Beacon Pointe is one of the largest Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) firms 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.
Alexander W. Pierce III
Partner, Senior Wealth Advisor
Alexander (Rusty) is a Partner and Senior Wealth Advisor at Beacon Pointe Advisors. Rusty began his career in the financial services industry in San Antonio in 1980 after graduating from Southern Methodist University with a B.B.A in finance. For the next 17 years, he worked for Texas-based brokerage firms as a Registered Representative serving high-net-worth investors. From 1997 until 2023, he served as a Research Analyst and Portfolio Manager for two Texas-based investment management firms registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. He has also previously held the additional responsibilities of Chief Operating Officer and Chief Compliance Officer. He opened the Beacon Pointe San Antonio office in 2023 and his responsibilities include constructing and managing custom portfolios for successful business owners, their families, and women in transition. His charitable interests have been devoted to numerous youth athletic organizations on behalf of his three sons.
Alisa Garnek, CFP®, CDFA®, MSTFP, NSSA®
Associate Director, Financial Planning
Alisa Garnek holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) 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 also holds the National Social Security Advisor (NSSA®) designation and is the Social Security specialist for Beacon Pointe nationwide. 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 is a partner and managing director of Beacon Pointe’s Fort Worth office. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Advisors, Alisha was a senior financial advisor with Rosenthal Retirement Planning for over 12 years. Prior to joining the Rosenthal team in 2006, Alisha held positions in the staffing industry as well as the financial services industry. Alisha has earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) certification and the Certified Retirement Counselor certification, and she received her degree in English from the University of Texas at Austin. She has served as a volunteer with the Junior League of Fort Worth, an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Additionally, through her passion to help and support women, Alisha is an active member of the Beacon Pointe Women’s Advisory Institute. Alisha, a lifelong Texas native, was born and raised in Houston and relocated to Fort Worth in 2006. In addition to advising clients, Alisha enjoys spending time with her husband, Burk, their two rescue dogs, Stanley and Cleo, as well as traveling, exercising, playing the piano, and has most recently taken up golf.
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
Business Development Manager
Allie Hines is a Business Development Manager on the Beacon Pointe National Sales team. She is responsible for new client development as well as managing Beacon Pointe initiatives between internal operations, marketing, and business development teams that lead to increased opportunities for the firm 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.
Anca Garcia, CLU®
Director of Firm Operations
Anca serves as the Director of Firm Operations at Beacon Pointe, coordinating firmwide operations projects to enhance the overall client and advisor experience. With an analytical and process-driven approach, she orchestrates firmwide projects aimed at enhancing operational efficiency. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, she had over 17 years of experience working in the financial services industry with Prudential, New York Life, and TIAA. She held various roles of increasing responsibilities in sales, client services, and practice management. She also managed two IAR mergers into the launch of a new RIA while overseeing firm operations, policies, vendors, and team training. Anca earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration, Finance concentration from Thomas Edison State College. Anca also holds the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®) designation from The American College and passed her Series 6, 7, 63, and 65. Anca is married, has two sons, and currently lives in New Jersey. Outside of the office, she enjoys traveling, being outdoors, gardening, and spending time with her family and friends.
Andrew Bullard, J.D.
Senior Estate Strategist
Andrew is a Senior Estate Strategist at Beacon Pointe and is responsible for assisting individuals and families with planning strategies to preserve and transfer wealth. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Andrew practiced as a trusts and estates attorney focusing on all aspects of estate planning and helping fiduciaries navigate the administration of trusts and estates. Andrew advised individuals and families regarding overall wealth and estate planning, including gifting strategies, estate tax planning, and gift and estate tax compliance. Andrew earned his B.A. in Political Science from the University of Michigan and his J.D. from Michigan State University College of Law. Andrew resides in Cary, North Carolina, with his wife and two children.
Andrew Hoang, CFP®, CDFA®
Senior Financial Planner
Andrew Hoang, CFP®, is a Senior 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® (CFP®) 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
Senior Associate, Institutional Consulting
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 L. Stern
Partner, Managing Director
Andrew (Andy) Stern is a Partner and Managing Director at Beacon Pointe Advisors and is responsible for client service and new client development. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Andy was a Managing Partner and co-founder at YorkBridge Wealth Partners (which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2023). Before launching YorkBridge Wealth Partners, Andy served as a Managing Director at Lebenthal Wealth Advisors where he provided clients with guidance across many facets of wealth management including portfolio construction, planning strategies and wealth transfer. Andy spent 17 years at Morgan Stanley and predecessor firms, first as an analyst at Smith Barney Asset Management, then rising through the ranks to become, among other roles, Co-Portfolio Manager of a U.S.-based large-cap growth equity portfolio with nearly $1B in assets. Andy received his MBA from the Leonard N. Stern School of Business at New York University and his undergraduate degree from Emory University. He lives in Amagansett with his wife and three children. Outside of the office, Andy coaches’ youth sports and he and his wife are involved in several local non-profit organizations.
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 Generalist
Annie is a Human Resources Generalist at Beacon Pointe Advisors responsible for assisting the HR Manager in all aspects of the firm’s HR operations as well as 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.
Anthony Santos
Central Operations Associate & Trader
Anthony is a member of the Central Operations and Trading Department at Beacon Pointe and is responsible for partnering with Beacon Pointe’s investment and financial planning teams to provide the firm’s clients with a personalized service experience. His duties include portfolio maintenance, onboarding of new client relationships, database management and client service. Anthony graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Economics. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Anthony was a service specialist at AssetMark Trust. Outside of the office, he enjoys being outside, going camping, watching or playing sports, spending time with family and friends, or trying new recipes.
Aracely Kurdziel
Senior Account Services Associate
Aracely is a member of the Client Service Department at Beacon Pointe Advisors and 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 client relationships, database management and client service. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Aracely graduated from Western Michigan University with a major in Business Administration. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with family.
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.
Ashley Gignac, JD
Estate Strategist
Ashley is an Estate Strategist at Beacon Pointe, assisting clients and their families with implementing strategies to accomplish their wealth and legacy planning goals. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Ashley practiced as an attorney in Boston, Massachusetts, and West Palm Beach, Florida. In Massachusetts, Ashley advised individuals, families, and businesses on legacy and succession planning, state estate tax issues, and in matters of estate administration. In Florida, Ashley advised executors and fiduciaries in estate and trust administration matters, ensuring smooth transfers of wealth for families, providing guidance through local probate processes, and advising on federal estate tax matters. Ashley earned her B.A. in History from Boston University with a minor in Political Science and earned her J.D. from New England Law | Boston. Ashley is a member of the Florida and Massachusetts Bar Associations. She currently resides in West Palm Beach, Florida with her husband and daughter.
Ashley Smith
Senior Account Services Associate
Ashley is a member of the Client Service Department at Beacon Pointe Advisors and 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, database management and client service. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Ashley spent six years working in brokerage and advisory operations a Voya Financial Advisors in the Des Moines, IA office. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, baking, and socializing with family and friends.
Austin Cassidy, CFP®
Financial Planner
Austin Cassidy is a Financial Planner at Beacon Pointe Advisors and is responsible for guiding clients through the financial planning process by identifying and pursuing planning strategies that best position clients for success in meeting their financial goals. Austin holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) designation and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance with a minor in Economics from Penn State University. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Austin worked for over five years at Vanguard in Philadelphia in both investment operations and Advice Methodology, where his team oversaw Portfolio Construction and Financial Planning methodology for Vanguard’s personal advice offer. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, Austin is a huge fan of Pittsburgh sports and has attended Penn State Football games every year since birth. New to California, Austin is enjoying living in Encinitas, where he can play pickleball, hike, run, bike, and golf year-round. He hopes that these activities will help lower his golf handicap to the level it was while playing golf in high school.
