partner and Managing Director at Beacon Pointe Advisors 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. With over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, Dan spends his days serving high-net-worth individual and institutional clients and is known for going the extra mile, not just in helping to manage their finances but also walking with them through lifestyle concerns and transitions. Dan began his career in wealth management working as Vice President of Wachovia Trust Services and has previously served as Vice President for Merrill Lynch Trust Company of North Carolina and Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Dan served as a Wealth Advisor and Founding Principal of Altavista Wealth Management, which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2022. Dan graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia and earned his MBA from Wake Forest University. Dan holds the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) designation and is a Certified Public Accountant. He currently serves on the Professional Advisory Committee of the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina and is Chairman of the Blue Ridge Community Health Services Foundation, Inc. Outside of the office, Dan loves spending time with his wife and three sons, volunteering, practicing his semi-fluent Spanish, playing golf, and learning to fly fish.

Laine Ainsworth, CFP®

Partner, Managing Director

Laine holds the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) certification and has been an investment professional for over 25 years. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Wealth Advisors, Laine was a Founding Principal of Wealth Management Network, LLC. Laine is a member of the Dean’s Leadership Circle for the University of California at Irvine Paul Merage School of Business and is a Founding Executive Committee Member of the Center for Investment and Wealth Management at UC Irvine. Mr. Ainsworth is a member of the Hoag Hospital Diplomat Society and was a Charter Member of the PIMCO RIA Advisory Board. He is presently a member of the Chartered Financial Analysts Society of Orange County and has served on the Board of Directors of CASA Orange County. A California native, Laine earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the University of California at Los Angeles. He and his wife Lisa have a daughter who resides and works in New York City.

Lance Wexler

Partner, Senior Wealth Advisor

Lance Wexler is a Partner and Senior Wealth Advisor within Beacon Pointe’s Santa Cruz office and is responsible for coordinating with Beacon Pointe’s investment and financial planning teams to provide customized solutions that help clients meet their financial and legacy goals. Lance has over 25 years of experience and knowledge of investment management and financial planning. Learning about money, markets and small business management at an early age, Lance’s passion for financial services was fostered by his grandfather, Vern, who would hand him the business section of the paper and quiz him on the stocks they owned starting when he was only 8 years old.  Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Lance founded Nexus Wealth Advisors which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2022. He graduated from University of California, Santa Cruz with a degree in Economics and participated in coursework toward a Doctor of Clinical Psychology at Alliant International University in San Diego. In 2007, he completed the Business Professionals Course, a rigorous two-year professional program produced by The Aji Network. Lance is involved in several nonprofit organizations and is a member of the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County finance committee. Lance currently resides in Scotts Valley, California with his wife and two children, and his favorite activities include hiking, surfing, diving, tennis, nature photography, carving stone, connecting with people, and exploring and discovering the world with his children.

Landen L. Lunsway, CFP®

Partner, Managing Director

Landen Lunsway, CFP®, is a Managing Director at Beacon Pointe Wealth Advisors (BPWA) Arizona and is responsible for client service and new client development.  With over 14 years of experience in the financial industry, Landen has extensive knowledge of investments, insurance, tax, estate and retirement planning.  Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Wealth Advisors, Landen was a Portfolio Manager with Capital Investment Counsel, and prior to that worked with large investment advisory clients at Charles Schwab Advisor Services.  Landen graduated magna cum laude from Northern Arizona University with a B.S. in Finance.  He is a member of the Financial Planning Association (FPA) and holds the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) certification. He is an active champion of the Chris Freeman Scholarship through the NAU Foundation benefiting students whose lives have been impacted by cancer.  In his free time, Landen enjoys skiing, soccer, traveling and spending time with his wife and two daughters.

Leslie J. Reynoso, CFA®

Partner, Senior Wealth Advisor

Leslie Reynoso is a partner and a senior wealth advisor for the Beacon Pointe Dallas office. Leslie develops customized strategies to help individuals and families meet their financial goals.  She is also an advisor for the Dallas retirement plan clients and serves as the liaison between the company plan sponsors, third-party administrators and Beacon Pointe, to provide a seamless service experience. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Leslie spent the last 10 years as a wealth management advisor for Wealthstreet Investment Advisors, LLC and its predecessor firm Gerald L. Ray & Associates, Ltd. Leslie graduated with honors from Southern Methodist University, earning both a B.B.A. in Finance and B.A. in Spanish. She is a holder of the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation. In her free time, Leslie enjoys hiking, running, traveling, home projects, and spending time with her friends and family.

Liz Mitchell

Manager, Strategic Integration

Liz is a Manager within the Strategic Integration department at Beacon Pointe Advisors. She is responsible for partnering with Beacon Pointe’s investment and financial planning teams to provide the firm’s clients with a personalized service experience. Her duties include portfolio maintenance, onboarding of new relationships, performance reporting and client service. Liz graduated from Chapman University with a BS in Economics.  She is a member of the Saddleback Valley Chapter of National League with her twin daughters and in her free time enjoys skiing, boating, and travelling with her family and friends.

Loyd Wellman, CFP®

Financial Planning Specialist

Loyd Wellman is a Financial Planning Specialist at Beacon Pointe Advisors and is responsible for working with the firm’s clients to determine the best strategies to meet their financial goals. He has 11 years of experience in the financial services industry and previously served as a Financial Analyst for Midwest Financial Advisor Group (which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2023). Loyd graduated from Central Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in Finance and Accounting. He obtained his Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) designation in October 2020 and has begun his studies to obtain the CLU® (Chartered Life Underwriter) designation.  

Lynette L. Heil, CPA

Partner, Finance Director

Lynette brings an extensive financial and compliance background and oversees operations for Beacon Pointe’s Dallas office. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, she was a partner with Wealthstreet Investment Advisors, LLC and its predecessor firm Gerald L. Ray & Associates, Ltd., where she served as CFO and CCO for 10 years and was active in all aspects of strategic leadership. Prior to joining Wealthstreet, Lynette was a director in both the Sarbanes-Oxley and financial consulting practice of Tatum, LLC. There, she worked with private equity firms, providing project leadership for large scale projects and serving as interim CFO for firms in transition. Prior to that she served as CFO for several quickly growing start-up firms in the Dallas area. She earned a B.B.A. in Accounting from Texas State University, started her career with KPMG, and is a Certified Public Accountant. Lynette is an avid reader, enjoys traveling, socializing, and spending time with her husband Mark and their four adult children.

Marc S. Wolff

Partner, Managing Director

Marc Wolff is a partner and the Managing Director of the Beacon Pointe Sarasota and Bonita Springs, Florida offices and is responsible for working with clients to meet their investment and income objectives by providing clients with comprehensive financial guidance coupled with the highest level of service. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Marc founded Southern Trust Financial Planning, which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2021. Marc leverages over three decades of experience in investment services to craft custom solutions built on sound investment principles and detailed research and analysis. Marc has been awarded the Five Star Wealth Manager award. Marc earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Florida where he specialized in Finance, graduating with highest honors and a 4.0 grade point average. Outside the office Marc has traveled around the world with the Global Volunteers organization helping in third world countries. In 2010 he founded the Lou Komarov Memorial Scholarship, which awards qualifying high school seniors a 4-year university scholarship. Marc is an accomplished marathon runner, and enjoys spending time with his wife, Rechelle, and is a proud father to their four children Alexandria (Allie), Joshua, Maddison and Questin.

Maria Caracoza

Director of Human Capital

Maria is the Director of Human Capital and leads the Beacon Pointe Human Resources Department. Maria is responsible for providing strategic guidance and leadership for all aspects of the human resources function. This includes the development of HR policies, strategic staffing plans, recruitment, compensation, professional staff development, benefits, health and safety. Maria’s goal is to maximize effectiveness in the workforce, while continually promoting a positive, inclusive workplace. Previously, Maria worked for Javier’s for more than a decade, starting as a hostess and working her way up to Human Resources Manager. While working at Javier’s, she gained a lot of experience in Human Resources and went through the growing pains of opening two new restaurant locations. After her tenure at Javier’s, Maria moved to the Palm Springs area where she worked for FedEx as an Operations Administrator II-HR. She graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a bachelor’s in Social Ecology, and received her Human Resources Management Certificate from the University of California, Irvine. Outside of the office, Maria likes to spend time with her family, visit the beach, and go to concerts.

Mark Flint, CFA

Partner, Managing Director

Mark is responsible for working with Beacon Pointe’s Private Client Services Group. Mark assists individuals, businesses, and private foundations meet their financial goals through comprehensive planning and investment management. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Mark worked as a portfolio manager at Brandes Investment Partners and was an adjunct professor of finance at the University of San Diego. Mark graduated from the University of San Diego with a BA in international relations. He also received his MBA from the University of San Diego and holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. Mark is married with two sons, and lives with his family in San Diego, California.

Mark Moehlman

Partner, Managing Director

Mark Moehlman holds an MBA from the USC Marshall School of Business, and has dedicated his entire business career to helping others manage their wealth. Mark was born in Los Angeles and moved to Newport Beach in 1975, and has lived in Big Canyon for the past fifteen years. Mr. Moehlman founded Wealth Management Corporation, the first of its kind, in 1987, the same year he launched his Wealth Management Forum. Mark served as a trustee of the Orange County Employees Retirement System (O.C.E.R.S.) from 1993 to 1996, helping shepherd the fund virtually unscathed through the county’s bankruptcy. Mr. Moehlman was the Founding Chair of the Center for Investment and Wealth Management (C.I.W.M) of the UC Irvine Merage School of Business, and continues to be very active in both C.I.W.M. and the UCI Chancellor’s Club. Mark is married to Dr. Cherilyn Sheets, a prominent Newport Beach dentist, and has one daughter, Melisa, who lives and works in New York City.

 

Mark V. Mathers, CFP®

Partner, Managing Director

Mark Mathers has over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, primarily in financial planning, relationship management, and business development.  He most recently served as Managing Director of Boston Private Wealth, was a Senior Client Advisor with Silver Bridge and a Senior Financial Planning Consultant for the Bostonian Group.  Mark holds an honors degree in Business Studies from University of Ulster, a Certificate in Export Marketing from University of San Francisco, a Diploma in Philosophy from St. Patrick’s Seminary, and holds the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) certification.  Mark values collaboration, collegiality and integrity in the process of positively impacting the lives of his clients. He lives in Lynnfield, MA with his wife Kathleen and their three children. He enjoys soccer, Gaelic football and golf.

Matthew B. Cooper

Partner, President, Beacon Pointe Advisors

Matthew (Matt) is the founding partner and President of Beacon Pointe Wealth Advisors, a member of the Beacon Pointe family of companies and a partnership between Beacon Pointe and other wealth managers around the country. In addition, Matt is responsible for overseeing the Private Client Services Group at Beacon Pointe Advisors. Matt and the original Beacon Pointe partners founded the company in 2002. Matt has been featured in Financial Planning Magazine, Barron’s, Investment News, Financial Advisor IQ, and Forbes, among other publications, regularly speaking on a host of wealth management and industry-related topics. Matt’s passion is continuous lifetime learning, and at a time when the RIA industry is changing more rapidly than any other point in history, Matt’s focus is on building the best possible business to serve clients and to assist other wealth managers in meeting their lifetime goals for themselves, their teams and their businesses. Matt graduated from the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business with a BS in Finance and Business Economics. While at USC, Matt served as President for the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. He remains a supporter of both the University and the National Fraternity. Matt serves on the Advisory Committee of Serving People in Need (SPIN), is past President of Newport Mesa National Junior Basketball, past President of the Andersen Elementary School Foundation (DEANS), is a member of Legatus International, and also served on the Investment Committee of The Orange Catholic Foundation. He lives in Newport Beach with his wife and has three sons. Matt enjoys traveling, running and exercise, and spending time with his family.

Megan Farley

Manager, Strategic Integration

Megan is a member of the Strategic Integration Department and is primarily responsible for new office integration and operational and strategic project implementations across Beacon Pointe offices located throughout the country. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Megan attended the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina where she triple majored in Finance, Global Supply Chain and Operations Management and Human Resources Management. In her free time, Megan enjoys traveling, going to the beach and spending time with family and friends.

Michael Dow Jr.

Associate Analyst, Institutional Consulting Services

Michael is an associate within the Institutional Consulting Service Group at Beacon Pointe. His responsibilities range from preparing client performance reports and conducting asset allocation studies to investment research. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Michael worked for a Waste Management company in their accounting and data management departments. Michael earned his B.S. in Economics from Michigan State University and in his free time, he enjoys golfing, playing guitar, and going to the beach.

Michael G. Dow, CAIA, CFA, CPA

Chief Investment Officer

Michael is the Chief Investment Officer of Beacon Pointe Advisors and the Chairman of the Beacon Pointe Investment Committee. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Michael served as Managing Director and Head of US Core Plus Bonds, Head of Sovereign Credit Research, and Head of Emerging Market Corporate Debt at UBS Global Asset Management, where he was responsible for portfolio management, research, trading and strategy across the UBS global platform for these products. Prior to joining UBS, Michael was enrolled at the University of Chicago and studied in several post-graduate programs including Economics and in the School of Public Policy and had begun the core coursework in the PhD Finance program at the Chicago Booth School before returning to the capital markets in early 2008. He remains affiliated with the University of Chicago and has taught the undergraduate Intermediate Accounting course at Lake Forest College as an adjunct professor, and as a guest lecturer taught the fixed income and interest rate course sections of undergraduate finance and graduate quantitative finance programs at the University of Illinois, Northwestern University and Notre Dame University. Prior to academia Michael was an Investment Grade Corporate Bond Portfolio Manager at PIMCO and was the PIMCO Funds National Sales Manager, as well as a senior member of the Consultant Relations Group.  He started his career at Salomon Brothers as a fixed income salesman in the Private Investment Department. He received a BS in Accountancy from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where he played intercollegiate water polo, and his MBA in Finance from the University of Chicago.  Michael is a Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst, Chartered Financial Analyst, received his certificate to practice as a CPA (inactive) and is a member of the CFA and CAIA Societies of Chicago.  He is married and has four children, and lives with his wife in Western Springs, Illinois.

*CPA license is inactive

Michael H. Kane, CFA®

Partner, Managing Director

Michael Kane is a senior member of the advisory team at Beacon Pointe’s Dallas office and has over 30 years of investment experience. Michael has extensive experience working with individuals, families, and foundations an utilizes comprehensive strategies to help each client realize their financial goals. Michael earned a B.S. in Finance from Babson College, an M.B.A. from Southern Methodist University and he is a holder of the Chartered Financial Analyst ® designation.  Michael moved to Dallas in 1979, attended high school in the area and has developed deep roots.  He began his professional career as a market marker at the Chicago Board Options Exchange in 1989 and has been in the investment advisory business since 1991. He is active in the Dallas community and is currently serving as a trustee on the Board of Trustees for Legacy Senior Communities and as a member of the Investment Committee of the Dallas Jewish Community Foundation.  Away from the office, Michael enjoys spending time with his family (wife, son and two golden retrievers), traveling, hiking, cycling, and playing tennis.

Michael Himmel, CFP®

Partner, Senior Wealth Advisor

Michael Himmel is a wealth advisor in Beacon Pointe’s Vero Beach, Florida 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 joining Beacon Pointe, Michael committed to a broad array of financial management endeavors throughout his thirty-five-year career most recently in the role of founding Partner and Portfolio Manager for Essex Asset Management, as well as Portfolio Manager for BNY-Mellon, Hedge Fund Manager with Lambeth Master Fund, Ltd., Derivatives, Options and Physical Commodity Trader for Sinochem International London, and NYMEX futures broker for Shearson Lehman American Express. Michael received bachelor’s degrees in economics and financial management from the Catholic University of America. In addition to his degrees, Michael holds the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) designation and has received certificates for Financial Options Trading, Artificial Neural Networks Applications, Data Science Specialization, R-Programming, and Computational Finance. Michael enjoys helping families and clients to align their lives and their wealth.

Michael R. Beck

Partner, Managing Director

Michael Beck is a managing director and oversees the Beacon Pointe Dallas office and has nearly 40 years of experience in the financial services industry. He builds custom portfolios driven by his clients’ investment objectives and advises high-net-worth individuals and families, business owners, foundations, retirement accounts, and women in transition. As part of an comprehensive financial strategy, he works with his clients’ CPAs, estate attorneys and other key professionals in order to provide comprehensive financial planning. In addition to his wealth advisory responsibilities, Michael is a member of Beacon Pointe’s Securities Research Committee. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Michael was a managing director for Wealthstreet Investment Advisors, LLC. He began his career as a portfolio manager at Gerald L.  Ray and Associates, Ltd. in 1999 and before becoming a portfolio manager, he worked in investment banking and private equity. He has also served as an executive and financial officer for several companies in healthcare and retail. He received a B.A. in Economics and Business Administration from Vanderbilt University. Michael is married to his wife Patrice and they have two sons.

Michael Whittemore, CFA

Senior Strategic Investment Advisor

Michael brings over 18 years of industry experience and provides customized investment solutions that help clients meet their financial goals.  Previously, Michael spent two years with U.S. Trust serving as Portfolio Oversight Director where he led a team of portfolio managers responsible for the oversight and enforcement of fiduciary policy. Prior to U.S. Trust, Michael spent 11 years working with two independent Registered Investment Advisors. Michael earned his B.A. in Economics from Rutgers University and holds the CFA Charterholder designation. Michael resides in Monmouth County, NJ with his wife and two kids and enjoys travelling, golf and football, including passionately following his beloved New England Patriots.