Austin Kastenberg, MBA
Senior Associate Analyst, Institutional Consulting
Austin is a Senior Associate Analyst within the Institutional Consulting 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, traveling, being outdoors, and staying active.
Ben McGloin, CFA®
Partner, Managing Director
Ben McGloin, CFA® is a Managing Director and Partner in the Beacon Pointe Newport Beach office. Ben has close to 30 years of professional experience advising high-net-worth families, individuals, institutions, and business owners. Harnessing his extensive experience and expertise navigating the intricate world of wealth, Ben has an unwavering passion and relentless commitment to crafting and implementing bespoke wealth management strategies that transform successful individuals and their families’ financial aspirations into enduring legacies. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Ben held a variety of investment advisory and fiduciary leadership roles over the course of two decades with BNY Mellon Wealth Management. His prior experience also includes positions as a Global Analyst for Pacific Investment Management Company (PIMCO), a Fixed Income and Derivatives Trader and Treasury Analyst for Investors Bank & Trust in Boston and multiple private banking-related positions for TSB Bank and Ulster Bank in Ireland. Ben is a CFA® charterholder and member of the CFA® Institute, as well as a member of the CFA® Society Orange County. He studied Computer Science at Trinity College in Dublin and earned his Bachelor of Business Studies from Dublin City University in Ireland. Outside of the office, Ben enjoys playing golf, tennis and spending time with family and friends.
Bo Ward, CFP®
Partner, Managing Director
Bo Ward is a Managing Director at Beacon Pointe 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.
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.
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 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. Brandt was honored by InvestmentNews as a 2019 ’40 Under 40’ financial advisor. He is also a graduate of the prestigious Leadership Coachella Valley program and serves on the Alumni Council. Outside of the office, Brandt enjoys golf, snowboarding, and spending time with his wife and their black lab/beagle, Abby.
Brian L. Coughlan, MBA, 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.
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 California State University Northridge with a concentration in Financial Planning and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®). She also earned her Master of Science in Taxation (MST) degree from California 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, LLM
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®, CFS, ChFC®, CRC®
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 the American Bar Association. He has earned the following certifications: CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®), 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.
Cameron Wright
Senior Client Service Associate, Institutional Consulting
Cameron is a member of the Client Service Department and is responsible for partnering with the firm’s investment and wealth management teams to provide an elevated service experience for clients. Among his duties are investment strategy implementation, portfolio performance reporting, asset allocation modeling, and client services. Cameron graduated from California State University, San Bernardino and earned his B.A. in Business Administration with a concentration in Financial Planning. Outside of the office, Cameron enjoys watching football, jazz music, and reading.
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.
Carolyn Smith
Trading Associate
Carolyn Smith is a member of the Central Operations and Trading Department at Beacon Pointe Advisors and 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 client relationships, database management, client service, and executing trades for retail and institutional accounts. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Carolyn worked at the Wealth Management Network. Carolyn is married and has two sons. She enjoys going to the beach, running
Carrie Gallaway, CFP®
Partner, Managing Director
Carrie is a Partner and Managing Director at Beacon Pointe Advisors. With over 20 years of experience, Carrie is focused on helping clients plan for a secure financial future. Many of her clients are women who have experienced a recent life event, such as losing a job or a loved one, which forces their financial affairs to become a top priority. She works closely with clients in developing, implementing and monitoring retirement, education, investment and income plans for individuals and families. Carrie began her career as a Registered Client Service Associate with DLJDirect before pivoting to work at Morgan Stanley for 15 years, eventually rising to the role Senior Vice President. She then went on to co-found YorkBridge Wealth Partners in 2016 (which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2023). Carrie graduated from Lehigh University and holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) designation. Carrie currently lives in Hoboken, New Jersey with her husband and two children. In her spare time, she enjoys downhill skiing, tennis, volunteering in the local community, and cheering for her children at their sporting events.
Casey Stewart
Estate Strategist
As an Estate Strategist, Casey works nationwide with clients and their families to best utilize their wealth to meet their lifetime and legacy goals. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Casey practiced as a Trusts and Estates Attorney focusing on all aspects of estate planning, and the administration of trusts and estates. Casey advised individuals and families on overall wealth and estate planning, including gifting strategies, gift tax compliance, and assisting individuals and banks acting in fiduciary capacities in matters of estate and trust administration. Casey earned his B.S. in Legal Studies with a minor in Business from the University of Central Florida and his J.D. from Ave Maria School of Law, with concentration on Estate Planning, Business Planning, Tax, and Real Estate. Casey is a member of the Florida Bar Association and is a frequent speaker at local group meetings on the topic of Probate Administrations. Outside of the office, Casey enjoys spending time with his wife and three children in the beautiful Florida weather, coaching youth sports, and fishing.
Catherine Prentice
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.
Chandler Hammersla
Senior 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 Managing Director 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 executive benefit plans to reward, retain and recruit key staff. Prior to his financial services career, Chuck honorably served in the U.S. Army including spending several years as a Sentinel guarding The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as a member of The Old Guard. 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, AIF®, CFP®, 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® (CFP®), Accredited Investment Fiduciary and Chartered Financial Consultant designations. As the dad of a son who has autism, Charlie is actively involved with several charities, including HALO (Helping Autism Through Learning Outreach) and 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, JD, LLM
Partner, Managing Director
Charlie Farrell, JD, LLM 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.
Charlie Phillips, CEPA
Partner, Senior Wealth Advisor
Charlie is a Partner and Senior Wealth Advisor for the Beacon Pointe Los Angeles office. Charlie has over 15 years of experience working with high-net-worth individuals, families, and institutions to help navigate all aspects of their financial lives. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, he worked at BNY Mellon Wealth Management, where he sat on the Equity Strategy Committee overseeing the equity portion of the $300 billion in assets managed. Previous to BNY Mellon, Charlie worked as a small-cap equity analyst for ICM Asset Management. While there, he constructed valuation models for proposed investments and built out option writing strategies designed to mitigate risk and generate additional portfolio returns. Charlie is a member of the CFA® Society of Los Angeles as well as the CFA® Society of Orange County. Additionally, he is a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) and a member of the Exit Planning Institute. Charlie graduated from Whittier College with a concentration in international business. He captained the Whittier College golf team and is still an avid golfer in his free time.
Chas Moede
Trading Associate
Chas is a member of the Central Operations and Trading Department at Beacon Pointe Advisors and is responsible for partnering with Beacon Pointe’s investment and financial planning teams to provide the firm’s clients with a personalized service experience. His duties include executing trades for retail and institutional accounts, portfolio maintenance, database management, onboarding of new client relationships, and client service. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Chas spent four years at a wealth management firm in Wisconsin. In his free time, he enjoys camping and playing tennis.
Chloe Trimarche
Senior Marketing & Communications Associate
Chloe is a Senior 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.
Christina White, CFP®
Financial Planner
Christina (Christy) is a Financial Planner at Beacon Pointe Advisors with over 14 years of industry experience and is responsible for helping clients develop, execute, and maintain a strategic financial plan in order to achieve their personal and financial goals. Christy enjoys working with clients at every stage in their lives, from early career and starting a family to preparing for retirement and beyond. Christy graduated from the University of Maryland College Park, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance, and holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) designation. Christy and her husband, Tom, enjoy spending their free time with their daughter Alexis and visiting with family and friends.