Michele T. Sarna, AIF®, AWMA®, CFP®

Partner, Managing Director

Michele Sarna, AIF®, AWMA® is responsible for the development of financial plans that help clients identify and set goals for wealth accumulation and future needs, as well as establish priorities, leverage tax laws, and utilize financial products to their benefit. In addition, Michele specializes in qualified retirement plans, including plan design, implementation and management that help employers and employees reach their retirement savings goals. Michele has extensive experience in investment management and the brokerage industry. Michele took a hiatus from the financial industry when she moved to the desert to help her husband run and manage a construction business. However, a few years later, she decided to go back to her passion in financial services. She is also passionate about empowering women both personally and professionally and is an active member of Beacon Pointe’s Women’s Advisory Institute. She holds a Master of Science degree in Finance from Walden University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration/Finance from California State University, Long Beach.  Michele also holds the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), Accredited Investment Fiduciary™ and Accredited Wealth Management Advisor™ designations. Michele is a Notary Public. She is married and has four children. During her free time, she likes to spend time with her family, read, exercise and participate in races benefiting non-profit organizations.

Mike Breller

Managing Director, Institutional Consulting Services

Mike is responsible for the Institutional Group’s business development and servicing of Beacon Pointe’s institutional clients. In addition, he is a member of Beacon Pointe’s Investment Committee. As a consultant, his responsibilities included asset allocation, investment manager structure, and investment manager due diligence and evaluation. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Advisors, he worked for 11 years as a financial analyst and fund specialist for Capital Research and Management Company, the investment advisor to the American Funds. In these roles Mike performed the duties of liaison to the investment professionals for institutional clients, broker/dealer research and consulting groups.  Mike graduated, magna cum laude, from Boise State University with a BBA in Finance. While at BSU, Mike served one year as President for the Financial Management Association, Boise State Chapter. Mike currently Serves as a Trustee for the Irvine Public Schools Foundation and resides in Irvine, California with his wife and two daughters.

Mitchell Hughes

Senior Institutional Consultant

Mitchell (Mitch) is responsible for consulting Beacon Pointe’s institutional clients and handling new client development. He serves large foundations, endowments, non-profits, high net worth family offices as well as corporate 401(k) plans and institutional 403(b) plans. Mitch is a member of Beacon Pointe’s 401(k) committee and helps the firm maintain fiduciary standards and mandates issued by the regulatory authorities. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Mitch worked at Merrill Lynch with the Global Institutional Consulting Group and at J.W. Cole Financial as a financial analyst. Before his financial career, Mitch played NCAA ice hockey for Bethel University in Minnesota with a short stint of playing semi-professionally. He had been elected as the captain at various levels and was the “enforcer” for his teams. Mitch obtained his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of California, Irvine. He serves on the board of Upon this Rock Ministries and is an active member of Mariners Church in Irvine, CA.  Mitch is married and resides in Orange County, and in his spare time he enjoys golfing, surfing and mountain activities.

Nathaniel Brown

Director, Service Operations

Nathaniel is responsible for oversight of client services and investment operations for Beacon Pointe Wealth Advisors, bringing a solid analytical and process-oriented mindset to our team. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Nathaniel worked for Ironmark Advisors overseeing trading operations and investment due diligence. He graduated from Texas A&M University with a BA in Mathematics. Upon completion of a Masters of Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary, Nathaniel spent five years in the nonprofit world in roles of finance, operations, and program administration. Nathaniel and his wife have three children, and he is passionate about helping children in foster care and enjoys coaching sports teams for his kids.

Paige L. Goll

Principal, Senior Strategic Investment Advisor

Peter Gottlieb

Internal Business Development Associate, Mergers & Acquisitions

As part of the Partnership Integration Department, Peter works closely with Beacon Pointe’s Mergers & Acquisitions team pursuing new advisor partnership opportunities across the country. He is responsible for prospecting and outreach during these processes as well as optimizing internal relations for the M&A team. While attending Texas Christian University, Peter completed an internship with Beacon Pointe in the Newport Beach headquarters office before graduating with a degree in Finance. Outside of the office, he enjoys watching sports, exercising, and spending time with friends and family.

Raul Marquez

M&A Analyst

As an M&A Analyst, Raul is a member of the Partnership Integration team pursuing new advisor partnership opportunities across the country. He is responsible for helping oversee financial due diligence during these processes. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Advisors, Raul worked as an Investor Relations Intern at TD Ameritrade. Raul graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with a degree in Finance. Before completing his studies Raul honorable served six years enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Outside of the office, he enjoys exercising, reading, listening to music, and socializing with friends and family.

Rawles F. Bell, CIMA®

Partner, Managing Director

Rawles Bell is a Partner and Managing Director at Beacon Pointe Advisors and is responsible for working with clients to meet their investment and income objectives. With over a decade in the financial services industry, Rawles began his career as a financial advisor at RBC Wealth Management before moving to a client advisory role and Associate Partner at Benchmark Private Wealth Management (which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2022). Rawles graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Finance and Economics and is a Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) professional. A native of the Park Cities, Rawles currently resides with his wife and two daughters in Dallas and in his spare time enjoys golf, fishing, and flying.

Rebecca M. Smith

Wealth Advisor

Rebecca (Beckie) Smith is a Wealth Advisor 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 joining Beacon Pointe Advisors, Beckie gained experience in brokerage services and retirement planning at Charles Schwab, financial and insurance planning at USAA Investment Co. and most recently client service management at UBS Financial Services. Beckie graduated from Weber State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Marketing. In her free time, Beckie enjoys hiking, yoga, traveling and spending time with her husband and their boys.

Robert C. Kuchar

Controller

Robert (Bob) is the Controller for Beacon Pointe Advisors and is responsible for the accounting and finance functions of the firm.  Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Bob led accounting teams for various companies across industries such as cybersecurity, service, solar, for-profit education, and manufacturing.  He earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Northern Illinois University.  Bob and his wife reside in New River, AZ and share two adult children. In his free time, he enjoys playing basketball, traveling, sporting events, and attending rock concerts.

Robyn Marotta

Associate, Institutional Consulting Services

Robyn serves as an associate for Beacon Pointe’s Institutional Consulting Services Group. She is tasked with supporting Beacon Pointe’s institutional consultants’ business development efforts including completing requests for proposals, coordinating conferences and events, managing databases and other administrative duties. She possesses a strong eye for detail and phenomenal writing and communication skills. As a graduate of California State University, Long Beach, Robyn brings 15 years of experience within both non-profit and for-profit sectors. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Robyn’s background includes the areas of education, real estate and property management, and business development. Outside of the office, Robyn has a passion for international travel, cooking, spending time with friends and family, and finding the adventure in every day.

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.

Rocky Lin, CFA

Partner, Managing Director

Rocky manages the client service and trading operations of the Northern California office. He oversees the advice and portfolio strategies implemented in Northern California. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Rocky was the Chief Investment Officer of Excelcia Financial Group and the Portfolio Manager for Excelcia Capital Partners a Global Macro Hedge Fund. His background is in Macroeconomic research, Portfolio Construction and Derivatives Trading. Rocky graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a BA in Business Economics. He has earned the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and is a member of the CFA Society of San Francisco. Rocky resides in San Jose, California where he continues to enjoy his passion for Ice Hockey and Snowboarding.

 

Rose Bae

Compliance Specialist

Ryan Griffin

Senior Associate, Mergers & Acquisitions

As a Senior Mergers & Acquisitions Associate, Ryan works closely with Beacon Pointe’s Board of Directors on pursuing new advisor partnership opportunities across the country. Responsibilities include the recruitment of additional Beacon Pointe partner offices across the nation and assisting with the integration of new affiliate offices and individuals joining Beacon Pointe. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Ryan was a Regional Director at Dimensional Fund Advisors. Ryan attended the University of Texas at Austin where he graduated from the McCombs School of Business with a major in Business Finance and a certificate in Energy Management. Outside of the office, he enjoys being outdoors, playing golf and basketball with friends, and traveling.

Sara Alfaro

Associate, Institutional Consulting Services

Sara is an associate within the Institutional Consulting Services Group at Beacon Pointe. Her duties range from preparing client performance reports and conducting asset allocation studies to investment manager research. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Sara earned her B.S. in Finance from California Polytechnic San Luis Obispo. In her free time, Sara enjoys spending time with friends and family, going to the beach, and exercising.

Sara Drake

Senior Marketing Associate

Sara is a member of Beacon Pointe’s Marketing and Communications Department. Her responsibilities include digital marketing and social media management, public relations coordination, event management, marketing material oversight and content development, among other marketing-related responsibilities. Before Beacon Pointe, Sara conducted a fellowship at Innovia Foundation and prior to that she interned at Synergy Properties and Oakwood Worldwide.  Sara graduated from Gonzaga University where she double majored in Public Relations and Spanish. Outside of the office, Sara enjoys international travel and visiting her parents in Hong Kong, cooking and going to the beach.

Scott Plamondon, CLU®, ChFC®

Vice President, Beacon Pointe Insurance Services

Scott is responsible for overseeing and maintaining the firm’s insurance offerings in addition to supporting Beacon Pointe advisors and their clients across the country. For over two decades, Scott has focused on helping individuals and business owners plan for retirement, protect their families and businesses, and create their legacy by implementing strategies such as wealth preservation, liquidity planning, business continuity, executive compensation, charitable planning, capital asset maximization, life insurance policy analysis and long-term care planning. Scott earned his BA in Finance with a major in Accounting from New Hampshire College. He maintains both the Charted Life Underwriter and Chartered Financial Consultant certificates from the American College.  Scott was in the United States Air Force from 1984 to 1987. He was a Corporate Accountant in Boston, MA until he moved to Southern California in 1991.  Scott is married and has two daughters.  He enjoys sports, travel, and spending time with his family. CA Insurance License #0833283

Sean Curley, CFP®

Partner, Managing Director

Sean Curley is a partner and the managing director of Beacon Pointe’s Greenwood Village, CO office. Sean has spent his career helping clients prepare for and enjoy a secure and comfortable retirement in the context of an ongoing, long-term relationship. His recommendations are based on a careful understanding of each client’s specific situation, coupled with thorough analysis and an evidence-based approach to retirement issues and investment management. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Sean founded The Retirement Planning Specialists in 2001 (which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2021) and before that was an advisor with Foland, Curley & Associates and American Express Financial Advisors.  Sean is a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) and graduated from Penn State University, Phi Beta Kappa, with honors, having earned a B.S. in Computer Science, followed by a seven year stretch as a project manager and senior government analyst for American Management Systems in Arlington, VA and Lakewood, CO. He lives in Highlands Ranch, CO with Mary, his wife of 30 years, and their daughter, Erin, when she’s home from college.

Shannon Eusey

Shannon Eusey

Chief Executive Officer

Shannon is the Chief Executive Officer of Beacon Pointe Advisors and a member of Beacon Pointe’s Investment Committee. Prior to launching Beacon Pointe, Shannon served as Senior Managing Director and Portfolio Manager at Roxbury Capital Management and oversaw the socially responsible investments (SRI) for several years. Shannon is a member of the CNBC Financial Advisor Council and is regularly featured in The Wall Street Journal, InvestmentNews, Barron’s, Financial Planning Magazine, among other publications. In 2018 she was presented with the UC Irvine Lauds & Laurels Award and in 2017 the Orange County Business Journal Women in Business Award. Through Shannon’s passion for financial education, she is a founding member of the Beacon Pointe Women’s Advisory Institute and co-authored Your Dollars, Our Sense: A Fun and Simple Guide to Money Matters, an international best-selling book that has ranked #1 in six different business and finance categories.  Shannon graduated from the University of California, Irvine where she played Division I Volleyball and she received her MBA from the University of California, Los Angeles Anderson School of Business. Shannon is a member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO) for the Orange County Chapter, and serves or has served on numerous boards including the Sunwest Bank Board of Directors, the UCI Athletic Fund Board, the Charles Schwab Advisor Council, the TD Ameritrade Advisory Council, CNBC’s Advisory Council, as well as Scratchworks, a FinTech accelerator that connects innovative tech companies with investment and wealth management luminaries to advance the digital transformation of the financial services industry.  As a dedicated philanthropist, she has also served on the Children’s Hospital of Orange County Professional Advisory Committee, the Investment Committee of Sisters of St. Joseph in Orange, and served as the Executive Director of the HALO Foundation. Shannon is married, has four children, and lives with her husband in Newport Beach, California.

Sheryl W. Austin, CFP®, ChFC, CLU

Partner, Managing Director

Sheryl Austin is a Partner and Managing Director in Beacon Pointe’s North Carolina office and is responsible for partnering with Beacon Pointe’s investment, operations, and financial planning teams to provide customized solutions that help clients meet their financial goals.  With over thirty years of experience, Sheryl has earned a reputation for having a special place in her heart for the clients she loves to serve. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Sheryl was a Partner and Financial Advisor with DMJ Wealth Advisors, LLC.  Sheryl holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) designation as well as the Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) and Certified Life Underwriter (CLU) designations.  Sheryl is also an active member of the Beacon Pointe Women’s Advisory Institute and very active in her community with a passion for organizations that provide support for women and children, and those that fight hunger. Sheryl and her husband have three adult children and 12 remarkable grandchildren, and outside of the office she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.

Stephen Marshall

Director of Asset Allocation

Stephen oversees Beacon Pointe’s asset allocation efforts focusing on portfolio modeling and construction, and is also a significant contributor to the firm’s investment research and due diligence efforts. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Stephen was a Managing Director and the Head of Asset Allocation for Wilshire Consulting.  In his previous role, he was responsible for the development of broad investment policies and risk management of portfolios for clients including foundations, endowments, corporate and public defined benefit plans, defined contribution plans, and other asset pools. Stephen was instrumental in developing Wilshire’s proprietary Cost-Risk Optimization and Dynamic De-Risking models.  Stephen has an actuarial background, and brings extensive experience in asset/liability analysis to Beacon Pointe.  Stephen graduated from the University of New Orleans with a B.S. in Mathematics.  He speaks frequently on asset allocation and risk-related topics at industry conferences.  Stephen lives with his two sons in Orange, California.

Steven Bright

Partner, Senior Wealth Advisor

Steven is responsible for client servicing and new client development in Beacon Pointe’s South Carolina office and focuses on comprehensive financial planning, risk management and asset protection. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Steven served as a financial representative for Carolinas Wealth Management Group, Inc. before joining CDA Group as a private wealth manager. Steven graduated from Vanderbilt University before joining Carolinas Wealth Management Group, Inc.  Steven enjoys playing golf and spending time with his wife and their three children.

Susan Fritts

Manager, Client Service

Sue Fritts is responsible for client servicing in the Private Client Service Group of Beacon Pointe Wealth Advisors Newport Beach. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Sue was with the Wealth Management Network as their Director of Operations for 3 years. Sue is very active in her children’s school and their PTA. She also is involved with Our Lady Queen of Angels as a religious education instructor. Sue enjoys reading, photography, and any sports involving her three children. She is currently enrolled at UC Irvine taking classes in financial management, coaching lacrosse, and spending time with her family.

Tom O’Connor, CFP®, CFA

Senior Financial Planner

Tom O’Connor is a Senior Financial Planner at Beacon Pointe Advisors. With over thirty years of experience, Tom is responsible for helping clients develop, execute, and maintain a strategic financial plan in order to achieve their personal and financial goals. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Tom ran the investment management arm of a federally chartered bank, while supervising operations for securities and insurance. Tom earned a BS in Computer Science from Purdue University, his MBA in Finance and Statistics from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and holds the Certified Financial Planner® and Chartered Financial Analyst designations. Tom resides in Laguna Niguel, CA with his fiancée. Outside of the office, he enjoys reading, staying active outdoors, and spending time with family and friends.

Tom Stefaniak, CFP®

Managing Director, Partner

Thomas (Tom) Stefaniak, CFP®, is a Managing Director at Beacon Pointe Advisors and is responsible for client service and new client development. With more than 30 years of expertise in the financial services industry, Tom has a passion for building relationships that go far beyond finances. Tom started his career as a Financial Planner with IDS/American Express in 1987. He quickly rose to the level of District Manager and received numerous awards for client service. In 1998, Tom co-founded Pinnacle Wealth Management, a boutique firm in Denver, Colorado (which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2023). Tom graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a double major in Real Estate and Finance, holds the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) designation, and is a member of the Financial Planning Association. Outside of the office, Tom enjoys golfing, traveling (whenever his schedule can allow it), and spending time with his wife and his three adult children.

Tommy Derrick

Director, Insurance Services

As Director of Insurance Services, Tommy is responsible for overseeing and maintaining the firm’s insurance offerings in addition to supporting Beacon Pointe Advisors and their clients across the country. With nearly 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, Tommy has consulted with hundreds of advisors and clients around risk management issues involving Estate Planning, Business Continuity and Succession Planning, Wealth Transfer, and Personal Protection. Tommy began his career in the Financial Services industry at Prudential, where he served as the Manager of Financial Services. In 2001, Tommy worked for the Royal Bank of Canada where he built an insurance program inside a regional bank, eventually taking their proprietary insurance product portfolio to independent brokerage. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, he held the Regional Director role at First Protective (now Concourse Financial Group), where he worked to develop business with Independent Advisors, Wealth Managers, and Private Bankers. Tommy graduated from Clemson University in 1989, where he earned a B.S. in Financial Management with an emphasis in Insurance. Tommy is a past qualifying member of the Million Dollar Round Table® and holds the designations of CLTC® and LUTCF®. Tommy currently resides in Greenville, South Carolina with his wife of 32 years, Cathy and their son Clark. In his free time, Tommy enjoys coaching a U11 travel baseball team, playing golf, tailgating Clemson games with friends and family, and taking long Jeep rides with his wife.

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.

Wayne C. McCullough, CFP®

Partner, Managing Director

Wayne McCullough is a Partner and Managing Director at Beacon Pointe Advisors and is responsible for client service and new client development. A veteran of the financial services industry, Wayne taps into his vast experience, industry acclaim and relationship-based partnerships with clients to provide top of the line service and expertise. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Wayne served as the President and Managing Partner for Benchmark Private Wealth Management (which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2022). A sixth generation Texan, Wayne received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas and holds the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) designation. Wayne resides in Dallas with his wife and children, and is actively involved with many non-profit organizations, including the Salesmanship Club of Dallas.