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.
Cindy Randolph, CPA
Associate Financial Planner
Cindy Randolph is an Associate Financial Planner at Beacon Pointe Advisors and is responsible for providing ongoing comprehensive financial planning to aid clients in accomplishing their life and legacy goals. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Cindy held accounting roles in business management and public accounting, where she assisted high-net-worth clients by analyzing their bookkeeping, personal budgeting, and tax needs. Cindy earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from California State University Long Beach. Cindy received her CPA designation in 2020 and has an active license in California. In her free time, Cindy enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, listening to audiobooks, and staying up to date on current events.
Cole Woods
Senior Reporting Associate
Cole is responsible for supporting the Beacon Pointe strategic integration and operations teams to provide data reporting assistance. His duties include maintaining the firm’s data for performance reporting, providing internal support, and integrating external reporting and CRM systems following new office acquisitions. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Cole worked in logistics at a local Scottsdale brokerage. In May 2020, Cole earned his B.S. in Supply Chain Management from the W.P. Carey & Barrett Honors College at Arizona State University. Outside of the office, Cole has a passion for golf, snowboarding, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
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.
Connor Brown
Account Services Associate
Connor is a member of the Client Service Department at Beacon Pointe Advisors and is responsible for partnering with Beacon Pointe’s investment and financial planning teams to provide the firm’s clients with a personalized service experience. His duties include portfolio maintenance, onboarding of new relationships, database management, and client service. Connor graduated from Arizona State University with a bachelor’s degree in economics. Outside of the office, Connor enjoys playing golf and spending time with his loved ones.
Courtney Shields
Senior Compliance Associate
Craig Crespo
Senior Central Support Trader
Craig serves as the Reporting and Trading Manager for the Beacon Pointe New Orleans office. Craig is responsible for asset allocation implementation and executing trades for retail and institutional clients. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, he spent 20 years as an institutional sales trader at Capital One SouthCoast, Iberia Capital Partners and Coker Palmer. Craig graduated from Jesuit High School and earned a MA in Economics with a Finance concentration from the University of New Orleans. He is an active member of St. Pius X parish and Mt. Carmel Academy communities. Craig enjoys spending time with his family, cooking and watching sports.
Cristopher Zavala
Associate, Institutional Consulting
Cristopher Zavala is an associate analyst within the Institutional Consulting Services team at Beacon Pointe. His duties range from preparing client performance reports and conducting asset allocation studies to investment research. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Cristopher interned for a family office wealth management firm and for Constellation Brand’s revenue management team. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis on finance from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. In his free time, he enjoys staying active by working out, playing golf, and playing tennis.
Crystal Garner
Principal, Senior Wealth Advisor
Darin Simonian, CFP®
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.
Dave Penniall, CFP®
Partner, Senior Wealth Advisor
Dave Penniall is a Partner at Beacon Pointe Advisors with over four decades of wealth management experience advising high-net-worth business owners, athletes, families, and other individuals. Dave became an investment manager in 1982, after a seven-year career in Major League Baseball. During his time as a professional athlete, he observed the financial challenges his fellow teammates faced firsthand, recognizing a prevalent issue among athletes who rapidly accrue wealth only to lose it through poor money management. This concern motivated Dave to change career paths into the finance industry, where he has since dedicated himself to strengthening financial literacy, amongst others. Dave earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), holds various securities, insurance, and real estate licenses, and has been a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) since 1985. Dave and his wife have three wonderful children, one of whom played baseball for the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) just like his father.
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. In 2021, David was named Chief Technology Officer of the Year for individual RIA firm leaders by Wealthmanagement.com. 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, CAIA, CFA®
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).
Devon Nick
Senior Strategic Investment Advisor
Devon Nick is a Senior Strategic Investment Advisor at Beacon Pointe Advisors and is responsible for developing and implementing investment strategies for clients, conducting market research, fund, and manager due diligence. With over a decade of experience in wealth management, he is deeply passionate about guiding others through their financial journeys. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Devon was a trader and investment analyst for Bridge Advisory, where he managed trading, client billings, and investment analysis. Devon earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of Southern California. Outside of the office, he enjoys spending quality time with friends and family and staying physically active.
Donald J. Hertling, CFP®, MST
Partner, Managing Director
Don Hertling 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
Senior Marketing & Communications Associate
Eliza Moody is a Senior 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.
Emerald Ward, CFP®
Senior Financial Planner
Emerald Ward is a Senior Financial Planner and is responsible for helping clients develop, execute, and maintain a strategic financial plan in order to achieve their personal and financial goals. Emerald holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) designation and received a master’s degree in Personal Financial Planning and a graduate certificate in Tax from Texas Tech University. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Emerald spent five years working for various RIAs, building and developing custom financial plans for individuals. Outside of the office, Emerald enjoys spending time outside, running, traveling, and spending time 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.
Emmett King
Associate, Mergers & Acquisitions
As part of the Partnership Integration Department, Emmett 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 Claremont Mckenna College, Emmett completed an internship with Beacon Pointe in the Newport Beach headquarters office before graduating with a degree in Economics and Religious Studies. While attending school, he played four years of varsity football as a middle linebacker. Outside of the office, he enjoys listening to podcasts, exercising, and cooking for his 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 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, Institutional Consulting
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 four decades of experience in the financial services industry and began his career in 1984. He has worked at numerous financial institutions analyzing, trading, and selling equities and fixed-income investments to institutional and retail clients. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Fred served as co-founder and president of Northstar Investment Advisor for 26 years. Fred is the past Chairman of the board of CollegeInvest, Colorado’s 529 college savings plan, and is a past Chairman of the Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation board. He is also 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 received the Denver Foundation’s 2017 Philanthropic Leadership Award. He was also a finalist for the 2019 Invest in Others Lifetime Achievement Award, for his two decades of service to the Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation. 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. A Colorado native, Fred graduated cum laude from Middlebury College with honors in American History. He currently lives in Denver with his wife Claudia and enjoys skiing, tennis, golf and spending time with his children and three granddaughters.
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.
Gina Vandetty
Firm Operations Associate
Gina is a member of the Beacon Pointe Client Service and Operations Department and is responsible for partnering with the firm’s investment and wealth management teams to provide an elevated service experience for clients. After graduating from St. John’s College, Gina spent five years in merger and acquisition operations in the pharmaceutical and higher education sectors. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and spending time outdoors.
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 two decades to helping clients achieve financial independence. In 2011, Grant was selected as Puget Sound Business Journal’s prestigious 40 Under 40, and he continues to be recognized as a dynamic leader within both the industry and the community. Grant was included in the 2020 Financial Times’ Top 400 Financial Advisors list and was a perennial member of LPL Financial’s 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® (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 joining 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 degree in Finance, Real Estate, and Law 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. Outside of the office, Heidi enjoys yoga, hiking, cheering her kids on at their activities, 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, CFP®
Financial Planner
Ike Egwuonwu is a Financial Planner at Beacon Pointe Advisors and is responsible for helping clients develop, execute, and maintain a strategic financial plan to achieve their personal and financial goals. Before joining Beacon Pointe, Ike worked at Ayco Goldman Sachs as a financial planner and coach having previously transitioned from a role at Deloitte as an engagement financial advisor. Ike earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Pepperdine University as a Posse Foundation Scholar, and holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) designation. Ike currently resides in Santa Ana, CA with his wife, 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 Beacon Pointe’s South 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. 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.