William Flower

Accounting Manager

William (Billy) Flower is the Accounting Manager for Beacon Pointe Advisors and is responsible for various accounting and finance functions of the firm.  Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Billy had been part of accounting teams in the cybersecurity and legal industries.  He earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Master of Science in Accounting from Grand Canyon University.  Billy resides in Gilbert, Arizona and likes to spend time golfing, biking, traveling, discovering new restaurants, and spending time with family and friends.

William Thompson

Director, Institutional Consulting Services

Bill Thompson possesses over 20 years of institutional portfolio, risk management, and leadership experience. He advises institutional clients on strategic investment planning and portfolio construction including asset allocation, manager selection, investment program evaluation, performance measurement, and governance. Bill has extensive experience working with board members, senior executives, and investment committee members to understand an institution’s investment and financial goals to thoughtfully construct an investment strategy that is synergistic to the respective mission of each organization. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Bill led the institutional business practice as Director of the Endowments and Foundations Group at Litman Gregory Asset Management, and prior to that served as Managing Director at Cambridge Associates. Bill earned his BA from Denison University and his MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Bill serves on the Board of Directors for Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford, where he chairs the Audit, Compliance, and Enterprise Risk Committee. Bill resides in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife and three children.

Zach Congelliere

Senior Associate, Strategic Integration

Zach is a member of the Strategic Integration Department and is primarily responsible for new office integration and operational and strategic project implementations across Beacon Pointe offices located throughout the country. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Zach was a Financial Representative at Fidelity Investments. Zach attended California State University, Fullerton, where he received a B.A. in Advertising. Zach is married and lives with his wife and newborn daughter. Outside of the office, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing golf, traveling, trying new restaurants, and watching sports.

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Alisa Garnek, CFP®, CDFA®, MSTFP

Senior Financial Planner

Alisa Garnek holds the Certified Financial Planner™ designation as well as the Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®) designation. and is responsible for working with the firm’s clients to determine the best strategies to meet their financial goals. Alisa brings 20 years of experience in financial planning, wealth management, financial services, tax preparation, accounting services, and retirement planning strategies. Alisa graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from University of Delaware. She also holds a Master of Science in Taxation and Financial Planning from Widener University.

Alisha Rosenthal, CFP®, CRC®

Partner, Managing Director

Alisha Rosenthal is a Partner and Managing Director of Beacon Pointe’s Fort Worth office, providing customized wealth management solutions to her clients. Through comprehensive planning and investment management, Alisha develops strategies to help clients meet their financial goals. Alisha began her career in various positions in the staffing industry before transitioning to financial services, eventually becoming a financial advisor at Rosenthal Retirement Planning. Alisha graduated from the University of Texas with a bachelors degree in English and holds the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) and Certified Retirement Counselor (CRC®) certifications. In her spare time, Alisha enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, exercising, and playing the piano.

Allen Ferguson, CFP®

Partner, Senior Wealth Advisor

Allen Ferguson is a Partner and Senior Wealth Advisor at Beacon Pointe Advisors. With over a decade of experience in the financial services industry, Allen’s knowledge and expertise are only matched by his passion for providing a total solution to his clients’ financial needs. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Allen was an Associate Partner and Client Advisor at Benchmark Private Wealth Management (which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2022). Allen received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas and his MBA from Baylor University with a concentration in Finance. Additionally, he is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) professional. Allen resides in Dallas with his wife and children, and is an active member of his local community.

Allie Hines

Senior Business Development Associate

Allie is a Senior Business Development Associate for the Beacon Pointe National Sales Team. She is responsible for coordinating firmwide initiatives with the business development, operations, and marketing departments to support firm growth initiatives through strategic planning and implementation. She has a background in event management, marketing program development, staff development, and project management for various software platforms. Allie graduated from the University of Kansas with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing. She currently resides in Phoenix, Arizona with her dog, and in her free time, Allie enjoys sporting events, hiking, traveling and spending time with family.

Allison Hillgren Warner, MCM

Chief Marketing Officer

Allison (Alli) is the Chief Marketing Officer at Beacon Pointe. Her responsibilities include brand management, website oversight, marketing material design, presentation development, podcast and video creation, social media and content management, and market research, among other areas of focus. She graduated from the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California where she was captain of the Division 1, Pac-12, USC women’s volleyball team. She also received a Masters in Communication Management (MCM) from the Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism at USC.  Alli is very passionate about financial education. She is a founding member of the Beacon Pointe Women’s Advisory Institute and recently co-authored Your Dollars, Our Sense: A Fun and Simple Guide to Money Matters, an international best-selling book that has ranked #1 in six different business and finance categories. She also served as a past committee member for UC Irvine’s Center for Investment & Wealth Management Financial Literacy Summer Residential Program for four consecutive years. Outside of the office, Alli volunteers her time working with her family’s non-profit organization serving the military sector, The Patriots Initiative. She also enjoys being in the outdoors horseback riding, golfing, traveling, and spending time with family. Alli is engaged to be married and currently resides in Newport Beach, California.

Andrew Hoang, CFP®

Financial Planner

Andrew Hoang, CFP®, is a Financial Planner at Beacon Pointe Advisors and is responsible for helping clients develop, execute, and maintain a strategic financial plan in order to achieve their personal and financial goals. Andrew holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Finance with a concentration in Financial Planning from California State University, Fullerton. Prior to Beacon Pointe, he worked at Wells Fargo Bank for over eight years where he was responsible for helping affluent and business clients meet their banking and cash flow needs. Outside of work, Andrew enjoys attending music events, travelling abroad, and various outdoor activities. He currently resides in Mission Viejo, CA with his wife and son.

Andrew Howard

Associate Analyst, Institutional Consulting Services

Andrew is an associate within the Institutional Consulting Service Group at Beacon Pointe. His responsibilities range from preparing client performance reports and conducting asset allocation studies to investment research. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Andrew earned his B.S. in Business Administration from California Baptist University. In his free time, he enjoys playing basketball and golf, and spending time with family.

Andrew R. Reinhardt, CFP®

Partner, Managing Director

Andrew Reinhardt, CFP®, is a Managing Director at Beacon Pointe Wealth Advisors (BPWA) Arizona and is responsible for client service and new client development. Andy has specific expertise in the financial planning areas of retirement analysis, investment management, insurance, and tax and estate planning. Andy is a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) and he is also a member of the Financial Planning Association. Andy has spent over 15 years in facilitating growth and asset protection strategies for both high net worth individuals and families. Prior to joining BPWA, Andy was at Capital Investment Counsel and served as an investment consultant with Charles Schwab. He also worked for Hackett Investment Advisors as a Portfolio Manager. Andy has degrees in Business Administration and Exercise Science, with emphasis in Finance and Management, from Northern Arizona University, where he was a member of the Track & Field team and earned All-Conference and All-American honors as a sprinter and scholar.

Annie Parrish, SHRM-CP

Human Resources Manager

Annie is a Manager within the Human Resources Department at Beacon Pointe Advisors responsible for recruiting and onboarding efforts, supporting the implementation and management of the firm’s HRIS system, administration of benefits programs, and day-to-day human resource operations. Annie began her career in human resources at Delaware North, a hospitality company that helps staff sporting arenas. She started as an HR Coordinator and transitioned to their HR Manager. Annie graduated from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities with a bachelor’s degree in Sports Management. Annie was born and raised in Huntington Beach but now resides in Minneapolis, MN. She is an advocate for animals and has been vegan for the past 8 years. Outside of the office, Annie loves going to hockey games and checking off every arena on her bucket list.

Ariana Ivins

Senior Associate, Billing

Ariana is a member of the Finance & Accounting Department at Beacon Pointe Advisors. She is responsible for account audits, revenue reporting, and client billing across all Beacon Pointe offices located throughout the country. Ariana obtained a degree from the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences, focusing in Audio Engineering. She lives in Phoenix, Arizona and spends her free time outside or in a yoga studio.

Austin Kastenberg

Senior Associate Analyst, Institutional Consulting Services

Austin is a Senior Associate within the Institutional Consulting Services Group at Beacon Pointe Advisors. His duties range from preparing performance reports to conducting asset allocation studies to providing investment research and due diligence. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Austin worked as a commercial insurance broker and was also a graduate student researcher in Economics and Management. Austin earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Los Angeles and received his MBA in Finance from the Fowler College of Business at San Diego State University. Outside of the office, Austin enjoys spending time with family and friends, travelling, being outdoors, and staying active.

Austin Rouk, CFP®

Wealth Advisor

As part of Beacon Pointe’s Strategic and Financial Advising Department, Austin is responsible for helping private clients determine and achieve their financial goals. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and initially attended Concordia University and played on the Men’s Basketball Team, transferring to Oklahoma State University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. Outside of the office, Austin still enjoys playing basketball as well as golf, going to the gym, and spending time with family and friends. Austin is married and resides with his wife in Aliso Viejo, California.

Bo Ward, CFP®

Partner, Managing Director

Bo is a Managing Director at Beacon Pointe Wealth Advisors and is responsible for client service and new client development. With over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, Bo has extensive knowledge of investments and financial planning. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Bo co-founded Ironmark Advisors LLC in Plano, Texas, a boutique financial planning firm serving high net worth clients. Prior to that, Bo worked for American Express, enjoying an accomplished career as a Senior Financial Advisor, spending several years in key leadership roles. Bo holds the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) certification and graduated from Texas A&M University. He serves on various charitable boards and committees. He and his wife have been blessed with two wonderful daughters and, in his spare time, Bo enjoys playing tennis, traveling, hunting and volunteering at his church.

Bob Van Wetter

Partner, Managing Director

Bob Van Wetter is the Managing Director of the Beacon Pointe Advisors Denver office and is responsible for client service and new client development. Bob is energized by the challenge of helping his clients make sense of a changing world and developing strategies to build and preserve wealth. Bob first started working in the investment industry as a runner on the floor of the Pacific Stock Exchange starting in 1983. Bob co-founded Northstar Investment Advisors in 1995 to better serve individuals and families looking for wealth management services in the Denver area. Bob is a graduate of Dartmouth College and has served on a number of nonprofit boards, including the Colorado Ski Museum, the Children’s Museum of Denver, Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado, Denver B-Cycle and the finance committee of the Colorado Health Foundation. He currently serves as chair of the finance committee for the Lutheran Medical Foundation. Outside of the office, Bob enjoys being out in the mountains, participating in outdoor activities, and spending time with his wife and three grown children.

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.

Brad Meyer, CFP®

Wealth Advisor

As a Wealth Advisor for Beacon Pointe, Brad 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 joining Beacon Pointe, Brad was a Wealth Planner Assistant at Pinnacle Wealth Management (which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2023) and before that, worked at Edward Jones as a Wealth Advisor. Brad earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Creighton University and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) designation holder.  Outside of the office, Brad enjoys watching sports, spending time outdoors hiking, camping, and playing pickleball.

Brandon Lewellen

Senior M&A Analyst

As part of the Partnership Integration Department, Brandon works closely with Beacon Pointe’s Board of Directors on pursuing new advisor partnership opportunities across the country. He is responsible for helping oversee financial due diligence during these processes. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Advisors, Brandon worked as an Analyst at Fidelity Investments. Brandon graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with a degree in Finance, where he remains actively involved in the University’s Alumni mentorship program. Outside of the office, he enjoys exercise, playing chess, and climbing the next mountain.

Brandt Kuhn, CFP®

Partner, Managing Director

Brandt Kuhn, CFP® is a financial planning focused advisor. He creates financial plans that help clients identify and set goals for wealth accumulation and future needs, as well as establish priorities, take advantage of tax laws, and utilize financial products to their benefit.  In addition, Brandt specializes in qualified retirement plans, including plan design, implementation and management that help employers and employees reach their retirement savings goals. After graduating from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a concentration in Financial Management, Brandt came home to the Palm Springs area. Brandt holds the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) certification.  He serves on the board of the Desert Recreation District Foundation, the Advisory Board of The First Tee of the Coachella Valley, and the Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce. He is also a graduate of the prestigious Leadership Coachella Valley program and serves on the Alumni Council.  Brandt enjoys golf, snowboarding, and spending time with his wife and their black lab/beagle, Abby.

Brian L. Coughlan, MSIM

Partner, Managing Director

Brian Coughlan is a Managing Director at Beacon Pointe Wealth Advisors (BPWA) Arizona and is responsible for client service and new client development. Brian is also a member of the Beacon Pointe Investment Committee. Brian has 16 years of investment experience with major banks and private money management firms. In addition to his expertise in customized portfolio management, investment recommendations and financial planning, he has also underwritten municipal bond issues throughout the United States, and is a visiting Professor of Finance in the Keller Graduate School of Management’s MBA program. Currently pursuing his Chartered Financial Analyst accreditation, Brian is a member of the CFA Institute and the Phoenix Society for Financial Analysts (PSFA). He holds an MBA and a Master of Science degree in Information Management from the W.P. Carey School of Business and graduated with a degree in Finance from the University of Arizona. In his spare time, Brian enjoys playing golf, hiking, camping and spending time with his family.

Brian Plowman, CFP®

Associate Wealth Planner

Brian Plowman is an Associate Wealth Planner at Beacon Pointe Wealth Advisors Arizona and is responsible for partnering with clients and their advisors to provide customized solutions that help clients meet their financial goals. Prior to joining the firm, Brian spent nine years working in the financial services industry including four years as an Investment Advisor Representative. He holds the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) certification. He earned his B.A. in Finance from Washington State University in Pullman, WA and relocated from Seattle to Arizona in 2019 with his wife, son and three cats. In his free time, Brian enjoys spending sunny afternoons watching baseball and taking every opportunity to explore his new community.

Brittany Mangrum, CFP®

Senior Financial Planner

Brittany Mangrum is a Senior Financial Planner at Beacon Pointe and is responsible for working with the firm’s clients to determine the best strategies to meet their financial goals. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Brittany spent five years working for various RIAs, financial planning for individuals in the entertainment industry, and top executives. She also spent two years preparing income tax returns for high-net-worth individuals, partnerships, S-Corps, and non-profits. Brittany graduated from Colorado State University Northridge with a concentration in Financial Planning and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™. She also earned her Master of Science in Taxation (MST) degree from Colorado State University Northridge focusing on the taxation of partnerships, corporations, estate taxation and planning, income taxation of estates and trusts, tax aspects of charitable giving, and the taxation of real estate. Outside of the office, Brittany enjoys snowboarding, hiking, and chasing around her fearless toddler son.

Bruce Meyer, JD, LL.M.

Partner, Senior Managing Director

Bruce is the Senior Managing Director of BPWA AZ and is responsible for the BPWA AZ office. Prior to joining BPWA AZ Bruce was the Managing Director of Copperwynd Financial, a Scottsdale based investment firm. Bruce earned a B.A. from Lake Forest College, Lake Forest, IL; a J.D. from I.I.T.-Chicago-Kent College of Law, Chicago, IL; and a LL.M. in Taxation from the University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL. Additionally, Bruce holds a CPA designation (inactive). Bruce is active in the community and has served on various boards and committees for the National Kidney Foundation of AZ, The Phoenix Children’s Hospital, The Phoenix Boy’s Choir and Congregation Beth Israel. Bruce has been married to Pam since 1986 and has three children. In his spare time, he enjoys golf, skiing, and relaxing with friends and family.

Burk Rosenthal, CFP®, ChFC®, CRC®, CFS

Partner, Managing Director

Burk is a partner and managing director of Beacon Pointe’s Fort Worth office.  He has been advising clients for over 30 years on strategies designed to help preserve and manage wealth. After two years with a large financial services firm, Burk established his own firm in 1992, where he was founder and president of Rosenthal Retirement Planning & Rosenthal Advisory Services for many years prior to merging with Beacon Pointe Advisors.  Burk is a member of the Financial Planning Association and has earned the following certifications: CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, Chartered Financial Consultant, Certified Retirement Counselor, and Certified Fund Specialist.  Burk is especially adept at helping with the special challenges people face during times of transition, such as retirement, divorce, death of a spouse, or the sale of a business. Burk was named to D Magazine’s Best Financial Planners of 2022 in the greater Fort Worth – Dallas community and has appeared on CNBC, CBS News, ABC News, and served as a retirement specialist on TXA-21 Evening News. He has also hosted the radio show and podcast Your Money. Burk lives in Fort Worth and enjoys spending time with his wife, Alisha, and twin daughters, Regan and Natalie. He also enjoys traveling, red wine, muscle cars, old-time radio shows from the 1940s and 50s, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and has most recently taken up golf.

Carlin Lawlor

Senior Strategic Integration Coordinator

Carlin is a member of the Strategic Integration Department and is primarily responsible for new office integration and operational and strategic project implementations across Beacon Pointe offices located throughout the country. Carlin is currently working towards her degree in Finance from Arizona State University. In her free time, she enjoys traveling as well as spending time with her family and friends.

Catherine Prentice, IACCP®

Director of Compliance

Cathi oversees the firm’s compliance operations. Previously, Cathi served as the Client Services Manager for Syndicated Capital, a brokerage startup based in Irvine, California. Prior to that, Cathi served as Client Services Manager at Brookstreet Securities. Cathi has received the Investment Advisor Certified Compliance Professional® (IACCP®) designation.  Cathi attended Texas Women’s University and lives with her family in Irvine, California.

Chad Weatherman, CFP®

Wealth Advisor

Chad Weatherman is a Financial Planner who specializes in serving healthcare professionals and corporate executives who have tax complexity associated with business partnerships and stock ownership. Chad has over a decade of experience collaborating with clients to help them determine their financial goals and align them with their life and their wealth. Chad graduated from North Carolina State University and holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) designation. Chad is married to his college sweetheart and they have two sons who eat their budget away (literally!). In his free time, Chad enjoys chasing his boys on hiking trails, building sandcastles at the beach, and jamming out on concert date nights.