Jackie Mendoza
Manager of Account Services
Jackie Mendoza is the Manager of Account Services for the Beacon Pointe Arizona office, overseeing account management and processes, and client service. Jackie has over a decade of client service experience, beginning her career in the banking industry by working at Steele Street Bank & Trust and Valley Bank & Trust. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Advisors, Jackie was a Senior Client Service Manager at Northstar Investment Advisors. Jackie is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in finance at Metropolitan State University. A Colorado native, in her spare time she enjoys hiking, running, spending time outdoors, and cheering on her son in a variety of sports.
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 Milam
Trading Associate
James is a member of the Central Operations and Trading Department at Beacon Pointe Advisors and is responsible for partnering with Beacon Pointe’s investment and financial planning teams to provide the firm’s clients with a personalized service experience. His duties include executing trades for retail and institutional accounts, portfolio maintenance, database management, onboarding of new client relationships, and client service. Prior to Joining Beacon Pointe, he spent 11 years trading and managing his personal portfolio. Outside of the office, he enjoys attending NBA basketball games (Go Suns!), cycling, lifting weights, and traveling to beachside towns.
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, CFP®, CIMC, CPA, MBA, PFS
Partner, Managing Director
James (Jimmy) Ferrell is a Managing Director at Beacon Pointe Advisors Florida and is responsible for client service, new client development, and growing Beacon Pointe’s presence throughout the state of Florida. Prior to Beacon Pointe, Jimmy was President of Ferrell Wealth Management for nearly 25 years. Jimmy holds designations as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®), Personal Financial Specialist (PFS), and Certified Investment Management Consultant (CIMC); his memberships include the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants (FICPA) and the Investments & Wealth Institute.
Jimmy, an Orlando native, graduated summa cum laude from the University of Central Florida (UCF) with a double major in accounting and finance and earned a Master of Business Administration with a finance specialization from Florida State University. Jimmy is actively involved in local organizations including Morning Star Charities (President), Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, UCF Foundation (Past-Chairman of the Investment Committee), The Center for Advanced Entrepreneurship at Rollins College (Board of Directors), Interlachen Country Club (Board of Directors), and serves as a director on the board of Winter Park National Bank.
Jimmy has been honored by his alma mater as an inductee into the UCF College of Business Administration Hall of Fame and a recipient of the 2012 Service to UCF Award. He was one of four honorees of the American Diabetes Association’s 2014 Father of the Year Awards and an honoree at the Bishop Moore High School 2018 Legacy Gala for his service and commitment to the Catholic community.
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 planning, investment, and income goals. With over 20 years of industry experience, Jameson specializes in sophisticated business and tax planning, asset protection and estate planning for business owners, families and individuals. He discovered his passion for investing at the early age of 16 where he began trading stocks and just a few years later. Jameson graduated summa cum laude from Barrett, The Honors College of Arizona State University, where he was awarded ‘Most Outstanding Graduating Senior and Valedictorian’ from W.P. Carey School of Business. Jameson also holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) designation and has received the Distinguished Alumni from Barrett, The Honors College for his work both professionally and personally. Jameson is an active member in the local Phoenix Valley community, including 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. 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.
Jarrett Bare
Senior Account Services Associate
Jarrett is a member of the Client Service Department at Beacon Pointe Advisors and is responsible for partnering with Beacon Pointe’s investment and financial planning teams to provide the firm’s clients with a personalized service experience. His duties include portfolio maintenance, onboarding of new relationships, database management, and client service. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Jarrett worked for Mercer Advisors, an independent RIA based in Colorado. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Finance with a minor in Entrepreneurship at the University of San Diego, California. In his free time, Jarrett enjoys climbing, writing, and spending time outdoors.
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, CEPA, CFP®
Partner, Managing Director
Jay Healy is a partner and the Managing Director of the Beacon Pointe Memphis office. He works with clients to help them clarify and achieve their long-term goals. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Jay founded Century Wealth Management, which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2021. Before building Century Wealth Management, Jay spent fifteen years in the music industry, collaborating with artists such as Billy Joel, Mariah Carey, REM, and Live, before leaving this line of work in 2000. Jay attended Houghton College, earned his MBA from Christian Brother’s University, and holds the designations of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) and Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA). Jay is actively involved in the Memphis community and currently serves as a board member and investment committee chair for the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis. His past board service includes serving as President of The Economic Club of Memphis and The RISE Foundation and as a board member for Leadership Memphis, FPA of Greater Memphis, and others. Outside of the office, Jay is an accomplished runner, an aspiring golfer, and loves to travel with his wife and three children.
Jaynie Hexberg
Business Development Associate
Jaynie is a Business Development Associate on the Beacon Pointe National Sales team. She is responsible for coordinating leads from custodial referral channels and maintaining data relevant to the sales process while providing clear communication with our partner offices and Wealth Advisors. 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 Counselor (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
Senior 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
Payroll Manager
Jennifer is the Payroll Manager 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.
Jenny Sobrevilla
Senior Account Services Associate
Jenny is a member of the Client Service Department at Beacon Pointe Advisors and 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 client relationships, database management, and client service. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Jenny spent four years at Charles Schwab. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, reading, and rescuing dogs.
Jesse Crane
Business Development Manager, Institutional Consulting
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, CDFA®, MBA
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.
Joanna Lopez
Senior Account Services Associate
Joanna is a member of the Client Service Department at Beacon Pointe Advisors and 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, database management, and client service. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Joanna spent four years working in Advisor Services at Charles Schwab in Phoenix, AZ. She earned her bachelor’s degree in business communications at Arizona State University. Joanna currently holds her FINRA Series 7 and 63. In her free time, she enjoys trying out new restaurants, staying active, traveling, and spending time with her Australian Shepherd, Oliver.
Joe Ramos, CFP®
Partner, Managing Director
Joe is a Partner and Managing Director at Beacon Pointe Advisors and is passionate about helping his clients create wealth through effective investment consulting. He prides himself on addressing advanced planning issues that include four areas: wealth enhancement, wealth transfer, wealth protection and efficient charitable giving. Joe is known for his listening and problem-solving skills. He is adept at finding solutions that uniquely fit each of his clients and explaining those planning ideas in a clear manner. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Joe founded Private Capital Management, Inc., which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2023. He holds his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) designation, and graduated from the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley, and is an avid fan of the California Golden Bears, so much so, that his son is named Cal. Outside of the office, Joe is an instrument-rated pilot, avid skier, and mountain biker. He previously played rugby for the National Champion Old Blues and competed as a triathlete for the Olympic Club. In fact, it was on this triathlon team that he met his bride. Most of his personal time is spent with his wife and children, coaching many of their youth sports teams, acting as team photographer or cheerleader when not coaching, and even announcing many of their high school football games. A Bay Area native, Joe and his family live in Kentfield, CA.
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 CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (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.
John P. Keeney, CPWA®, CRPC®, CRPS®
Partner, Managing Director
John Keeney is a Partner and Managing Director at Beacon Pointe Advisors with over three decades of professional experience advising high-net-worth families, individuals, institutions, and business owners. Prior to joining forces via a merger with Beacon Pointe in 2024, John founded Keeney Financial Group where he dedicated over twenty-five years to helping clients achieve their financial objectives. John holds numerous financial planning designations, including the Certified Private Wealth Advisor™ (CPWA®), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ (CRPC®), and the Chartered Retirement Plan Specialist™ (CRPS®). As his commitment to service extends beyond the role of a wealth advisor, John is passionate about partnering with local youth organizations and national charities to raise funds and make a positive impact in the lives of many. John and his wife have three wonderful children and, in his spare time, John enjoys mountain biking, golf, fishing, and making memories with his family.
Jolene Avila
Senior Account Services Associate
Jolene is a member of the Client Service Department at Beacon Pointe Advisors and 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, database management, and client service. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Jolene spent three years working in Advisor Services at Charles Schwab in Phoenix, AZ. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a minor in Global Studies at Arizona State University. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants, and spending time with her Bernedoodle, Kona.
Jon Daly
Salesforce Associate Developer, Information Technology
Jon is a Salesforce Associate Developer within our firm Operations Group at Beacon Pointe Advisors and is responsible for oversight of client services and investment operations. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Jon was an IT Operations Manager who brings on 10 years of experience in productivity and project management to the team. Outside of the office, Jon enjoys remodeling his childhood home, spending time with his girlfriend and new baby, playing music, and traveling.
Jonathan Acosta, JD, MBA
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
Jordan Heller is a Managing Director and Partner of Beacon Pointe Advisors having founded Heller Wealth Advisors prior to merging with Beacon Pointe in April 2019. He holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) designation, as well as CFA® and CPA designations. Prior to his spin-off in March 2008, Mr. Heller was a partner of The Schonbraun McCann Group (SMG), currently FTI Consulting, as well as managing partner of SMG’s wealth management subsidiary. Prior to joining The Schonbraun McCann Group, Mr. Heller spent four years at American Economic Planning Group (AEPG) in a similar capacity.
Prior to entering the wealth management industry in 2000, Jordan spent 15 years on Wall Street heading the Real Estate and Real Estate Finance Securities Research groups of some of the country’s leading investment houses, including Merrill Lynch, Salomon Brothers, and CIBC. During this time, Jordan played a leading role in the rebirth of the modern-day REIT industry. He began his career in public accounting, joining Price Waterhouse in 1982, and moving to Wall Street in 1985.
Jordan obtained his undergraduate degree from Bentley University in Waltham, MA, with a B.S. in Accountancy. He also attended The University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business where he obtained his MBA. Jordan serves on the Board of Directors of Alzheon, a biopharma company focused on finding a cure for Alzheimer’s Disease, Cantex, a pharmaceutical, biopharma company focused on rage inhibitors, as well as The New York College of Podiatric Medicine where he was awarded an honorary doctorate degree in 2015. In addition, Jordan serves as the chairman on the board of NYCPM’s captive insurance company, PODIA. He has also served on the boards of Equity One, a national shopping center company, until its sale to Regency Centers in 2017, and Bed Bath and Beyond from 2004 through March 2019. He is a member of the Investment Management Consultants Association, Association for Investment Management and Research, and the New York Society of Security Analysts. He is a noted speaker and has been featured as an industry expert by such media as CNN, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, Barron’s, The New York Times, and Real Estate Portfolio. Jordan’s extensive investment banking, advisory, and research experience is detailed below.
INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERINGS (All lead manager roles except where noted and include add-on financings in most cases):
Kimco Realty, Simon Property Group, Starwood Lodging, Equity Residential, Post Properties, Shurgard Storage, Crescent Equities, Beacon Properties, Reckson Associates, Carr America Realty, Duke Realty, Highwoods Properties, The Mills Corporation, Chelsea GCA, Tanger Factory Outlets, Urban Shopping Centers, Saul Centers (Co-manager), MaceRich (Co-manager), JP Realty, Excel Realty, Bristol Hotels, Wellsford, Essex, Evans Withycomb, Amli, Gables, Associated Estates (Co-manager), Paragon, Manufactured Home Communities, Chateau Properties, First Industrial Realty, Spieker Properties (Co-manager), Colonial Properties (Co-manager), Franchise Finance Corp of America, Realty Income, Trinet, Entertainment Properties Trust, North American Mortgage.
ADD-ON EQUITY FINANCING For Non IPO Clients (All are lead manager roles except where noted):
Weingarten Realty, Federal Realty, New Plan Realty, Vornado, Cousins Properties, IRT Property, Security Capital Pacific, Health Care Properties, The Price REIT, First Washington (Co-manager), Bradley (Co-manager), Washington REIT, Catellus, Glenborough (Co-manager), Irvine Apartments, BRE, United Dominion, Felcor Suites (Co-Manager), Innkeepers (Co-manager), Storage Trust, Health and Retirement Properties, Nationwide Health Properties (Co-Manager), Countrywide Credit Industries, Green Tree Financial.
MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS/RESTRUCTURINGS/STRATEGIC ADVISORY:
Vornado, Federal Realty, The Mills Corp, Kimco, Excel, Beacon, Carr, New Plan Realty, JP Realty, IRT, Washington REIT, Bradley, Price REIT, Reckson, United Dominion, Wellsford, Evans Withycomb, Paragon, Bristol Hotels, The Meditrust Companies.
NON BANKING RESEARCH:
The Rouse Company, Pan Pacific, CBL & Associates, Western Investment, Mid Atlantic Realty, Home Properties of New York, AIMCO, Avalon Bay Communities, Alexandria Real Estate Equities, SL Green Realty, Mack-Cali Realty, Corporate Office Properties, Grove Apartments, Newhall Land and Farming Company.
REAL ESTATE FINANCE COMPANIES:
Involved in the underwriting/advisory/research of many commercial/residential mortgage REIT, non-REIT and Real Estate Specialty Finance companies including: BRT Realty, Mortgage & Realty Trust, Green Tree Financial, Countrywide Credit Industries, North American Mortgage, Countrywide Mortgage, Capstead Mortgage, Residential Mortgage IncomeTrust. In addition, worked closely with the asset back securities and commercial mortgage backed securities groups within respective investment banks.
Please note that transactions referenced above were all prior to the establishment of Heller Wealth Advisors, LLC.
*Inactive
Jordan Moy
Associate, Investment Research
Jordan is responsible for supporting the Beacon Pointe Investment Research Department to provide the firm’s clients with a personalized service experience. His duties include coordinating with custodian partners on new account processing, preparing subscription documents and providing ongoing communication, documentation, and proper protocols for alternative investments. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Jordan was an Investment Alternatives Analyst at Mercer Alternatives in Sacramento, California. He focused on fund accounting and monitoring, research due diligence, risk management diligence, and portfolio reporting. Jordan earned his B.S. in Business Management from William Jessup University in Rocklin, California. Outside of the office, Jordan has a passion for reading, playing competitive sports, spending time with family and friends, and playing with his Boston Terrier Jimmy.
Jorge Corrales Alvarez
Central Operations Associate
Jorge is a member of the Client Service Department at Beacon Pointe Advisors and is responsible for partnering with Beacon Pointe’s investment and financial planning teams to provide the firm’s clients with a personalized service experience. His duties include portfolio maintenance, onboarding of new relationships, database management and client service. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Jorge worked at Charles Schwab and has provided client services for over two years. In his free time, he enjoys powerlifting, coaching chess, and playing competitive Tetris.
Joseph D. Schofield, III
Partner, Managing Director
Joseph (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.
Julia Eddy
Senior Account Services Associate
Julia is a member of the Client Service Department at Beacon Pointe Advisors and 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, database management, and client service. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Julia spent a year and a half working for Vahanian & Associates, a small independent RIA located in Saratoga Springs, NY. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Economics with a minor in Philosophy at SUNY New Paltz. She holds her FINRA Series 6 & 63 licenses as well as the NYS Life & Health Insurance license. In her free time, Julia enjoys running, traveling and spending time with family and friends.