Chandler Hammersla

M&A Analyst

As an M&A Analyst, Chandler is a member of the Partnership Integration team pursuing new advisor partnership opportunities across the country. She is responsible for helping oversee financial due diligence during these processes. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Advisors, Chandler worked as a Senior Analyst at Goldman Sachs within a Valuations and Reporting group focused specifically on debt funds. Chandler graduated magna cum laude from Elon University with a major in Accounting and a minor in Finance. During her time at Elon, Chandler spent four months studying Business and Culture in Barcelona, Spain. Outside of the office, she enjoys traveling, attending exercise classes, and spending time with family and friends.

Charles E. Carrick, CFP®, ChFC

Partner, Managing Director

Charles (Chuck) Carrick is a Partner and Senior Wealth Advisor in Beacon Pointe’s North Carolina office and brings 30+ years of financial planning experience to the clients he serves.  Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Advisors, Chuck was the Managing Partner for two decades at DMJ Wealth Advisors, LLC (DMJWA).  While at DMJWA, Chuck worked hard alongside industry professionals to develop a deep, substantive planning approach, which considered each client’s unique needs.  He was also a Partner at Advanced Planning Concepts , prior to a merger with DMJWA where he worked with small business owners to develop and executive benefit plans to reward, retain and recruit key staff. Chuck graduated with honors from Guilford College and holds both the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) designations.  Chuck previously participated in Leadership North Carolina, an initiative aimed at integrating economic development, education, environment, government, and health programs throughout the state. Although he resides in Greensboro, North Carolina, Chuck is originally from Baltimore, Maryland and still is an avid Orioles fan.

Charlie Duncan, CFP®, AIF®, ChFC®

Partner, Managing Director

Charlie Duncan is a Partner and the Managing Director of the Carlsbad, CA office of Beacon Pointe Advisors.  After graduating from the University of San Diego with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, he worked for the Principal Financial Group for 13 years assisting families and small businesses with their financial planning needs.  In 1999 he decided to become independent and formed Duncan Investment Advisors (dba Duncan Financial) which he ran for 23 years before merging with Beacon Pointe.  During the 35 years he has spent in the financial services industry, Charlie and his firm have helped over 1,000 families and individuals meet their financial goals by achieving financial independence and smoothly transitioning into retirement.  He is a specialist in the areas of investment management and retirement planning, and Charlie holds the Certified Financial Planner, Accredited Investment Fiduciary, and Chartered Financial Consultant designations.  As the dad of a son who has autism Charlie serves on the Board of Directors of Beacons, Inc (no relation), a nonprofit that provides vocational, recreational, and social services to young adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities.  He is actively involved with several other charities, including HALO (Helping Autism Through Learning Outreach) as well as the University of San Diego Athletic Department.  His eldest daughter lives and works in New York City while his youngest daughter just graduated from college and lives and works in Los Angeles. Charlie and his very patient wife of 30 years live with their son in Encinitas.  He tries to read a book every two weeks and when he isn’t working on completing his private pilot certification Charlie can be found golfing, traveling, or spending time with his family.

Charlie Farrell, J.D.,LL.M.

Partner, Managing Director

Charlie Farrell, J.D.,LL.M, is the Managing Director of the Beacon Pointe Advisors Denver office and is responsible for working with clients to meet their investment and income objectives. Charlie focuses on managing wealth for individuals, families, and business owners, providing the full continuum of personal and family wealth management, through all the phases of his clients’ financial lives. Charlie began his career as a tax attorney helping business owners establish and fund corporate retirement plans. While working with owners who eventually retired, Charlie often received questions from clients about how to live off their money during retirement. These conversations ultimately sparked Charlie’s desire to work in investment management, prompting him to leave the legal and tax field. Charlie is the author of the book, Your Money Ratios: 8 Simple Tools for Financial Security. He is also the author of a monthly column known as the “Road to Retirement” for the Denver Post and has contributed to numerous industry publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Money Magazine, Consumer Reports Money Advisor and Barron’s. Charlie has a bachelor’s degree from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA, and a law degree from The American University Washington College of Law in Washington, D.C., where he graduated summa cum laude. He also holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in taxation from the Case Western Reserve University School of Law. Charlie is a former board member of the Mountain Area Land Trust and the Denver Public Library Friends Foundation. Charlie currently resides in Golden, Colorado with his wife, and in his spare time enjoys fly fishing and riding horses.

Chloe Trimarche

Marketing & Communications Associate

Chloe is an Associate within Beacon Pointe’s Marketing and Communications Department. Her responsibilities include digital marketing and social media management, public relations coordination, event management, marketing material oversight, and content development, among other marketing-related responsibilities. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Chloe was an intern for The Hartford Financial Services Group and Maricopa County in Phoenix, Arizona. She also previously held roles as a college ambassador for Hint Water and Bumble. Chloe earned her Business Communication degree from the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University, along with a Certificate in Tri-Sector Leadership. Outside of the office, Chloe enjoys spending time with family and friends, soaking up the sun, and traveling.

Chris Clark

Learning and Development Coordinator

Chris Clark serves as the Learning & Development Coordinator for Beacon Pointe. He is responsible for advancing in-person and virtual training experiences for Beacon Pointe employees and maintaining the firm’s learning management system. Chris has a background in teaching and coaching and is well versed in various learning systems and is experienced in implementing functions within two fast-growing companies. Chris graduated from the University of South Dakota with a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and earned his master’s degree in Sports Management while coaching women’s basketball at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Chris currently resides in the Minneapolis area and enjoys traveling, golfing, and other fun activities with his wife and two girls.

Christopher F. Palermo, CFA, CFP®

Partner, Managing Director

Chris Palermo, CFA, CFP®, is a Managing Director at Beacon Pointe Wealth Advisors (BPWA) Arizona and is responsible for client service and new client development. Chris brings over 15 years of investment experience. As a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) and a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) professional, Chris specializes in portfolio management with an emphasis on financial, retirement, estate, tax and insurance planning, and focuses on providing investment solutions that are tailored to each client’s specific goals. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Wealth Advisors, Chris was at Capital Investment Counsel, and prior to that, a portfolio manager with Northern Trust in Phoenix where he managed assets for high net worth individuals, foundations and non-profit organizations. Previous to Northern Trust, he worked for Charles Schwab where his various roles included asset management, derivative trading, and conducting investment seminars across the United States. Chris graduated from Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a major in Finance. Furthermore, he is a member of the Phoenix CFA Society and the Phoenix Financial Planning Association. In his free time, Chris enjoys golfing, traveling and spending time with his wife and two children.

Commie Stevens, JD

Chief Practice Officer

Commie designed and oversees the firm’s approach to financial and estate planning. She works closely with individuals and their families to best utilize their wealth to meet their lifetime and legacy goals. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Advisors, Commie practiced as an estate planning attorney at Albrecht and Barney and served as the Director of Estate Planning for Pacific Life Insurance Company. She earned her Juris Doctor from Pepperdine University School of Law, her BA in Economics from the University of California at Irvine, is a member of the State Bar of California and an Investment Advisor Representative (Series 65). She has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, US News & World Report, The Street, Financial Advisor IQ, The National Financial Educators Council, The Journal of Practical Estate Planning and The University of California, Irvine’s Wealth Management Frontier Journal. Commie is passionate about financial education and regularly speaks on a host of financial and estate planning topics and has been a guest lecturer at The Paul Merage School of Business at the University of California at Irvine and Stanford University. She is also is a founding member of the Beacon Pointe Women’s Advisory Institute and co-authored Your Dollars, Our Sense: A Fun and Simple Guide to Money Matters, an international best-selling book that has ranked #1 in six different business/finance categories. Commie has served as the Governance Chair for Hi Hopes Identity Discover Foundation. Commie enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters and resides in Laguna Niguel, California.

Courtney Shields

Senior Compliance Associate

Crystal Garner

Principal, Senior Wealth Advisor

Darin Simonian, CFP®, CPA

Partner, Managing Director

Darin Simonian is a Partner and Managing Director at Beacon Pointe Advisors and is responsible for working with clients to meet their planning, investment, and income goals. With more than three decades of industry experience, Darin specializes in sophisticated investment design, business and tax planning, asset protection and estate planning for families and individuals. He discovered his passion for financial and tax business while attending Whittier College and majoring in Business and Accounting and working for three years at the local CPA firm. Over time, he worked at Arthur Young & Co. (Now Ernst & Young), as an auditor and in their Mergers and Acquisitions department and became a CPA.  Darin transitioned to financial services in 1989, working for sophisticated investor David Murdock (Pacific Holding Company) as a financial analyst on acquisitions and reporting before venturing out on his own in 1991 to form what evolved to be Newport Wealth Strategies (which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2021). Darin is a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), and a licensed CPA though the license is currently inactive as he is not-practicing. A California native, Darin has three grown daughters and lives with his wife of 25 years. In his spare time he enjoys playing a variety of sports and spending time with his family.

David Emmes, MBA

Partner, Managing Director

David Emmes is a partner and managing director with over four decades of professional experience advising high-net-worth families, individuals, institutions, and business owners. David’s previous experience includes working in both venture capital and the derivative industry, most recently as U.S. Markets President – West for BNY Mellon Wealth Management. Prior to merging with Beacon Pointe Advisors in 2021, David was managing partner at Pacific Edge Advisors. David graduated from California State University Long Beach with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Business Administration, and he currently serves on the Board of the Orange County Museum of Art as an emeritus trustee. Outside of the office, David enjoys beach volleyball, golf and mountain biking.

David Le, CFP®

CTO, Wealth Advisor

David Le serves as Chief Technology Officer for Beacon Pointe and is responsible for the firm’s technology strategy and architecture, including the development of shared application platforms and services used by all teams throughout the company. David has more than 15 years of experience in technology, with expertise in building and developing enterprise systems. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, he worked at the Irvine Ranch Water District, where he spent 7 years in various technical and management roles overseeing their Enterprise Resource & Planning (ERP) and Geographic Information System (GIS) systems. Concurrent to his role, David is also a Wealth Advisor in Beacon Pointe’s Private Client Services Group and is dedicated to providing his clients with individually tailored solutions and strives to achieve the optimal alignment between their wealth, values and goals. He holds the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) designation. David earned his Masters in Business Administration from the University of California, Irvine and holds a Bachelors of Arts in Business Economics from the University of California, Riverside. He has been a guest lecturer at The Paul Merage School of Business at the University of California, Irvine. In his free time, David enjoys trying new types of food, perfecting his cooking skills and cycling.

David Massart

Partner, Managing Director

David Massart is a Partner and Managing Director at Beacon Pointe Advisors with over twenty years of entrepreneurial experience working with high-net-worth individuals and families. David is responsible for establishing strategic and tactical asset allocation decisions, investment manager evaluation, and client relationship management. David has held a variety of leadership roles within the financial services industry including roles as a Manager at Wells Fargo Investments, LLC and Managing Director at Strong Capital Management, Inc. He later went on to found Next Generation Wealth Management (which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2021). David’s expertise is frequently sought after for public speaking on a variety of wealth management topics including asset allocation, portfolio design, tax-aware investment strategies, and retirement planning. He currently serves as a trustee of U.S. Bank’s Managed Portfolio Series Trust and ETF Series Solutions Trust, which are SEC-registered open-end management investment companies. In 2006, David co-founded Next Generation Philanthropy, LLC, and is the founder of the Next Generation Entrepreneurs Group, a Milwaukee-based think-tank for entrepreneurial professionals. David has an undergraduate degree in Business Management from the University of Minnesota where he achieved the honor of being a three-time Bierman Scholar and was awarded a four-year Varsity Tennis scholarship, winning two Big Ten Men’s Tennis Team Championships during his time there. David is married and currently resides with his wife and two children in Elm Grove, Wisconsin.

Derek Newcomer, CFA, CAIA

Director, Investment Research

Derek leads investment manager research and due-diligence in the area of alternative investments, in addition to being a member of Beacon Pointe’s Investment Committee. Prior to Beacon Pointe, Derek held the role of Vice President at CRESO Capital Partners, Newport Beach, California, an investment banking firm focused on mezzanine investments, capital raising for preferred and common equity, and merger & acquisitions for privately held companies with revenues of $10MM to $250MM. His primary duties included client development as well preliminary financial and market due diligence of investment opportunities. Derek currently serves as the Chair of the Investment Committee at the Goodwill of Orange County. He is a graduate of University of California at Santa Cruz with a major in Economics/Business Management. He is a CFA charterholder and a member of the CFA Society of Orange County and holds the designation of Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA).

Donald J. Hertling, CFP®, MST

Partner, Managing Director

Don has more than two decades of experience in wealth management. In his role as Partner and Managing Director of the Beacon Pointe New Jersey office, Don is a driving force for innovation, process and growth. In his other capacities, Don develops, implements and monitors financial planning strategies for clients and oversees the office’s compliance processes. Don takes great pride in his team’s ability to provide an exceptional experience to each and every client. Previously, Don spent nine years at a regional wealth advisory firm where he led the financial planning department. Don earned his Master’s in Taxation from Fairleigh Dickenson University and his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Rider University. He also holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) designation. Don is a past Board Member of the New Jersey Institute of Certified Financial Planners and the New Jersey Financial Planning Association. Don resides in Morganville, NJ with his wife Tara and two children.

Eliza Moody

Marketing & Communications Associate

Eliza Moody is an Associate within Beacon Pointe’s Marketing and Communications Department. Her responsibilities include digital marketing and social media management, public relations coordination, event management, marketing material oversight and content development, among other marketing-related responsibilities. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Eliza worked as a Marketing Coordinator for a start-up in the technology industry. She graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degrees in both Communication and Film & Media Studies. She was also the captain of the UCSB Sailing Team. Outside of the office, Eliza loves to cook, paint, and spend time outdoors and on the water with her friends and family.

Emily Dang

Compliance Associate

Emily is an associate within the Compliance Department and is responsible for the implementation and execution of compliance processes. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Advisors, Emily held a compliance role at an online mortgage company where she gained experience processing incident management cases and working cross-functionally between stakeholders and multiple company departments. In her free time, Emily enjoys listening to music, going to the gym, and spending time eating good food with friends and family.

Eric Faber, MBA

Principal, Regional Director, Senior Wealth Advisor

Eric is a Regional Director and Senior Wealth Advisor in the Beacon Pointe Florida office responsible for assisting clients with setting and achieving their long-term financial goals along with coordinating and leading business development efforts across Beacon Pointe’s referral networks and custodial partners. Eric builds long-term trusting relationships with his clients and ensures that their financial objectives and expectations are met or exceeded.  Eric is a native of Orlando, Florida and a graduate of Rollins College where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and played Division II basketball earning All-American honors. Eric obtained his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Central Florida and is currently a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) candidate. Prior to joining the Ferrell Wealth Management team, Eric worked as a sales representative for both PepsiCo and GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals. Eric is currently a board member for the Orlando branch of After-School All-Stars and loves to spend time with his wife and their two children.  In his spare time, he loves to play golf and remain actively involved in the game of basketball.

Eric Witte, CFP®

Partner, Managing Director

Eric is a Managing Director at Beacon Pointe Wealth Advisors and is responsible for client service and new client development. With over 24 years of experience in the financial services industry, Eric has extensive knowledge of investments and financial planning. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Eric co-founded Ironmark Advisors LLC in Plano, Texas, a boutique financial planning firm serving high net worth clients. Prior to that, Eric worked for American Express, enjoying an accomplished career as a Senior Financial Advisor. Eric holds the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) certification and graduated from Oklahoma State University with a BS in Business Administration, majoring in Finance and minoring in Accounting. He and his wife have three children and Eric enjoys spending time on the soccer, baseball, and football fields, reading a good book, hunting and fishing and traveling with his wife.

Felix Lin, CFA

Senior Advisor

Felix has been with the firm since its inception and is a founding partner.  Felix is responsible for overseeing Beacon Pointe’s Institutional Consulting Services Group. In addition, he is a member of Beacon Pointe’s Investment Committee. As a consultant, his responsibilities included asset allocation, investment manager structure, and investment manager due diligence and evaluation. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Advisors, Felix was Vice President at Canterbury Consulting. Felix began his investment consulting career as a member of the client service and consulting team for Wilshire Associates’ institutional fund management tool, the Wilshire Compass. His clients included large endowments and foundations, corporate, insurance, and defined benefit plans. Felix was an Eagle Scout, graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a BA, and received his MBA from the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business. He previously served as the Investment Chair for the Goodwill of Orange County, was a member of the Human Society of Silicon Valley Finance Committee, and serves as an Ambassador for Free Wheelchair Mission. Felix has earned the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and is a member of the CFA Society of Los Angeles.

Fred Taylor

Partner, Managing Director

Fred Taylor is the Managing Director of the Beacon Pointe Advisors Denver office and is responsible for working with clients to meet their investment and income objectives. Fred has nearly four decades of experience in the financial services industry and began his career in 1984 on the municipal bond trading desk of Mabon Nugent in New York City. Over the course of his career, he worked for various financial institutions prior to founding Northstar Investment Advisors in 1995 to meet demand for wealth management in the Denver area. Fred is a past board member and chairman of the investment committees of Children’s Hospital Colorado, The Denver Foundation, the Colorado Zoological Trust, the Women’s Foundation of Colorado, and Kent Denver School. In recognition of his work with Denver’s non-profits, Fred was a recipient of the Denver Foundation’s 2017 Philanthropic Leadership Award and was in the first class of the Denver Business Journal’s 40 under 40 awards in 1997. From 2008 to 2010, Fred served as an economic advisor to Colorado Governor Bill Ritter and he is also a member of the Colorado Forum, a collection of business leaders focused on critical policy issues facing the state. Fred is a Colorado native and graduated cum laude from Middlebury College with honors in American History. He currently lives in Denver with his with wife, children and grandchildren.