Julien Frazzo
Deputy Chief Investment Officer
Julien is the Deputy Chief Investment Officer of Beacon Pointe Advisors and 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-four years of experience, including fourteen years as a risk taker in alternative asset management, five years in investment banking, and five 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 Long 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.
Juna Chiang, CFP®
Manager, Trading Operations
Juna is a Manager in the Operations Department at Beacon Pointe Advisors. She is responsible for asset allocation implementation, trading and client service. Juna earned her BA from Providence College in Taiwan and her Master’s Degree in Public Health from University of California, Los Angeles. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe in 2010, she worked at Ameriprise Financial. Juna is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) and has also completed the Certificate Program for Financial Planning for Nonprofit Organizations. She is active in the parent-teacher organizations in her children’s schools and in her free time enjoys volunteering, reading, and spending time with her family and friends.
Justin Nelson, CFP®
Financial Planner
Justin Nelson is a Financial Planner at Beacon Pointe Advisors and is responsible for guiding clients through the financial planning process to determine the best strategies to meet their financial goals. Justin holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) designation and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from The University of Utah. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Justin owned his own wealth management practice for over 10 years before selling his business to focus on his true passion: financial planning. He was also a combat veteran who deployed with the Army in Iraq as a Hum-V driver and UAV pilot. During his military service, he was an artillery cannon crew member and later switched to interrogator and was sent to the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, CA to learn Chinese. Outside of work, Justin enjoys woodworking and BBQ. Justin currently lives in Wichita, KS with his wife and 5 kids that keep him very busy outside of work.
Kacy Etchieson
Senior Relationship Manager
Kacy is a Senior Relationship Manager within Beacon Pointe’s Centralized Operations Department and is responsible for delivering specialized assistance to the firm’s ultra-high-net-worth Family Office clientele. With a decade-long tenure in financial services, Kacy initiated her career at JP Morgan Chase, gaining invaluable experience at Ameriprise and New York Life in diverse client service capacities before transitioning to Beacon Pointe. Beyond her professional pursuits, Kacy savors leisure moments with her husband, Chris, and son, Maverick, indulging in travel and live Texas country music events.
Kara Felten
Human Resources Coordinator
Kara is a Human Resources Coordinator at Beacon Pointe Advisors. She is responsible for recruiting, assisting with onboarding efforts, and day-to-day human resource operations. 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 oversees partnership integration and the strategic execution of operations across all Beacon Pointe offices located throughout the country. Karisa brings over 20 years of experience in financial services and wealth management 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, has two sons, and lives in Mission Viejo, CA. She enjoys traveling, staying fit, watching sports, 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 leading the firm’s financial planning and tax planning services as well as helping private clients determine and meet their financial and tax 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® (CFP®). Kelly is very passionate about financial education. She currently serves on the Women’s Initiative Council (WIN) at the CFP® Board Center for Financial Planning. The WIN Council advises the Center on creating initiatives and supports efforts to increase the number of women entering the financial planning profession, including the number of women CFP® professionals. Kelly 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. Kelly’s writing about various tax and financial planning topics has appeared in multiple publications including CNBC, Martha Stewart Weddings, Worth Magazine, Financial Planning Association, MainStreet!, and Financial Advisor IQ. She is a past board member of the Financial Planning Association of Orange County and volunteered for WomenSage. Kelly spends her free time chasing her three children and resides with her husband in South Orange County, California.
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.
Kris Sabo
Senior Strategic Integrations Coordinator
Kris is a member of Beacon Pointe’s Strategic Integration Department, where she assumes a pivotal role in overseeing new office integration and driving the implementation of operational and strategic projects across the organization’s nationwide offices. With an extensive background spanning more than 20 years in financial services, Kris has garnered invaluable experience from her tenure at Ironmark Advisors and TD Ameritrade Institutional, where she excelled as a Relationship Manager, as well as Washington Mutual, where she started her career. Residing in the DFW area with her husband and son, Kris finds fulfillment outside of work through pursuits such as kickboxing, avid sports watching, exploring new destinations with her family, and spending time with friends.
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.
Krystal Lightfoot
Central Support Trader
Krystal is a member of the Central Operations and Trading Department at Beacon Pointe and is responsible for partnering with Beacon Pointe’s investment and financial planning teams to provide clients with a personalized service experience. Her duties include portfolio maintenance, onboarding of new client relationships, database management, and delivering exceptional client service. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, she spent eleven years in operational management and client services at a wealth management firm in Sedona, AZ. Krystal is deeply committed to continuous learning and professional development and is currently working towards obtaining her licenses to become a financial advisor. Outside of her professional pursuits, Krystal finds joy in spending quality time with her family.
Kyle Charlton
Central Operations Associate
Kyle is a member of the Central Operations Department at Beacon Pointe and is responsible for partnering with Beacon Pointe’s investment and financial planning teams to provide the firm’s clients with a personalized service experience. His duties include preparing client account paperwork, executing account maintenance tasks, and maintaining and updating client files utilizing internal systems and portfolio management databases. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Kyle worked as a mortgage loan processor for Newrez. Outside of the office, Kyle enjoys playing golf, rock climbing, and hiking.
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 a Trust Officer of Wachovia Trust Services and has previously served as Vice President for Merrill Lynch Trust Company of North Carolina. 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 30 years. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe 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 have one daughter who resides and works in New York City.
Lance Allende
Associate, Institutional Consulting
Lance is an associate analyst within the Institutional Consulting Services team at Beacon Pointe. His duties range from preparing client performance reports and conducting asset allocation studies to investment research. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Lance interned for the firm and earned his B.S. in Business Administration with a focus in Finance (FRL) from California Polytechnic University, Pomona. In his free time, he enjoys playing basketball, running, and spending time with friends and family.
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
Co-Director of Strategic Integrations
Liz Mitchell is responsible for overseeing the integration of new partner offices who join Beacon Pointe. Liz also manages strategic projects for the firm. With over 13 years of experience within an RIA, she holds a strong operational and client service background with a focus on private wealth, institutional and alternative investments. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Chapman University. Liz resides in Laguna Hills, California and enjoys spending time traveling, snow skiing, and adventuring with her husband, daughters, family, and friends.
Lucas Mantoani
Reporting Associate
Lucas is responsible for supporting the Beacon Pointe integration and operations teams to provide data reporting assistance. His duties include maintaining the firm’s data for performance reporting, providing internal support, and integrating external reporting/CRM systems following new office acquisitions. While attending Gonzaga University, Lucas obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and obtained minors in Mathematics and Management Information Systems while performing research for the economics department. Outside of the office, Lucas enjoys playing recreational sports, chess, and baking fresh bread.
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.
Makenna Kerr
Marketing & Communications Associate
Makenna Kerr 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, she worked as an Onboarding Specialist for a healthcare staffing agency. Makenna graduated from the University of Oregon where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. Outside of the office, Makenna enjoys reading, being outdoors, and spending time with friends, family, and her Goldendoodle, Woody.
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® (CFA®) 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®, CSRIC®
Partner, Managing Director
Mark is a co-founder of the Beacon Pointe Boston office, where he is both Partner and Managing Director. With over 25 years of experience, Mark leads a dedicated team of private wealth professionals in the regional office. Mark is co-chair of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee for Beacon Pointe Advisors and is very passionate about values-based investing. Mark holds an honors degree in Business Studies from Ulster University, a Certificate in Export Marketing from the University of San Francisco, a Diploma in Philosophy from St. Patrick’s Seminary, and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®). 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. Outside of the office, Mark is an avid soccer fan, enjoys Gaelic football and golf.
Matthew B. Cooper
Partner, President
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.