Gabriel Kennan

Senior Associate, Investment Research

Gabriel is a senior associate within the Investment Research Group at Beacon Pointe Advisors, with a focus on alternative investment strategies. His responsibilities include conducting due diligence of investment opportunities, maintaining ongoing diligence and monitoring of investment managers, and developing alternative investment programs for institutional clients. Gabriel earned his B.A. in Business Administration with a specialization in finance from the University of California, Irvine. Gabriel has a passion for film-making and enjoys watching, writing, and making movies in his spare time.

Garth K. Flint

Partner, Founder

Garth has over 40 years of experience as an institutional investment consultant. He is a member of Beacon Pointe’s Investment Committee. Prior to launching Beacon Pointe Advisors, Garth was a founder and Managing Director with Canterbury Consulting, responsible for Advisor Services to Institutions and High Net Worth Individuals. Garth was a founder and principal for the Kidder Peabody West Coast Institutional Consulting Services of Newport Beach and served eight years as Vice President with Merrill Lynch as an institutional investment consultant. Garth holds a BS degree in Economics from St. Mary’s College of California. He serves on the board of Boys Hope/Girls Hope of Southern California, is a former Trustee of St. Mary’s College of California where he was Chairman of the Advancement Committee as well as the Investment Committee. He currently is on the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet Province Finance Advisory Board and serves on the Presidential Advisory Council of Concordia University. Garth spent 15 years as a Naval Aviator flying in the F-4 Phantom II. Garth is married, has six children, ten grandchildren, and lives with his wife in Newport Beach, California.

Gene Ka, CPWA®

Partner, Managing Director

Gene is a partner and the managing director of Beacon Pointe’s San Jose office. He  cares deeply about helping people and intentionally asks thought-provoking questions that allow him to truly listen to clients and their needs. A detailed strategist and a tireless implementer, Gene is a strong advocate for complete transparency when working with his clients. With over three decades experience in the financial industry, Gene has extensive knowledge of investments, financial planning, and asset management. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Gene was a Senior Financial Advisor with American Express before forming his own independent advisory firm Ka, Demmler & Associates, later renamed Wealth Design, LLC in 2000. Gene graduated from Purdue University and holds the Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA®) certification. Gene currently resides in Silver Creek, California with his wife, one of his three daughters and his mother.

 

Beacon Pointe Advisors, LLC is a Registered Investment Advisor. Certain representatives of Beacon Pointe Advisors, LLC are also Registered Representatives offering securities through APW Capital, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. 100 Enterprise Drive, Suite 504, Rockaway, NJ 07866 (800)637-3211.

Georgia Bennicas

Partner, Senior Wealth Advisor

Georgia is a Partner and Senior Wealth Advisor for Beacon Pointe’s Portola Valley office and is responsible for working with clients to meet their investment and income objectives. With over 35 years of experience in the financial services industry, Georgia has comprehensive expertise in designing personalized securities portfolios, formulating retirement plans, implementing tax strategies and estate objectives, and analyzing real estate investments for clients. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Georgia founded Bennicas and Associates (which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2023). Georgia earned her bachelor degree’s in both Economics and Business Administration from Notre Dame.

Graham Pierce

Partner, Managing Director

Graham oversees the private client advisory team and is a member of the Beacon Pointe Investment Committee and Board of Directors. He started his career in New York City in 1993 where he worked in the Private Client Services Group of Morgan Stanley and Company. He then moved to the institutional side of the business as an equity research sales trader at Salomon Smith Barney’s affiliate in Buenos Aires, Argentina, covering the local pension funds and Latin America focused investment funds throughout the U.S. and Europe. Immediately before joining Beacon Pointe, Graham worked out of the treasury department of a large publicly traded telecommunications firm managing its capital markets initiatives. He is a current adjunct professor at the University of California, Irvine Paul Merage School of Business. Graham received his BA from the University of Virginia and his MBA from UCLA Anderson School of Business. Graham is married, has two children, and lives with his wife in Irvine, California.

Grant E. Hartvigson, CFP®, CLU

Partner, Managing Director

Grant is the Partner and Managing Director for Beacon Pointe’s Seattle office and is responsible for select client service and new client development. He has a passion for fostering intimate client relationships, delivering comprehensive financial advice and providing a personalized planning experience. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Advisors, Grant founded Rainier Financial Group where he dedicated eighteen years to helping clients achieve financial independence. Actively involved in the financial world, Grant is a member of the Puget Sound Business Journal’s prestigious “40 Under 40,” where he has been recognized as a dynamic leader in both the industry and community in 2011. Grant was included in the 2020 Financial Times’ Top 400 Financial Advisors list and was a perennial member of LPL Financials Executive Council. Grant is a Seattle native and graduate of the University of Washington Foster School of Business. In addition, Grant holds both the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) and Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designations. As a member of Seattle Children’s Legacy Advisors, he helps to inspire a new community of philanthropists by assisting in the creation of charitable plans that endeavor to represent the best alignment of donors’ minds, hearts and wallets. Outside the office, Grant can be found on the tennis court, golf course, coaching basketball or spending time with his wife and two daughters, and their family dog.

Heather O’Neill Fairbanks, CFP®, ChFC®

Partner, Managing Director

Heather O’Neill Fairbanks is a Partner and Managing Director at Beacon Pointe Advisors. With over 30 years of experience, Heather has focused on retirement planning and building trust and confidence in her client relationships, while providing personalized service based on each client’s needs. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Heather founded Midwest Financial Advisors Group, a full-service planning and investment advisory firm (which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2023). In addition to managing the firm, she played an integral part in the investment research process, and creating customized planning solutions for each client. Heather graduated with a business degree from Western Michigan University, is a Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®) and has been a Certified Financial Planner™ professional (CFP®) since 1995. She is an active member of the Financial Planning Association (FPA) and Financial Services Institute (FSI) and has served on the Investment Advisory Council, National Education Task Force and Advisory Board for FSC Securities Corporation. Heather served on the first AIG Advisor Group Women’s Advisory Board, which began in 2013. Her board commitment focused on serving women in mentorship, leadership, community outreach & development. Outside of the office, Heather’s focus is her family.

Heidi Benavidez, CFA

Partner, Managing Director

Heidi Benavidez brings over two decades of investment advisory and financial services experience and is a managing director and partner at Beacon Pointe Advisors. Prior to Beacon Pointe, she was a Senior Wealth Manager at BNY Mellon before her role as managing partner at Pacific Edge Advisors (which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2021). In addition to managing the investment holdings of her predominantly business owner clientele, she prepares comprehensive financial plans including cash flow, leverage and tax analysis. She also assists clients with developing wealth transfer and charitable giving plans. Heidi graduated from California State University Long Beach with a bachelor’s in Finance with a concentration in Investments and holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. Heidi is passionate about empowering women both personally and professionally and is an active member of Beacon Pointe’s Women’s Advisory Institute. She currently serves on the Investment Committee of the Girl Scouts of Orange County. Outside of the office, Heidi enjoys hiking, Pilates and traveling with her family.

Helen Goldstein, CFP®

Partner, Managing Director

Helen Goldstein, CFP® has over 35 years of experience in the financial services industry, beginning her career in commercial lending and moving into money management before founding her own company.  She graduated from Indiana University with a B.S. in Economics and Finance and holds the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) designation. As a member of the prestigious Stanley K. Lacy Leadership Program early in her career, Helen was introduced to numerous community organizations and charities with whom she served in many capacities as a committee member, board member and President. As a volunteer consultant, Helen helped to establish and grow numerous community Endowment Funds and revised and revamped financial models for these organizations. In doing this work she fulfills a personal goal of helping better the lives of people through the creation of sustainable financial models for these important community agencies. Helen is also a member of Beacon Pointe’s Women’s Advisory Institute and is the founding member of the Indiana Women’s Presidents Organization and has been involved in the National Association of Women’s Business Owners (NAWBO) and the Financial Planning Association. She has served on the Board of her synagogue, was President of the Jewish Community Center of Indianapolis and has raised funds totaling in the millions for the JCC the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis, among other organizations.

Ike Egwuonwu

Associate Financial Planner

Ike Egwuonwu is an Associate Financial Planner at Beacon Pointe Advisors and is responsible for helping clients develop, execute, and maintain a strategic financial plan in order to achieve their personal and financial goals. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Ike worked at Ayco Goldman Sachs as a financial planner and coach having previously transitioned from a role at Deloitte as a project controller. Ike earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Pepperdine University as a Posse Foundation Scholar. He is currently a CFP candidate through the Boston Institute of Finance. Ike currently resides in Orange, CA with his fiancé and outside of the office he enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing basketball, jamming with other musicians, and catching up on his favorite shows.

Indya M. Yuill

Partner, Managing Director

Indya is a member of the Beacon Pointe Board of Advisors and is part of the firm’s management team setting strategic direction for the firm and its nationwide initiatives. She also oversees Beacon Pointe’s Los Angeles regional office, providing customized wealth management solutions to corporate executives, professionals and their families. Through comprehensive planning and investment management, Indya develops strategies to help clients meet their financial goals. Previously, Indya worked as a Regional Vice President and Portfolio Specialist at Guggenheim Investments, in Institutional Sales at Citigroup in Sydney, and as a Credit Analyst at Macquarie Investment Bank in New York.  Alongside female peers and fellow Beacon Pointe financial professionals, she is passionate about empowering women, both personally and professionally, and is an active member of Beacon Pointe’s Women’s Advisory Institute. Indya is a graduate of the University of Southern California (USC) Marshall School of Business.

Isamu Fairbanks, MBA

Managing Director

Isamu Fairbanks is a Managing Director at Beacon Pointe Advisors. He brings 30 years of experience in Management Consulting with a focus on cost reports and financial analysis. Isamu is experienced in many areas of business, including operational effectiveness, technology strategy, financial management and analysis, regulatory compliance, human resource management and corporate strategy. Isamu spent the first 10 years of his career at Deloitte Consulting before starting his own consulting firm in 2004. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Isamu spent seven years as the Chief Executive Officer of Midwest Financial Advisors Group (which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2023). He graduated with a master’s in business administration from the University of Chicago.

J. Kent Giguere, Jr., CFP®, ChFC®

Partner, Senior Wealth Advisor

Kent Giguere, Jr. is a senior wealth advisor for the Beacon Pointe South Carolina office is responsible for partnering with Beacon Pointe’s investment, operations, and financial planning teams to provide customized solutions that help clients meet their financial goals. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Kent worked as Chief Operating Officer for CDA Group, a boutique financial planning firm serving high-net-worth families and business owners. Kent holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™ (CFP®) certification and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) designation. Kent graduated from Wofford College with a bachelor’s degree in Finance. In his free time, Kent enjoys hunting, golfing, and chasing his three boys around.

J.L. Hurt IV, MBA

Principal, Senior Wealth Advisor

Jack Cooper

Director, Mergers & Acquisitions

Jack is a Director on the Mergers & Acquisitions team who works closely with Beacon Pointe’s Board of Directors on pursuing new advisor partnership opportunities across the country. He is responsible for leading the business development efforts on behalf of the M&A team, including interfacing with any deal intermediaries and third-party representatives. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Advisors, Jack was an Account Services Representative at TD Ameritrade. Jack graduated cum laude from Boston College with a major in History and minors in Irish Studies and Management & Leadership. He is a Founding Father of the Massachusetts Iota chapter of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and served two terms on the chapter’s Executive Board as Vice President of Recruitment. Jack lives with his wife in Dallas, TX.

Jacob Vick, CFA

Director, Mergers & Acquisitions

As part of the Partnership Integration Department, Jacob works closely with Beacon Pointe’s Board of Directors on pursuing new advisor partnership opportunities across the country. He is responsible for overseeing financial due diligence during these processes, in addition to strategic projects and analysis for the senior management team at Beacon Pointe. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Advisors, Jacob worked as an Associate within the Leveraged Finance and Debt Capital Markets team at Citizens Financial Group. Jacob graduated from Babson College with concentrations in Finance and Legal Studies, and was actively involved in the Babson Investment Banking Association and Center for Career Development. During his time in school, he spent four months living and volunteering in Sub-Saharan Africa across Ghana, Rwanda, and Kenya, as well as pursuing independent research related to entrepreneurship across the continent. Outside of the office, he enjoys traveling to new countries, finding the latest podcast, and playing basketball.

Jade Goodman, MBA, JD, LL.M.

Director, Strategic and Legacy Planning

Jade helps individuals and their families to best utilize their wealth to meet their lifetime and legacy goals. She works with advisors and clients to provide and coordinate customized strategies to preserve and transfer wealth through charitable, business, financial, tax, and estate planning solutions. Jade has been featured on CNBC and presents on various tax planning topics at industry and partner events. Prior to Beacon Pointe, Jade practiced as a Trusts and Estates Attorney focusing on all aspects of estate planning and administration. She advised individuals and families as to overall wealth and estate planning, including gifting strategies and gift tax compliance, and counseled individuals and banks acting in fiduciary capacities in matters of estate and trust administration.  Before private practice, Jade served as a Trust Officer/Administrator at U.S. Trust/Bank of America Private Bank and City National Bank, providing a coordinated approach to trust and estate administration and investment management. Jade obtained her Master in Laws degree (LL.M.) in Taxation, with an emphasis in High Net Worth/Private Client, from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. She previously earned her J.D. from Loyola Law School, completing a concentration in Tax Law with honors. Prior to law school, Jade earned her M.B.A. at Campbell University in North Carolina, as well as a B.S. in Business Administration, cum laude, in Trust and Wealth Management, a dual concentration in Accounting, and a minor in Financial Planning. Jade is a member of Beacon Pointe’s Women’s Advisory Institute (“WAI”). She resides in Scottsdale, Arizona, with her husband and son.

James Davenport

Partner, Managing Director

James (Jim) is responsible for counseling clients with their wealth management decisions, particularly in the area of investments. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Wealth Advisors, Jim worked in Wells Fargo Advisor’s Private Client Group, marketing the firm’s wealth management services to new clients and enhancing existing client relationships. Jim is a Managing Director and Partner with Beacon Pointe, working out of both the Orange County and Inland Empire offices. Jim earned his MBA from Chapman University Argyros School of Business and Economics, and his Bachelor’s Degree from the Annenberg School of Communication at the University of Southern California. He serves on the advisory board for Big Brothers Big Sisters-Inland Empire and also is a member of both the Endowment Council Chapman University and Leaders, Executives, and Directors; Advancing Philanthropy (LEAD-OC). Outside of work, Jim enjoys traveling, playing golf and spending time with his wife and two children.

James P. Cooper

Partner, Senior Wealth Advisor

James Cooper is a Partner and Senior Wealth Advisor in Beacon Pointe’s Sarasota, Florida office. He specializes in customized solutions paired with the highest level of service that help clients meet their investment and wealth planning goals. Retirement income and wealth planning have become a focus of his business.  Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, James helped build Southern Trust Financial Planning in Sarasota, Florida and was the Senior Vice President of Investments. Southern Trust Financial Planning merged with Beacon Pointe in 2021.  James started his twenty-three-year career at Moors & Cabot Financial Advisors, LLC, (a division of Moors & Cabot, Inc), a 117-year-old Boston based NYSE firm. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Florida State University, specializing in Economics and Finance.   Outside of the office, James is involved in fundraising and volunteering at many local Sarasota schools. He is the proud husband of Nancy and father of Trisha and Dominic.

James W. Ferrell, MBA, CPA, CFP®, PFS, CIMC

Partner, Managing Director

Jameson Van Houten, CFP®

Partner, Managing Director

Jameson Van Houten, CFP®, is a Partner and Managing Director at Beacon Pointe Advisors and is responsible for working with clients to meet their investment and income objectives. Jameson has nearly twenty years of experience in the financial services industry and discovered his passion for investing at the early age of 16. Jameson graduated summa cum laude from the Barrett Honors College of Arizona State University, where he was awarded ‘Most Outstanding Graduating Senior and Valedictorian’ from W.P. Carey School of Business and holds the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) designation. Jameson is an active member in the local Scottsdale community, past Governing Board member of Make-A-Wish Arizona and is an Esteemed Member with Gift for Life, a non-profit dedicated to helping provide life-saving heart surgeries for children. Most recently, Jameson was appointed by the Mayor of Paradise Valley to serve as Chairman of the Board for the Paradise Valley Public Safety Retirement Plan. Jameson graduated summa cum laude from the Barrett Honors College of Arizona State University, where he was awarded ‘Most Outstanding Graduating Senior and Valedictorian’ from W.P. Carey School of Business and holds the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) designation. Outside of the office, Jameson enjoys traveling, sports, cars, golfing, and spending time with his family.

Janet Hathaway

General Counsel

Janet Hathaway is the General Counsel at Beacon Pointe.  She started her career in private practice at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher.  Since then, she has served as corporate in-house counsel, first at Crain Communications Inc, a global media company, and most recently at Pathway Capital Management, a private equity investment firm. Janet received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Notre Dame, magna cum laude, and her J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law. Outside of work, Janet enjoys jogging with her girlfriends, practicing yoga, and watching her children’s sporting events. She lives with her husband and four children in Newport Beach, California.

Jason Overholtzer, CFA

Director, Investment Research

Jason is primarily responsible for manager research and due diligence. In addition, he is a member of Beacon Pointe’s Investment Committee. Prior to rejoining Beacon Pointe in 2014, he spent approximately three years overseeing equity manager research for a $7 billion Los Angeles based investment advisory firm. Prior to this, Jason was with Beacon Pointe for nine years where he was responsible for conducting research and due diligence on investment managers and working with institutional clients in the areas of investment policy development, asset allocation, manager selection, and performance measurement and evaluation. Prior to originally joining Beacon Pointe in 2002, he was with Canterbury Consulting for three years. Jason received a BA in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from California State University, Fullerton. He also holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and is a member of the CFA Society of Los Angeles. Jason currently serves on the Investment Committee of the Goodwill of Orange County. Jason lives in Ladera Ranch, California with his wife and three children.