Mckenzie Gill
Strategic Integrations Associate
McKenzie 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 throughout the country. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, McKenzie attended the Leavey School of Business at Santa Clara University, where she majored in Finance and minored in Real Estate. Outside of the office, she enjoys traveling, playing pickleball, and spending time with family and friends.
Medha Nadgir
Director, Account Reporting
As a Principal and Director of Client Service at Beacon Pointe Advisors, Medha brings to her role an ease with numbers, a passion to work with people, and a drive to consistently give her best. Medha is also very passionate about educating, empowering, and engaging women investors and is an active member of Beacon Pointe’s Women’s Advisory Institute. Medha holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree from NIT Nagpur, India, and transitioned to the financial services industry in 2008. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Medha worked as an Associate Advisor at David Witherbee & Associates in Concord, MA. Medha has completed the educational requirements for the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) certification. Medha is actively involved with her alumnae and in community service through Sewa International.
Megan Cochran
Director of Operations, Wealth Advisor
Megan Cochran serves as a Wealth Advisor and the Director of Operations at the Beacon Pointe New Orleans office. Since beginning her career in 2009, Megan has developed a comprehensive skill set in various areas, including retirement plan design and implementation, fiduciary services, fee analysis, and individual financial planning. Her approach focuses on providing holistic and personalized financial solutions tailored to meet the unique goals and objectives of her clients. Megan works closely with individuals and plan sponsors, ensuring their needs are addressed efficiently and effectively through collaborative efforts.
Megan’s journey into finance began early in life, influenced by her parents’ exposure to the financial aspects of running a small business. This exposure sparked her interest and eventually led her to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Economics from Loyola University New Orleans. Following her academic pursuits, Megan embarked on her professional journey, initially joining a national bank where she held various roles. However, her desire for a more localized, family-oriented, and client-focused environment ultimately led her to CBD Wealth Management (CBD), which merged with Beacon Pointe Advisors in 2020. Outside of the office, Megan remains connected to her community and is very involved with the John Curtis Christian School. She prioritizes quality time with her family, enjoying moments with her husband, Joe, and their two daughters, Elle and Zoe.
Megan Eusey, MSL
Project Manager - Estate and Tax Partnerships
Megan is a Project Manager who works with clients and advisors to provide estate and tax services. Prior to Beacon Pointe Advisors, Megan served as a Talent Acquisition Marketing Specialist for Niagara Bottling. She earned her Masters of Studies in Law with a focus in Business from the University of Southern California’s Gould School of Law. Outside of the office, Megan enjoys spending her time in the sun, travelling, and skiing. She currently resides in Newport Beach, CA.
Megan Farley
Co-Director of Strategic Integrations
Megan is a Co-Director of the Strategic Integration team 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 Diephouse, MBA
Product Manager
Michael (Mike) is a Product Manager who works with advisors on workplace retirement plan management and solutions. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Advisors, Mike served as a financial advisor at various financial organizations, including Fidelity, Schwab, and TIAA. While at TIAA, Mike spent a decade as a 529 College Savings Plan specialist. Mike earned his MBA from Concordia University in Irvine, California and serves as a volunteer and board member with Junior Achievement of Orange County. Outside of the office, you can find Mike and his wife enjoying watching their two sons play baseball, flag football and soccer. He also enjoys traveling, golfing, and snowboarding.
Michael Dow Jr.
Investment Specialist
Michael Dow Jr. is an Investment Specialist at Beacon Pointe and is responsible for partnering with advisors to provide customized solutions that help clients meet their financial goals and to ensure that clients receive a customized wealth management experience. Before moving to serving our private wealth clients, Michael spent 2 years in our Beacon Pointe headquarter office for the Institutional Consulting Service team, preparing client performance reports and conducting asset allocation reporting and investment research. Michael earned his B.S. in Economics from Michigan State University and is currently enrolled in the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) certification program with a projected completion in Spring 2024. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, playing guitar, and spending time at the beach.
Michael G. Dow, CAIA, CFA®
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® (CFA®), 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 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, utilize financial products to their benefit, among other savvy financial services. In addition to the services highlighted, 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 finance 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. Michele is also passionate about empowering women both personally and professionally and is an active member of the Beacon Pointe 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 holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®), Accredited Investment Fiduciary™, and Accredited Wealth Management Advisor™ (AWMA®) designations and is also a Notary Public. Over the years, Michele has garnered several industry recognitions including:
- 2020 ‘401 Top Retirement Plan Advisor by State’ from Financial Times
- 2022 ‘Top Retirement Plan Adviser’ from PLANADVISER
- 2023 ‘Top Retirement Plan Adviser’ from PLANADVISER
Outside of the office, Michele likes to spend time with her family, read, exercise, and participate in races benefiting non-profit organizations.
Mike Breller
Managing Director, Institutional Consulting
Mike is a managing director for Beacon Pointe’s Institutional Consulting team and possesses over 25 years of institutional investment experience. As a consultant, Mike advises institutional clients on policy development, strategic planning, asset allocation, and portfolio construction. He is a member of Beacon Pointe’s Investment Committees including Beacon Pointe Alternatives and the Macro-Economic Sub-Committee, and has been with Beacon Pointe since 2010. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, he worked for 11 years as a Financial Analyst and Investment Specialist for the institutional services group of Capital Research and Management Company, the investment advisor to the American Funds. In these roles, he represented the investment management team to large institutional clients and research groups for major financial intermediary firms. Mike graduated, magna cum laude, from Boise State University with a BBA in Finance. Outside of the office, Mike stays involved in his community as an Irvine Public Schools Foundation Board member, Finance Committee member, and former Chair over the last 8 years. He also enjoys traveling internationally with his wife and daughters and playing the occasional round of golf.
Mike Joslin, CIMA®, CPA, PFS®
Partner, Managing Director
As the Partner and Managing Director of the Beacon Pointe Redmond office, Mike is passionate about investing and people, and the incredible impact that smart financial decisions can have on the lives of others. Whether it be prudent portfolio design and management, retirement planning, family wealth planning, or simply getting a financial house in order – Mike can assist with it all. Formerly a CPA, Mike switched realms and became a financial advisor in 1986, before starting his own firm in 1999, Joslin Capital. During his time at Joslin Capital, Mike was listed by Medical Economics Magazine as one of the top 150 financial advisors helping doctors in the United States. Fast forward nearly two and a half decades later, Joslin Capital merged with Beacon Pointe Advisors in 2024. Mike earned his Bachelor of Arts in accounting from the University of Washington and holds the Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Personal Financial Specialist™ (PFS®), and Certified Investment Management Analyst™ (CIMA®) designations. When Mike isn’t busy tending to his active memberships at the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants, Financial Planning Association, Investments and Wealth Institute, East King County Estate Planning Council (past president), and the Estate Planning Council of Seattle, you can find Mike skiing with his family, playing tennis, swimming, or improvising jazz solos with his collection of trumpets and flugelhorn.
Mitchell Hughes
Senior Consultant, Institutional Consulting
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.
Morgan Hampton
Account Services Associate
Morgan is a member of the Client Service Department at Beacon Pointe Advisors and 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, database management, and client service. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Morgan worked in the dental field for nine years. In her free time, Morgan enjoys spending time with her daughter as well as with family and friends.
Nathaniel Brown
Director of Regional Operations
Nathaniel is responsible for driving business alignment for local offices among their operations and advisory teams, and leads Beacon Pointe to improve operational efficiency by coordinating efforts among local offices. He brings 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 Bachelor of Arts degree 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 in his spare time, you can find him enjoying his children’s sports, playing pickleball, and volunteering at his church.