Jay Healy, CFP®, CEPA

Partner, Managing Director

Jaynie Hexberg

Human Resources Associate

Jaynie is a Human Resources Associate at Beacon Pointe Advisors. She is responsible for recruiting, assisting with onboarding efforts, and day-to-day human resource operations. She is from Orange County and currently lives in Laguna Beach, California. In her free time, Jaynie enjoys hiking, going to the beach with friends and spending time with her two nephews.

Jeff Hwang, CFP®, CRPC

Partner, Managing Director

Jeff Hwang is a Partner and Managing Director of Beacon Pointe’s North Carolina office with over 15 years of experience delivering authentic planning and investment solutions to his clients. Jeff leads a team of like-minded professionals serving private business owners, corporate executives and health care professionals with their unique planning and investment needs.  Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Jeff was a partner at DMJ Wealth Advisors, a firm focused on collaborating with industry professionals to deliver personalized solutions to clients with complex needs. Jeff began his career in financial services at Merrill Lynch where he served as a Financial Advisor.  Jeff holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) certification, is a Chartered Retirement Planning Specialist (CRPC) and graduated from Davidson College.  He and his wife have three sons and are actively involved in the community through their church and the local Young Life chapter. In his spare time, Jeff enjoys spending time cheering his boys on the soccer field, playing guitar and staying active.

Jen Steele

Billing Specialist

Jen is a member of the Finance & Accounting Department at Beacon Pointe Advisors. She is responsible for account audits, revenue reporting, and client billing across all Beacon Pointe offices located throughout the country. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Jen worked as an analyst in the health insurance industry before transitioning to accounting roles in tech startups and waste management. Outside of the office, Jen enjoys volunteering, going to concerts, watching football and spending time with friends and family.

Jennifer Holmes

HR Payroll Specialist

Jennifer is the Human Resources Payroll Specialist for Beacon Pointe Advisors. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Jennifer has had over a decade of diverse payroll experience. Her areas of expertise include multi-state payroll, payroll taxes, and certified payrolls. Jennifer resides in Peoria, AZ with her four children, and in her free time she enjoys family activities, playing pool competitively, going to concerts and sporting events, and relaxing at home watching football games with family.

Jesse Crane

Manager, ICS Business Development

Jesse Crane serves as the Business Development Manager for Beacon Pointe’s Institutional Consulting Services Group and is responsible for new client development. With over 10 years of experience in the investment management industry, Jesse joins Beacon Pointe after a lengthy career with PIMCO Investments and Morgan Stanley. Jesse earned his Master of Business Administration from Syracuse University’s Whitman School of Management and his undergraduate degree in Economics from the State University of New York (SUNY) College at Cortland. Outside of the office, Jesse stays busy serving on the board of directors and as vice-chair of the finance committee for the SUNY Cortland College Foundation.

Jill B. Steinberg, MBA, CDFA®

Partner, Managing Director

Jill Steinberg brings over 30 years of investment advisory and banking experience and joined Beacon Pointe Advisors as a Managing Director and Partner.  Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Jill founded Walden Capital Advisors in 2006 to provide high net worth women and men comprehensive investment advice to help them achieve their financial and life goals. She is very passionate about empowering women both personally and professionally and is an active member of Beacon Pointe’s Women’s Advisory Institute. Jill serves on boards and investment committees for several local Philadelphia non-profits (including Live Like Blaine, a nonprofit founded in her daughter’s honor). Jill graduated cum laude from Princeton University with a degree in Economics and earned an MBA with distinction in Finance and Real Estate from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and holds Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®) designation.

Joe D. Schofield, III

Partner, Managing Director

Joe D. Schofield III, is a partner and managing director of Beacon Pointe’s South Carolina office with over 27 years of professional experience in advising high net worth families and business owners. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Advisors, Joe was the Chief Executive Officer and Partner of CDA Group LLC, a boutique financial planning firm serving high net worth families and business owners. Joe’s primary responsibilities are advising clients on investment policy development, portfolio construction, asset allocation, risk management and wealth and estate transfer planning. Joe graduated from Clemson University in 1989 with a BS in Management.

John Gray

Chief Financial Officer

John is the Chief Financial Officer for Beacon Pointe Advisors and is responsible for leading Accounting and Finance for the firm. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, John led the accounting team for United Capital Financial Advisors, which was successfully sold to Goldman Sachs in 2019.  John has also led the accounting team for firms in sports broadcasting and photography. He graduated from California State University San Marcos, with a B.S. degree in Accounting.  Before starting his career in accounting, John served in the United States Marine Corps as a Military Police Officer and is a Gulf War Veteran. He is married with two children and in his free time, John enjoys camping, hiking, snow skiing, fishing and frequent trips to Maui with his family.

John Martindale, CFP®

Partner, Managing Director

John Martindale, CFP®, is a Managing Director at Beacon Pointe and is responsible for high-net-worth relationships and new business development. With over three decades of conceptual financial planning experience, John is well-versed in complicated estates and retirement income planning.  As a relationship manager, John advises his clients on wealth accumulation and preservation concepts. He is sought after for his skills in investment and portfolio analysis, tax planning, real estate transactions, insurance analysis, estate planning strategies, and philanthropic giving.

Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, John founded Ailsa Capital (which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2023). John graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Brigham Young University and obtained his CFP® designation and certification from the College of Financial Planning in Denver, Colorado. John places great value in his local and global community and has been active in non-profit organizations since 1988. In 1992, John co-founded the annual Mountain Shadows Golf Classic to benefit the Mountain Shadows Community Homes in Escondido, California, where he has procured over $800,000 in charitable gifts. He currently serves as Past President of the Canyon Education Foundation (Sandy, Utah), where funds are raised to support students and teachers in the classroom, providing college scholarships to graduating seniors. Some of the non-profit organizations he’s had the pleasure of assisting include, The Kidney Foundation of Utah, The Forever Young Foundation, Snowbird Adaptive Sports, Canyons Education Foundation, and the Mountain Shadows Foundation.

John enjoys international travel, rounds of golf, and spending time with his wife Tresa, four children, and 3 grandchildren.

Jonathan Acosta, JD

Partner, Managing Director

Jonathan is a Partner of Beacon Pointe Advisors and member of the firm’s Investment Committee.  He is responsible for client service and new client development in Beacon Pointe’s Private Client Services Group. Through comprehensive planning and investment management, Jonathan and his team develop customized strategies to help individuals and families meet their financial goals. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Jonathan worked at Pacific Investment Management Company (PIMCO), where he helped the firm develop and maintain relationships with consulting firms and clients. As a former practicing attorney, Jonathan gained experience in both litigation and transactional matters. He earned his B.A. from the University of California, Los Angeles and was the Team Captain of UCLA’s Division I Men’s Volleyball team. Jonathan received his JD from Pepperdine University School of Law and his MBA from UCLA Anderson School of Management. Jonathan is married, has three daughters, and lives with his family in Newport Beach, CA.

Jordan Heller, CFA, CFP®, CPA

Partner, Managing Director

Julien Frazzo, MBA

Director, Risk Management and Securities Research

Julien is the Director of Risk Management and Securities Research at Beacon Pointe Advisors and is a member of the Beacon Pointe Investment Committee. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Julien served as Director of Equity Research at The Bahnsen Group. Julien is a seasoned investment professional with twenty-two years of experience, including fourteen years as a risk taker in alternative asset management, five years in investment banking, and three years in private wealth management. He began his career in the financial industry as an M&A banker and equity research analyst as part of Lehman Brothers analyst and associate programs. Julien transitioned to the buy-side of the industry in 2004 by joining Citadel as a Senior Analyst before being promoted to Managing Director of Citadel’s Principal Strategy. Julien subsequently served as a Portfolio Manager at several multi-billion-dollar boutique hedge funds before relocating his family to Southern California and transitioning to private wealth management in 2019. Julien earned a master’s degree in Accounting and Finance and a postgraduate degree in Corporate Finance, Financial Engineering, and Securities Law from the University of Paris Dauphine in Paris, France. A French native, Julien holds American and British citizenships and lives in Seal Beach, California. Having worked in Paris, Amsterdam, London, Chicago, Monaco, and Newport Beach, Julien is a student of many cultures and brings a global understanding of investments to the table.

Kara Felten

Business Development Associate

Kara Felten is a Business Development Associate on the Beacon Pointe National Sales team. She is responsible for coordinating leads from custodial referral channels and maintains data relevant to the sales process while providing clear communication with our partner offices and Wealth Advisors. She has a strong background in sales, event management and production which is beneficial to participating in team projects and assisting with initiatives designed to streamline firm policies and procedures.  She currently resides in Mission Viejo, CA with her twin daughters.  In her free time, she enjoys lake days, concerts and spending time at the soccer and softball fields with her girls.

Karisa Diephouse

Chief Operating Officer

Karisa Diephouse is responsible for partnership integration, operations and strategy execution across all Beacon Pointe offices located throughout the country. Karisa brings over 15 years of experience in financial services, wealth management and retirement planning strategies and understands the operational components involved with office and service efficiencies. She has worked at Charles Schwab and Fidelity Investments where she held various roles of increasing responsibilities in sales, planning, operations, compliance and client services. She is also a founding member of the Beacon Pointe Women’s Advisory Institute and co-authored Your Dollars, Our Sense: A Fun and Simple Guide to Money Matters, an international best-selling book that has ranked #1 in six different business/finance categories. Karisa received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Finance from California State University, Long Beach. Karisa is married and lives with her husband and two young sons in Mission Viejo, CA. She enjoys taking long walks to the park with her kids, traveling, running and spending time with her family and friends.

Keith Ferguson

Partner, Senior Wealth Advisor

Keith Ferguson is a Partner and Senior Wealth Advisor at Beacon Pointe Advisors and is responsible for partnering with Beacon Pointe’s investment, operations, and financial planning teams to provide clients customized solutions to meet their unique financial goals. With over four decades of experience in wealth management, Keith has built a career on establishing and fostering client relationships based on integrity and trust. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Keith was a partner at Benchmark Private Wealth Management (which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2022). Before joining Benchmark, Keith was Managing Principal of Ferguson Wealth Management Group in Waco, Texas. He graduated from Baylor University with a degree in Business Administration. Keith and his wife reside in Waco where he is a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church, the Rotary Club of Waco, and the Waco Business League. Outside of the office, he enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Kelly DiGonzini, CFP®, MST

Director of Financial Planning

Kelly is responsible for helping the firm’s private clients determine and meet their financial and estate planning goals. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Advisors, Kelly spent four years doing financial planning at MetLife for individuals and small business owners. She graduated from Gonzaga University School of Business with a concentration in Business Law, and earned her Master of Science in Taxation (MST) degree from William Howard Taft University focusing on the taxation of partnerships, estate taxation and planning, income taxation of estates and trusts, tax aspects of charitable giving and the taxation of real estate. Kelly received her Personal Financial Planning certification from the University of California Irvine, and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™.  Kelly is very passionate about financial education. She is a founding member of the Beacon Pointe Women’s Advisory Institute and co-authored Your Dollars, Our Sense: A Fun and Simple Guide to Money Matters, an international best-selling book that has ranked #1 in six different business/finance categories. Kelly’s writing about various tax and financial planning topics has appeared in multiple publications including CNBC, Martha Sewart Weddings, Financial Planning Association, MainStreet!, and Financial Advisor IQ. She is a member of the Financial Planning Association of Orange County and volunteers for WomenSage. Kelly spends her free time chasing her toddler daughter and resides with her husband in South Orange County, California.

Kenneth Griffin

Associate Wealth Advisor

Kenneth (KC) is an Associate Wealth Advisor and is responsible for partnering with advisors to help clients meet their financial goals and ensure a personalized wealth management experience. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, KC gained experience in a variety of industries including financial markets, behavioral health, and college athletics. KC graduated from the University of Memphis with a bachelor’s degree in Economics and was a member of the Division I Men’s Tennis team. Outside of the office, KC enjoys traveling, playing pickleball, and learning about all things health and fitness.

Kerstin M. Murphy

Partner, Senior Relationship Manager

Kerstin Murphy is a wealth advisor in Beacon Pointe’s Vero Beach, Florida office.  With over twenty years of experience, she has earned a reputation for her broad level of expertise as well as for the exceptional level of care and guidance she provides her clients.  Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Kerstin was a Managing Partner, Chief Compliance and Operating Officer at Essex Asset Management, LLC.   She is a graduate of Bucknell University, with her studies focused on economics and political science.  Prior to joining Essex Asset Management, Kerstin was a Portfolio Manager at the Bank of New York Mellon.  Kerstin began her career as an analyst at a hedge fund in New York City.

Kevin DiSano, CIMA®, CPWA®

Chief Growth Officer

Kevin is an accomplished sales and management professional with expertise developed over 28 in business. Most recently he was Senior Managing Director and Head of ETF sales at Nuveen. Prior to that he was one of the senior executives at IndexIQ, a leading alternative investment manager that was sold to New York Life Insurance Company. Kevin was instrumental in the growth of the business from the initial launch in 2009 until the sale.  Kevin has a wealth of experience in sales and executive management roles and specializes in building and leading successful teams from the ground up. He has hands-on experience helping startup businesses establish themselves through both individual contributor and executive management roles with a focus on the development of effective sales and marketing strategies. Over the course of his career, Kevin has been asked to share insights and expertise through appearances on CNBC, Bloomberg Radio and has been interviewed for various print and online media publications. Kevin holds a B.S. Degree in Speech Communications, Psychology and Business Industry Education from the University of Minnesota and also holds the Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA®) and Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®) Designations from the Investment Management Consultants Association in conjunction with the Wharton School of Management at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Chicago, respectively.

Krista Jones

Senior Associate, Billing

With over three decades of experience in the financial services industry, Krista brings her operational and financial skillsets to her role as a Senior Associate in the Accounting Department at Beacon Pointe. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Krista started working right out of high school spending 18 years at JP Morgan Chase and has most recently worked for another RIA firm where she was responsible for trading, new account management, quarterly billing and performance reporting. Krista is a Canadian citizen with permanent residency in the United States, and she enjoys traveling, camping, concerts, and attending classic car shows.

Kyle R. Boyd

Partner, Managing Director

Kyle Boyd is a Partner and Managing Director at Beacon Pointe Advisors 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. Kyle has over three decades of experience in the financial services industry and previously was Principal with the investment counseling firm of Boys, Arnold and Co., where he served as a senior investment counselor and on the firm’s Investment Committee, handling many of the firm’s largest and most complicated portfolios. He also served as President of Boys, Arnold Trust Company and was responsible for Trust Company planning, formation and management. As Senior Vice President and Chief Trust Officer for Merrill Lynch Trust Company, Kyle was on the Investment Committee. He supervised all trust company administration and management in its Greensboro, Chicago, Bloomfield Hills, Columbus, and Washington, D.C., offices overseeing $1.7 billion in trust assets. Prior to joining Merrill, he served as Vice President and Regional Manager for Wachovia Bank of North Carolina’s Trust Division in the Piedmont Triad Region. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Kyle was a Managing Principal and Wealth Advisor at Altavista Wealth Management, which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2022. Kyle is an attorney and member of the Alabama, Georgia, and North Carolina State Bar Associations. He is a graduate of the University of Alabama, holds a law degree from Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law and is a graduate of the American Bankers Association National Trust School. He has served as a member of the Vestry of Trinity Episcopal Church in Asheville, North Carolina, and is on the board of directors of the Asheville Catholic School, Cradle of Forestry and National Independent Trust Company. Kyle lives in Asheville, North Carolina with his wife and two daughters.

L. Daniel Akers, Jr., CFP®, CPA

Partner, Managing Director

Daniel (Dan) Akers, Jr., is a Partner and Managing Director at Beacon Pointe Advisors 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. With over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, Dan spends his days serving high-net-worth individual and institutional clients and is known for going the extra mile, not just in helping to manage their finances but also walking with them through lifestyle concerns and transitions. Dan began his career in wealth management working as Vice President of Wachovia Trust Services and has previously served as Vice President for Merrill Lynch Trust Company of North Carolina and Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Dan served as a Wealth Advisor and Founding Principal of Altavista Wealth Management, which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2022. Dan graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia and earned his MBA from Wake Forest University. Dan holds the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) designation and is a Certified Public Accountant. He currently serves on the Professional Advisory Committee of the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina and is Chairman of the Blue Ridge Community Health Services Foundation, Inc. Outside of the office, Dan loves spending time with his wife and three sons, volunteering, practicing his semi-fluent Spanish, playing golf, and learning to fly fish.

Laine Ainsworth, CFP®

Partner, Managing Director

Laine holds the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) certification and has been an investment professional for over 25 years. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Wealth Advisors, Laine was a Founding Principal of Wealth Management Network, LLC. Laine is a member of the Dean’s Leadership Circle for the University of California at Irvine Paul Merage School of Business and is a Founding Executive Committee Member of the Center for Investment and Wealth Management at UC Irvine. Mr. Ainsworth is a member of the Hoag Hospital Diplomat Society and was a Charter Member of the PIMCO RIA Advisory Board. He is presently a member of the Chartered Financial Analysts Society of Orange County and has served on the Board of Directors of CASA Orange County. A California native, Laine earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the University of California at Los Angeles. He and his wife Lisa have a daughter who resides and works in New York City.

Lance Wexler

Partner, Senior Wealth Advisor

Lance Wexler is a Partner and Senior Wealth Advisor within Beacon Pointe’s Santa Cruz office and is responsible for coordinating with Beacon Pointe’s investment and financial planning teams to provide customized solutions that help clients meet their financial and legacy goals. Lance has over 25 years of experience and knowledge of investment management and financial planning. Learning about money, markets and small business management at an early age, Lance’s passion for financial services was fostered by his grandfather, Vern, who would hand him the business section of the paper and quiz him on the stocks they owned starting when he was only 8 years old.  Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Lance founded Nexus Wealth Advisors which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2022. He graduated from University of California, Santa Cruz with a degree in Economics and participated in coursework toward a Doctor of Clinical Psychology at Alliant International University in San Diego. In 2007, he completed the Business Professionals Course, a rigorous two-year professional program produced by The Aji Network. Lance is involved in several nonprofit organizations and is a member of the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County finance committee. Lance currently resides in Scotts Valley, California with his wife and two children, and his favorite activities include hiking, surfing, diving, tennis, nature photography, carving stone, connecting with people, and exploring and discovering the world with his children.

Landen L. Lunsway, CFP®

Partner, Managing Director

Landen Lunsway, CFP®, is a Managing Director at Beacon Pointe Wealth Advisors (BPWA) Arizona and is responsible for client service and new client development.  With over 14 years of experience in the financial industry, Landen has extensive knowledge of investments, insurance, tax, estate and retirement planning.  Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Wealth Advisors, Landen was a Portfolio Manager with Capital Investment Counsel, and prior to that worked with large investment advisory clients at Charles Schwab Advisor Services.  Landen graduated magna cum laude from Northern Arizona University with a B.S. in Finance.  He is a member of the Financial Planning Association (FPA) and holds the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) certification. He is an active champion of the Chris Freeman Scholarship through the NAU Foundation benefiting students whose lives have been impacted by cancer.  In his free time, Landen enjoys skiing, soccer, traveling and spending time with his wife and two daughters.

Leslie J. Reynoso, CFA®

Partner, Senior Wealth Advisor

Leslie Reynoso is a partner and a senior wealth advisor for the Beacon Pointe Dallas office. Leslie develops customized strategies to help individuals and families meet their financial goals.  She is also an advisor for the Dallas retirement plan clients and serves as the liaison between the company plan sponsors, third-party administrators and Beacon Pointe, to provide a seamless service experience. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Leslie spent the last 10 years as a wealth management advisor for Wealthstreet Investment Advisors, LLC and its predecessor firm Gerald L. Ray & Associates, Ltd. Leslie graduated with honors from Southern Methodist University, earning both a B.B.A. in Finance and B.A. in Spanish. She is a holder of the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation. In her free time, Leslie enjoys hiking, running, traveling, home projects, and spending time with her friends and family.

Liz Mitchell

Manager, Strategic Integration

Liz is a Manager within the Strategic Integration department at Beacon Pointe Advisors. She is responsible for partnering with Beacon Pointe’s investment and financial planning teams to provide the firm’s clients with a personalized service experience. Her duties include portfolio maintenance, onboarding of new relationships, performance reporting and client service. Liz graduated from Chapman University with a BS in Economics.  She is a member of the Saddleback Valley Chapter of National League with her twin daughters and in her free time enjoys skiing, boating, and travelling with her family and friends.

Loyd Wellman, CFP®

Financial Planning Specialist

Loyd Wellman is a Financial Planning Specialist at Beacon Pointe Advisors and is responsible for working with the firm’s clients to determine the best strategies to meet their financial goals. He has 11 years of experience in the financial services industry and previously served as a Financial Analyst for Midwest Financial Advisor Group (which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2023). Loyd graduated from Central Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in Finance and Accounting. He obtained his Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) designation in October 2020 and has begun his studies to obtain the CLU® (Chartered Life Underwriter) designation.  

Lynette L. Heil, CPA

Partner, Finance Director

Lynette brings an extensive financial and compliance background and oversees operations for Beacon Pointe’s Dallas office. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, she was a partner with Wealthstreet Investment Advisors, LLC and its predecessor firm Gerald L. Ray & Associates, Ltd., where she served as CFO and CCO for 10 years and was active in all aspects of strategic leadership. Prior to joining Wealthstreet, Lynette was a director in both the Sarbanes-Oxley and financial consulting practice of Tatum, LLC. There, she worked with private equity firms, providing project leadership for large scale projects and serving as interim CFO for firms in transition. Prior to that she served as CFO for several quickly growing start-up firms in the Dallas area. She earned a B.B.A. in Accounting from Texas State University, started her career with KPMG, and is a Certified Public Accountant. Lynette is an avid reader, enjoys traveling, socializing, and spending time with her husband Mark and their four adult children.

Marc S. Wolff

Partner, Managing Director

Marc Wolff is a partner and the Managing Director of the Beacon Pointe Sarasota and Bonita Springs, Florida offices and is responsible for working with clients to meet their investment and income objectives by providing clients with comprehensive financial guidance coupled with the highest level of service. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Marc founded Southern Trust Financial Planning, which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2021. Marc leverages over three decades of experience in investment services to craft custom solutions built on sound investment principles and detailed research and analysis. Marc has been awarded the Five Star Wealth Manager award. Marc earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Florida where he specialized in Finance, graduating with highest honors and a 4.0 grade point average. Outside the office Marc has traveled around the world with the Global Volunteers organization helping in third world countries. In 2010 he founded the Lou Komarov Memorial Scholarship, which awards qualifying high school seniors a 4-year university scholarship. Marc is an accomplished marathon runner, and enjoys spending time with his wife, Rechelle, and is a proud father to their four children Alexandria (Allie), Joshua, Maddison and Questin.

Maria Caracoza

Director of Human Capital

Maria is the Director of Human Capital and leads the Beacon Pointe Human Resources Department. Maria is responsible for providing strategic guidance and leadership for all aspects of the human resources function. This includes the development of HR policies, strategic staffing plans, recruitment, compensation, professional staff development, benefits, health and safety. Maria’s goal is to maximize effectiveness in the workforce, while continually promoting a positive, inclusive workplace. Previously, Maria worked for Javier’s for more than a decade, starting as a hostess and working her way up to Human Resources Manager. While working at Javier’s, she gained a lot of experience in Human Resources and went through the growing pains of opening two new restaurant locations. After her tenure at Javier’s, Maria moved to the Palm Springs area where she worked for FedEx as an Operations Administrator II-HR. She graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a bachelor’s in Social Ecology, and received her Human Resources Management Certificate from the University of California, Irvine. Outside of the office, Maria likes to spend time with her family, visit the beach, and go to concerts.

Mark Flint, CFA

Partner, Managing Director

Mark is responsible for working with Beacon Pointe’s Private Client Services Group. Mark assists individuals, businesses, and private foundations meet their financial goals through comprehensive planning and investment management. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Mark worked as a portfolio manager at Brandes Investment Partners and was an adjunct professor of finance at the University of San Diego. Mark graduated from the University of San Diego with a BA in international relations. He also received his MBA from the University of San Diego and holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. Mark is married with two sons, and lives with his family in San Diego, California.

Mark Moehlman

Partner, Managing Director

Mark Moehlman holds an MBA from the USC Marshall School of Business, and has dedicated his entire business career to helping others manage their wealth. Mark was born in Los Angeles and moved to Newport Beach in 1975, and has lived in Big Canyon for the past fifteen years. Mr. Moehlman founded Wealth Management Corporation, the first of its kind, in 1987, the same year he launched his Wealth Management Forum. Mark served as a trustee of the Orange County Employees Retirement System (O.C.E.R.S.) from 1993 to 1996, helping shepherd the fund virtually unscathed through the county’s bankruptcy. Mr. Moehlman was the Founding Chair of the Center for Investment and Wealth Management (C.I.W.M) of the UC Irvine Merage School of Business, and continues to be very active in both C.I.W.M. and the UCI Chancellor’s Club. Mark is married to Dr. Cherilyn Sheets, a prominent Newport Beach dentist, and has one daughter, Melisa, who lives and works in New York City.

 

Mark V. Mathers, CFP®

Partner, Managing Director

Mark Mathers has over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, primarily in financial planning, relationship management, and business development.  He most recently served as Managing Director of Boston Private Wealth, was a Senior Client Advisor with Silver Bridge and a Senior Financial Planning Consultant for the Bostonian Group.  Mark holds an honors degree in Business Studies from University of Ulster, a Certificate in Export Marketing from University of San Francisco, a Diploma in Philosophy from St. Patrick’s Seminary, and holds the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) certification.  Mark values collaboration, collegiality and integrity in the process of positively impacting the lives of his clients. He lives in Lynnfield, MA with his wife Kathleen and their three children. He enjoys soccer, Gaelic football and golf.

Matthew B. Cooper

Partner, President, Beacon Pointe Advisors

Matthew (Matt) is the founding partner and President of Beacon Pointe Wealth Advisors, a member of the Beacon Pointe family of companies and a partnership between Beacon Pointe and other wealth managers around the country. In addition, Matt is responsible for overseeing the Private Client Services Group at Beacon Pointe Advisors. Matt and the original Beacon Pointe partners founded the company in 2002. Matt has been featured in Financial Planning Magazine, Barron’s, Investment News, Financial Advisor IQ, and Forbes, among other publications, regularly speaking on a host of wealth management and industry-related topics. Matt’s passion is continuous lifetime learning, and at a time when the RIA industry is changing more rapidly than any other point in history, Matt’s focus is on building the best possible business to serve clients and to assist other wealth managers in meeting their lifetime goals for themselves, their teams and their businesses. Matt graduated from the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business with a BS in Finance and Business Economics. While at USC, Matt served as President for the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. He remains a supporter of both the University and the National Fraternity. Matt serves on the Advisory Committee of Serving People in Need (SPIN), is past President of Newport Mesa National Junior Basketball, past President of the Andersen Elementary School Foundation (DEANS), is a member of Legatus International, and also served on the Investment Committee of The Orange Catholic Foundation. He lives in Newport Beach with his wife and has three sons. Matt enjoys traveling, running and exercise, and spending time with his family.

Megan Farley

Manager, Strategic Integration

Megan is a member of the Strategic Integration Department and is primarily responsible for new office integration and operational and strategic project implementations across Beacon Pointe offices located throughout the country. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Megan attended the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina where she triple majored in Finance, Global Supply Chain and Operations Management and Human Resources Management. In her free time, Megan enjoys traveling, going to the beach and spending time with family and friends.

Michael Dow Jr.

Associate Analyst, Institutional Consulting Services

Michael is an associate within the Institutional Consulting Service Group at Beacon Pointe. His responsibilities range from preparing client performance reports and conducting asset allocation studies to investment research. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Michael worked for a Waste Management company in their accounting and data management departments. Michael earned his B.S. in Economics from Michigan State University and in his free time, he enjoys golfing, playing guitar, and going to the beach.

Michael G. Dow, CAIA, CFA, CPA

Chief Investment Officer

Michael is the Chief Investment Officer of Beacon Pointe Advisors and the Chairman of the Beacon Pointe Investment Committee. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Michael served as Managing Director and Head of US Core Plus Bonds, Head of Sovereign Credit Research, and Head of Emerging Market Corporate Debt at UBS Global Asset Management, where he was responsible for portfolio management, research, trading and strategy across the UBS global platform for these products. Prior to joining UBS, Michael was enrolled at the University of Chicago and studied in several post-graduate programs including Economics and in the School of Public Policy and had begun the core coursework in the PhD Finance program at the Chicago Booth School before returning to the capital markets in early 2008. He remains affiliated with the University of Chicago and has taught the undergraduate Intermediate Accounting course at Lake Forest College as an adjunct professor, and as a guest lecturer taught the fixed income and interest rate course sections of undergraduate finance and graduate quantitative finance programs at the University of Illinois, Northwestern University and Notre Dame University. Prior to academia Michael was an Investment Grade Corporate Bond Portfolio Manager at PIMCO and was the PIMCO Funds National Sales Manager, as well as a senior member of the Consultant Relations Group.  He started his career at Salomon Brothers as a fixed income salesman in the Private Investment Department. He received a BS in Accountancy from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where he played intercollegiate water polo, and his MBA in Finance from the University of Chicago.  Michael is a Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst, Chartered Financial Analyst, received his certificate to practice as a CPA (inactive) and is a member of the CFA and CAIA Societies of Chicago.  He is married and has four children, and lives with his wife in Western Springs, Illinois.

*CPA license is inactive

Michael H. Kane, CFA®

Partner, Managing Director

Michael Kane is a senior member of the advisory team at Beacon Pointe’s Dallas office and has over 30 years of investment experience. Michael has extensive experience working with individuals, families, and foundations an utilizes comprehensive strategies to help each client realize their financial goals. Michael earned a B.S. in Finance from Babson College, an M.B.A. from Southern Methodist University and he is a holder of the Chartered Financial Analyst ® designation.  Michael moved to Dallas in 1979, attended high school in the area and has developed deep roots.  He began his professional career as a market marker at the Chicago Board Options Exchange in 1989 and has been in the investment advisory business since 1991. He is active in the Dallas community and is currently serving as a trustee on the Board of Trustees for Legacy Senior Communities and as a member of the Investment Committee of the Dallas Jewish Community Foundation.  Away from the office, Michael enjoys spending time with his family (wife, son and two golden retrievers), traveling, hiking, cycling, and playing tennis.

Michael Himmel, CFP®

Partner, Senior Wealth Advisor

Michael Himmel is a wealth advisor in Beacon Pointe’s Vero Beach, Florida 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 joining Beacon Pointe, Michael committed to a broad array of financial management endeavors throughout his thirty-five-year career most recently in the role of founding Partner and Portfolio Manager for Essex Asset Management, as well as Portfolio Manager for BNY-Mellon, Hedge Fund Manager with Lambeth Master Fund, Ltd., Derivatives, Options and Physical Commodity Trader for Sinochem International London, and NYMEX futures broker for Shearson Lehman American Express. Michael received bachelor’s degrees in economics and financial management from the Catholic University of America. In addition to his degrees, Michael holds the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) designation and has received certificates for Financial Options Trading, Artificial Neural Networks Applications, Data Science Specialization, R-Programming, and Computational Finance. Michael enjoys helping families and clients to align their lives and their wealth.

Michael R. Beck

Partner, Managing Director

Michael Beck is a managing director and oversees the Beacon Pointe Dallas office and has nearly 40 years of experience in the financial services industry. He builds custom portfolios driven by his clients’ investment objectives and advises high-net-worth individuals and families, business owners, foundations, retirement accounts, and women in transition. As part of an comprehensive financial strategy, he works with his clients’ CPAs, estate attorneys and other key professionals in order to provide comprehensive financial planning. In addition to his wealth advisory responsibilities, Michael is a member of Beacon Pointe’s Securities Research Committee. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Michael was a managing director for Wealthstreet Investment Advisors, LLC. He began his career as a portfolio manager at Gerald L.  Ray and Associates, Ltd. in 1999 and before becoming a portfolio manager, he worked in investment banking and private equity. He has also served as an executive and financial officer for several companies in healthcare and retail. He received a B.A. in Economics and Business Administration from Vanderbilt University. Michael is married to his wife Patrice and they have two sons.

Michael Whittemore, CFA

Senior Strategic Investment Advisor

Michael brings over 18 years of industry experience and provides customized investment solutions that help clients meet their financial goals.  Previously, Michael spent two years with U.S. Trust serving as Portfolio Oversight Director where he led a team of portfolio managers responsible for the oversight and enforcement of fiduciary policy. Prior to U.S. Trust, Michael spent 11 years working with two independent Registered Investment Advisors. Michael earned his B.A. in Economics from Rutgers University and holds the CFA Charterholder designation. Michael resides in Monmouth County, NJ with his wife and two kids and enjoys travelling, golf and football, including passionately following his beloved New England Patriots.

Michele T. Sarna, AIF®, AWMA®, CFP®

Partner, Managing Director

Michele Sarna, AIF®, AWMA® is responsible for the development of financial plans that help clients identify and set goals for wealth accumulation and future needs, as well as establish priorities, leverage tax laws, and utilize financial products to their benefit. In addition, Michele specializes in qualified retirement plans, including plan design, implementation and management that help employers and employees reach their retirement savings goals. Michele has extensive experience in investment management and the brokerage industry. Michele took a hiatus from the financial industry when she moved to the desert to help her husband run and manage a construction business. However, a few years later, she decided to go back to her passion in financial services. She is also passionate about empowering women both personally and professionally and is an active member of Beacon Pointe’s Women’s Advisory Institute. She holds a Master of Science degree in Finance from Walden University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration/Finance from California State University, Long Beach.  Michele also holds the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), Accredited Investment Fiduciary™ and Accredited Wealth Management Advisor™ designations. Michele is a Notary Public. She is married and has four children. During her free time, she likes to spend time with her family, read, exercise and participate in races benefiting non-profit organizations.

Mike Breller

Managing Director, Institutional Consulting Services

Mike is responsible for the Institutional Group’s business development and servicing of Beacon Pointe’s institutional clients. In addition, he is a member of Beacon Pointe’s Investment Committee. As a consultant, his responsibilities included asset allocation, investment manager structure, and investment manager due diligence and evaluation. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Advisors, he worked for 11 years as a financial analyst and fund specialist for Capital Research and Management Company, the investment advisor to the American Funds. In these roles Mike performed the duties of liaison to the investment professionals for institutional clients, broker/dealer research and consulting groups.  Mike graduated, magna cum laude, from Boise State University with a BBA in Finance. While at BSU, Mike served one year as President for the Financial Management Association, Boise State Chapter. Mike currently Serves as a Trustee for the Irvine Public Schools Foundation and resides in Irvine, California with his wife and two daughters.

Mitchell Hughes

Senior Institutional Consultant

Mitchell (Mitch) is responsible for consulting Beacon Pointe’s institutional clients and handling new client development. He serves large foundations, endowments, non-profits, high net worth family offices as well as corporate 401(k) plans and institutional 403(b) plans. Mitch is a member of Beacon Pointe’s 401(k) committee and helps the firm maintain fiduciary standards and mandates issued by the regulatory authorities. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Mitch worked at Merrill Lynch with the Global Institutional Consulting Group and at J.W. Cole Financial as a financial analyst. Before his financial career, Mitch played NCAA ice hockey for Bethel University in Minnesota with a short stint of playing semi-professionally. He had been elected as the captain at various levels and was the “enforcer” for his teams. Mitch obtained his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of California, Irvine. He serves on the board of Upon this Rock Ministries and is an active member of Mariners Church in Irvine, CA.  Mitch is married and resides in Orange County, and in his spare time he enjoys golfing, surfing and mountain activities.

Nathaniel Brown

Director, Service Operations

Nathaniel is responsible for oversight of client services and investment operations for Beacon Pointe Wealth Advisors, bringing a solid analytical and process-oriented mindset to our team. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Nathaniel worked for Ironmark Advisors overseeing trading operations and investment due diligence. He graduated from Texas A&M University with a BA in Mathematics. Upon completion of a Masters of Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary, Nathaniel spent five years in the nonprofit world in roles of finance, operations, and program administration. Nathaniel and his wife have three children, and he is passionate about helping children in foster care and enjoys coaching sports teams for his kids.

Paige L. Goll

Principal, Senior Strategic Investment Advisor

Peter Gottlieb

Internal Business Development Associate, Mergers & Acquisitions

As part of the Partnership Integration Department, Peter works closely with Beacon Pointe’s Mergers & Acquisitions team pursuing new advisor partnership opportunities across the country. He is responsible for prospecting and outreach during these processes as well as optimizing internal relations for the M&A team. While attending Texas Christian University, Peter completed an internship with Beacon Pointe in the Newport Beach headquarters office before graduating with a degree in Finance. Outside of the office, he enjoys watching sports, exercising, and spending time with friends and family.

Raul Marquez

M&A Analyst

As an M&A Analyst, Raul is a member of the Partnership Integration team pursuing new advisor partnership opportunities across the country. He is responsible for helping oversee financial due diligence during these processes. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Advisors, Raul worked as an Investor Relations Intern at TD Ameritrade. Raul graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with a degree in Finance. Before completing his studies Raul honorable served six years enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Outside of the office, he enjoys exercising, reading, listening to music, and socializing with friends and family.

Rawles F. Bell, CIMA®

Partner, Managing Director

Rawles Bell is a Partner and Managing Director at Beacon Pointe Advisors and is responsible for working with clients to meet their investment and income objectives. With over a decade in the financial services industry, Rawles began his career as a financial advisor at RBC Wealth Management before moving to a client advisory role and Associate Partner at Benchmark Private Wealth Management (which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2022). Rawles graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Finance and Economics and is a Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) professional. A native of the Park Cities, Rawles currently resides with his wife and two daughters in Dallas and in his spare time enjoys golf, fishing, and flying.

Rebecca M. Smith

Wealth Advisor

Rebecca (Beckie) Smith is a Wealth Advisor 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 joining Beacon Pointe Advisors, Beckie gained experience in brokerage services and retirement planning at Charles Schwab, financial and insurance planning at USAA Investment Co. and most recently client service management at UBS Financial Services. Beckie graduated from Weber State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Marketing. In her free time, Beckie enjoys hiking, yoga, traveling and spending time with her husband and their boys.

Robert C. Kuchar

Controller

Robert (Bob) is the Controller for Beacon Pointe Advisors and is responsible for the accounting and finance functions of the firm.  Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Bob led accounting teams for various companies across industries such as cybersecurity, service, solar, for-profit education, and manufacturing.  He earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Northern Illinois University.  Bob and his wife reside in New River, AZ and share two adult children. In his free time, he enjoys playing basketball, traveling, sporting events, and attending rock concerts.

Robyn Marotta

Associate, Institutional Consulting Services

Robyn serves as an associate for Beacon Pointe’s Institutional Consulting Services Group. She is tasked with supporting Beacon Pointe’s institutional consultants’ business development efforts including completing requests for proposals, coordinating conferences and events, managing databases and other administrative duties. She possesses a strong eye for detail and phenomenal writing and communication skills. As a graduate of California State University, Long Beach, Robyn brings 15 years of experience within both non-profit and for-profit sectors. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Robyn’s background includes the areas of education, real estate and property management, and business development. Outside of the office, Robyn has a passion for international travel, cooking, spending time with friends and family, and finding the adventure in every day.

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.

Rocky Lin, CFA

Partner, Managing Director

Rocky manages the client service and trading operations of the Northern California office. He oversees the advice and portfolio strategies implemented in Northern California. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Rocky was the Chief Investment Officer of Excelcia Financial Group and the Portfolio Manager for Excelcia Capital Partners a Global Macro Hedge Fund. His background is in Macroeconomic research, Portfolio Construction and Derivatives Trading. Rocky graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a BA in Business Economics. He has earned the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and is a member of the CFA Society of San Francisco. Rocky resides in San Jose, California where he continues to enjoy his passion for Ice Hockey and Snowboarding.

 

Rose Bae

Compliance Specialist

Ryan Griffin

Senior Associate, Mergers & Acquisitions

As a Senior Mergers & Acquisitions Associate, Ryan works closely with Beacon Pointe’s Board of Directors on pursuing new advisor partnership opportunities across the country. Responsibilities include the recruitment of additional Beacon Pointe partner offices across the nation and assisting with the integration of new affiliate offices and individuals joining Beacon Pointe. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Ryan was a Regional Director at Dimensional Fund Advisors. Ryan attended the University of Texas at Austin where he graduated from the McCombs School of Business with a major in Business Finance and a certificate in Energy Management. Outside of the office, he enjoys being outdoors, playing golf and basketball with friends, and traveling.

Sara Alfaro

Associate, Institutional Consulting Services

Sara is an associate within the Institutional Consulting Services Group at Beacon Pointe. Her duties range from preparing client performance reports and conducting asset allocation studies to investment manager research. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Sara earned her B.S. in Finance from California Polytechnic San Luis Obispo. In her free time, Sara enjoys spending time with friends and family, going to the beach, and exercising.

Sara Drake

Senior Marketing Associate

Sara is a member of Beacon Pointe’s Marketing and Communications Department. Her responsibilities include digital marketing and social media management, public relations coordination, event management, marketing material oversight and content development, among other marketing-related responsibilities. Before Beacon Pointe, Sara conducted a fellowship at Innovia Foundation and prior to that she interned at Synergy Properties and Oakwood Worldwide.  Sara graduated from Gonzaga University where she double majored in Public Relations and Spanish. Outside of the office, Sara enjoys international travel and visiting her parents in Hong Kong, cooking and going to the beach.

Scott Plamondon, CLU®, ChFC®

Vice President, Beacon Pointe Insurance Services

Scott is responsible for overseeing and maintaining the firm’s insurance offerings in addition to supporting Beacon Pointe advisors and their clients across the country. For over two decades, Scott has focused on helping individuals and business owners plan for retirement, protect their families and businesses, and create their legacy by implementing strategies such as wealth preservation, liquidity planning, business continuity, executive compensation, charitable planning, capital asset maximization, life insurance policy analysis and long-term care planning. Scott earned his BA in Finance with a major in Accounting from New Hampshire College. He maintains both the Charted Life Underwriter and Chartered Financial Consultant certificates from the American College.  Scott was in the United States Air Force from 1984 to 1987. He was a Corporate Accountant in Boston, MA until he moved to Southern California in 1991.  Scott is married and has two daughters.  He enjoys sports, travel, and spending time with his family. CA Insurance License #0833283

Sean Curley, CFP®

Partner, Managing Director

Sean Curley is a partner and the managing director of Beacon Pointe’s Greenwood Village, CO office. Sean has spent his career helping clients prepare for and enjoy a secure and comfortable retirement in the context of an ongoing, long-term relationship. His recommendations are based on a careful understanding of each client’s specific situation, coupled with thorough analysis and an evidence-based approach to retirement issues and investment management. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Sean founded The Retirement Planning Specialists in 2001 (which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2021) and before that was an advisor with Foland, Curley & Associates and American Express Financial Advisors.  Sean is a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) and graduated from Penn State University, Phi Beta Kappa, with honors, having earned a B.S. in Computer Science, followed by a seven year stretch as a project manager and senior government analyst for American Management Systems in Arlington, VA and Lakewood, CO. He lives in Highlands Ranch, CO with Mary, his wife of 30 years, and their daughter, Erin, when she’s home from college.

Shannon Eusey

Shannon Eusey

Chief Executive Officer

Shannon is the Chief Executive Officer of Beacon Pointe Advisors and a member of Beacon Pointe’s Investment Committee. Prior to launching Beacon Pointe, Shannon served as Senior Managing Director and Portfolio Manager at Roxbury Capital Management and oversaw the socially responsible investments (SRI) for several years. Shannon is a member of the CNBC Financial Advisor Council and is regularly featured in The Wall Street Journal, InvestmentNews, Barron’s, Financial Planning Magazine, among other publications. In 2018 she was presented with the UC Irvine Lauds & Laurels Award and in 2017 the Orange County Business Journal Women in Business Award. Through Shannon’s passion for financial education, she is a founding member of the Beacon Pointe Women’s Advisory Institute and co-authored Your Dollars, Our Sense: A Fun and Simple Guide to Money Matters, an international best-selling book that has ranked #1 in six different business and finance categories.  Shannon graduated from the University of California, Irvine where she played Division I Volleyball and she received her MBA from the University of California, Los Angeles Anderson School of Business. Shannon is a member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO) for the Orange County Chapter, and serves or has served on numerous boards including the Sunwest Bank Board of Directors, the UCI Athletic Fund Board, the Charles Schwab Advisor Council, the TD Ameritrade Advisory Council, CNBC’s Advisory Council, as well as Scratchworks, a FinTech accelerator that connects innovative tech companies with investment and wealth management luminaries to advance the digital transformation of the financial services industry.  As a dedicated philanthropist, she has also served on the Children’s Hospital of Orange County Professional Advisory Committee, the Investment Committee of Sisters of St. Joseph in Orange, and served as the Executive Director of the HALO Foundation. Shannon is married, has four children, and lives with her husband in Newport Beach, California.

Sheryl W. Austin, CFP®, ChFC, CLU

Partner, Managing Director

Sheryl Austin is a Partner and Managing Director in Beacon Pointe’s North Carolina office and is responsible for partnering with Beacon Pointe’s investment, operations, and financial planning teams to provide customized solutions that help clients meet their financial goals.  With over thirty years of experience, Sheryl has earned a reputation for having a special place in her heart for the clients she loves to serve. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Sheryl was a Partner and Financial Advisor with DMJ Wealth Advisors, LLC.  Sheryl holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) designation as well as the Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) and Certified Life Underwriter (CLU) designations.  Sheryl is also an active member of the Beacon Pointe Women’s Advisory Institute and very active in her community with a passion for organizations that provide support for women and children, and those that fight hunger. Sheryl and her husband have three adult children and 12 remarkable grandchildren, and outside of the office she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.

Stephen Marshall

Director of Asset Allocation

Stephen oversees Beacon Pointe’s asset allocation efforts focusing on portfolio modeling and construction, and is also a significant contributor to the firm’s investment research and due diligence efforts. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Stephen was a Managing Director and the Head of Asset Allocation for Wilshire Consulting.  In his previous role, he was responsible for the development of broad investment policies and risk management of portfolios for clients including foundations, endowments, corporate and public defined benefit plans, defined contribution plans, and other asset pools. Stephen was instrumental in developing Wilshire’s proprietary Cost-Risk Optimization and Dynamic De-Risking models.  Stephen has an actuarial background, and brings extensive experience in asset/liability analysis to Beacon Pointe.  Stephen graduated from the University of New Orleans with a B.S. in Mathematics.  He speaks frequently on asset allocation and risk-related topics at industry conferences.  Stephen lives with his two sons in Orange, California.

Steven Bright

Partner, Senior Wealth Advisor

Steven is responsible for client servicing and new client development in Beacon Pointe’s South Carolina office and focuses on comprehensive financial planning, risk management and asset protection. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Steven served as a financial representative for Carolinas Wealth Management Group, Inc. before joining CDA Group as a private wealth manager. Steven graduated from Vanderbilt University before joining Carolinas Wealth Management Group, Inc.  Steven enjoys playing golf and spending time with his wife and their three children.

Susan Fritts

Manager, Client Service

Sue Fritts is responsible for client servicing in the Private Client Service Group of Beacon Pointe Wealth Advisors Newport Beach. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Sue was with the Wealth Management Network as their Director of Operations for 3 years. Sue is very active in her children’s school and their PTA. She also is involved with Our Lady Queen of Angels as a religious education instructor. Sue enjoys reading, photography, and any sports involving her three children. She is currently enrolled at UC Irvine taking classes in financial management, coaching lacrosse, and spending time with her family.

Tom O’Connor, CFP®, CFA

Senior Financial Planner

Tom O’Connor is a Senior Financial Planner at Beacon Pointe Advisors. With over thirty years of experience, Tom is responsible for helping clients develop, execute, and maintain a strategic financial plan in order to achieve their personal and financial goals. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Tom ran the investment management arm of a federally chartered bank, while supervising operations for securities and insurance. Tom earned a BS in Computer Science from Purdue University, his MBA in Finance and Statistics from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and holds the Certified Financial Planner® and Chartered Financial Analyst designations. Tom resides in Laguna Niguel, CA with his fiancée. Outside of the office, he enjoys reading, staying active outdoors, and spending time with family and friends.

Tom Stefaniak, CFP®

Managing Director, Partner

Thomas (Tom) Stefaniak, CFP®, is a Managing Director at Beacon Pointe Advisors and is responsible for client service and new client development. With more than 30 years of expertise in the financial services industry, Tom has a passion for building relationships that go far beyond finances. Tom started his career as a Financial Planner with IDS/American Express in 1987. He quickly rose to the level of District Manager and received numerous awards for client service. In 1998, Tom co-founded Pinnacle Wealth Management, a boutique firm in Denver, Colorado (which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2023). Tom graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a double major in Real Estate and Finance, holds the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) designation, and is a member of the Financial Planning Association. Outside of the office, Tom enjoys golfing, traveling (whenever his schedule can allow it), and spending time with his wife and his three adult children.

Tommy Derrick

Director, Insurance Services

As Director of Insurance Services, Tommy is responsible for overseeing and maintaining the firm’s insurance offerings in addition to supporting Beacon Pointe Advisors and their clients across the country. With nearly 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, Tommy has consulted with hundreds of advisors and clients around risk management issues involving Estate Planning, Business Continuity and Succession Planning, Wealth Transfer, and Personal Protection. Tommy began his career in the Financial Services industry at Prudential, where he served as the Manager of Financial Services. In 2001, Tommy worked for the Royal Bank of Canada where he built an insurance program inside a regional bank, eventually taking their proprietary insurance product portfolio to independent brokerage. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, he held the Regional Director role at First Protective (now Concourse Financial Group), where he worked to develop business with Independent Advisors, Wealth Managers, and Private Bankers. Tommy graduated from Clemson University in 1989, where he earned a B.S. in Financial Management with an emphasis in Insurance. Tommy is a past qualifying member of the Million Dollar Round Table® and holds the designations of CLTC® and LUTCF®. Tommy currently resides in Greenville, South Carolina with his wife of 32 years, Cathy and their son Clark. In his free time, Tommy enjoys coaching a U11 travel baseball team, playing golf, tailgating Clemson games with friends and family, and taking long Jeep rides with his wife.

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.

Wayne C. McCullough, CFP®

Partner, Managing Director

Wayne McCullough is a Partner and Managing Director at Beacon Pointe Advisors and is responsible for client service and new client development. A veteran of the financial services industry, Wayne taps into his vast experience, industry acclaim and relationship-based partnerships with clients to provide top of the line service and expertise. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Wayne served as the President and Managing Partner for Benchmark Private Wealth Management (which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2022). A sixth generation Texan, Wayne received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas and holds the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) designation. Wayne resides in Dallas with his wife and children, and is actively involved with many non-profit organizations, including the Salesmanship Club of Dallas.

William Flower

Accounting Manager

William (Billy) Flower is the Accounting Manager for Beacon Pointe Advisors and is responsible for various accounting and finance functions of the firm.  Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Billy had been part of accounting teams in the cybersecurity and legal industries.  He earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Master of Science in Accounting from Grand Canyon University.  Billy resides in Gilbert, Arizona and likes to spend time golfing, biking, traveling, discovering new restaurants, and spending time with family and friends.

William Thompson

Director, Institutional Consulting Services

Bill Thompson possesses over 20 years of institutional portfolio, risk management, and leadership experience. He advises institutional clients on strategic investment planning and portfolio construction including asset allocation, manager selection, investment program evaluation, performance measurement, and governance. Bill has extensive experience working with board members, senior executives, and investment committee members to understand an institution’s investment and financial goals to thoughtfully construct an investment strategy that is synergistic to the respective mission of each organization. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Bill led the institutional business practice as Director of the Endowments and Foundations Group at Litman Gregory Asset Management, and prior to that served as Managing Director at Cambridge Associates. Bill earned his BA from Denison University and his MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Bill serves on the Board of Directors for Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford, where he chairs the Audit, Compliance, and Enterprise Risk Committee. Bill resides in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife and three children.

Zach Congelliere

Senior Associate, Strategic Integration

Zach is a member of the Strategic Integration Department and is primarily responsible for new office integration and operational and strategic project implementations across Beacon Pointe offices located throughout the country. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Zach was a Financial Representative at Fidelity Investments. Zach attended California State University, Fullerton, where he received a B.A. in Advertising. Zach is married and lives with his wife and newborn daughter. Outside of the office, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing golf, traveling, trying new restaurants, and watching sports.

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