Nechelle Hendrix
Human Resources Generalist
Nechelle is a Human Resources Generalist at Beacon Pointe and is responsible for a wide range of HR functions, including managing employee benefits and fostering a positive workplace culture. Her multifaceted role allows her to leverage her diverse skill set to support both employees and the organization effectively. Nechelle holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a Human Resources Management Certificate from California State University of Long Beach, providing her with a strong foundation in understanding both the human and organizational aspects of the workplace. She began her HR career as an HR Coordinator at BDS Connected Solutions, a dynamic marketing company, and went on to further her career and HR experience in overseeing onboarding, offboarding, benefits administration, performance management and employee engagement. Outside of the office, Nechelle enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends, indulging in her passion for music, cooking and exploring new adventures. These activities not only bring her joy but also inspire her to bring creativity and enthusiasm to her work in Human Resources.
Nick Colletta, CAIA, CFA
Senior Associate, Investment Research
Nick Colletta is a Senior Associate, Investment Research at Beacon Pointe Advisors, and a member of the Beacon Pointe Investment Committee. In his role as a member of the Beacon Pointe Investment Research Department, Nick conducts due diligence on investment opportunities, performs macroeconomic research, and focuses on risk management for the portfolios. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Advisors, Nick was the Chief Investment Officer for Bridge Advisory (which was acquired by Beacon Pointe in 2024), where he spearheaded the firm’s investment process, conducted in-depth economic research and provided comprehensive market analyses for clients. Nick is a seasoned investment professional, holding both the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) and the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designations. He earned a bachelor’s degree in finance with a minor in Economics and a master’s degree in Information Systems with a concentration in Data Science. Outside of the office, Nick enjoys reading, working out, watching Netflix, and spending time with friends and family.
Olivia Lustbader
Senior Account Services Associate
Olivia Lustbader is a member of the Client Service Department at Beacon Pointe Advisors and is responsible for partnering with Beacon Pointe’s investment and financial planning teams to provide clients with a personalized service experience. Her duties include portfolio maintenance, onboarding of new relationships, database management, and client service. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Olivia spent five years working in operations at Vanguard in the Scottsdale, AZ office. Olivia graduated from the University of Arizona with a bachelor’s degree in Retailing and Consumer Sciences. She currently resides in Scottsdale, and in her free time enjoys walking her dog, traveling, painting, and spending time with family.
Paige L. Goll
Principal, Senior Strategic Investment Advisor
Paige is a Senior Strategic Investment Advisor at Beacon Pointe Advisors and works closely with the Managing Director in developing strategies to grow the Florida office. She is responsible for developing and implementing investment strategies for the firm in addition to conducting extensive market research, fund and manager due diligence. She has a deep understanding of sophisticated wealth management practices and financial planning services and works closely with select private clients. In addition to her advisory role, Paige is a member of Beacon Pointe’s manager research, macroeconomic and asset allocation investment sub-committees.
Before joining Beacon Pointe, Paige was the Director of Research and Senior Portfolio Manager at Ferrell Wealth Management in Winter Park, Florida. Prior to that she held the role of Associate Vice President at Ladenburg Thalmann Asset Management in New York City. Paige received her Bachelor of Arts in Communications with a Minor in Business at Tulane University, in addition to obtaining her Master of Finance from the A.B. Freeman School of Business at Tulane University.
Paige is a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH) certified therapeutic riding instructor. Outside of the office, she enjoys volunteering for Freedom Ride, an organization dedicated to providing therapeutic horseback riding and related activities to individuals with disabilities in the Central Florida area. She successfully completed the Leadership Winter Park program and is an active member of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce. Paige is from Villanova, Pennsylvania and currently lives in Maitland, Florida with her husband and daughter.
Peter Gottlieb
Senior 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.
Quinn Schneider, FPQP®
Firm Operations Senior Associate
Quinn is a member of the Beacon Pointe Client Service and Operations Department and is responsible for partnering with the firm’s investment and wealth management teams to provide an elevated service experience for clients. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Quinn was the Compliance & Trading Associate for Altavista Wealth Management, which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2022. After graduating from University of North Carolina – Asheville with a bachelor’s degree in Management, Quinn has completed the Investment Adviser Core Compliance Program through NRS and passed her Series 65. Additionally, she is a Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional® (FPQP®). In her spare time, you can find Quinn exploring Charlotte or traveling somewhere new.
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.
Reed Finney, CFP®, CLU®
Partner, Managing Director
Reed is a Partner and Managing Director at Beacon Pointe Advisors and has over 35 years of financial planning experience. Reed is passionate about helping his clients meet their financial goals, forming close relationships, and ushering them through many of life’s milestones. Prior to merging with Beacon Pointe in 2023, Reed was a Partner at Bleakley Financial Group. Reed is a graduate of Lehigh University with a bachelor’s degree in finance. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) and Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®). Reed and his wife, Susan, live in Essex Fells, NJ, and share five children. Outside of the office, Reed enjoys playing tennis, reading, listening to the Grateful Dead, spending time with his family in Cape Cod, and walking Quinn (the family golden retriever).
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.
Robert Ingham CFP®, MBA
Partner, Senior Wealth Advisor
Robert (Bob) Ingham is a Partner and Senior Wealth Advisor at Beacon Pointe Advisors. Bob combines personal attention with investment experience to help his clients on the path to achieving their financial goals. He began his career in the financial services industry in 1994 with one of the nation’s largest financial planning firms. In 1997, his commitment to provide independent, objective advice led him to form his own company, which merged with Beacon Pointe Advisors in 2023. Bob received his bachelor’s degree in Management from the University of Massachusetts, his MBA in Finance from San Diego State University, and is credentialed as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) professional. Bob has extensive experience in estate planning, advanced tax planning, portfolio analysis, and investment management. Bob has also taught graduate level advanced investment theory as an adjunct faculty member at National University. Prior to working in the financial services industry, Bob was a Naval Flight Officer flying carrier based F-14 Tomcat fighter jets. He is retired from the United States Naval Reserves as a Commander.
Robyn Marotta
Senior Associate, Institutional Consulting
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, AIF®, JD
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
Russell Crow
Partner, Managing Director
Russell Crow is a Partner and Managing Director at Beacon Pointe Advisors and brings over three decades of professional experience advising ultra-high-net-worth families, institutions, and business owners. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe in 2023, Russell served as Managing Director at UBS Private Wealth Management for 14 years after spending nine years at Goldman Sachs and four years with Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management in New York, Houston & Dallas. He received his BA from the University of Arkansas, his MBA from Arizona State University, and his MIM from Thunderbird, the American Graduate School of International Management.
Ryan Griffin
Director of Mergers & Acquisitions
As a Director of 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.
Ryan McEnerney
Director of Central Support
Ryan is responsible for the central operations team tasked with delivering a consistent and improved client and advisor experience. He brings over a decade of experience in financial services in operations and understands the components required to build an efficient, evolving, and high-quality customer experience. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, he spent ten years at Voya Financial Advisors where he held various roles within operations including leading multiple operations teams, partnering with sales and the platform development team, and delivering a streamlined customer and advisor experience. Ryan earned his bachelor’s degree in Finance and Investment Banking from the University of Wisconsin. Ryan is married and lives with his wife, two young daughters and golden retriever in Peoria, AZ. He enjoys golfing, running, grilling, and spending time with his family.
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.
Shaina Marcotte
Senior Trading Associate
Shaina is a member of the Client Service Department at Beacon Pointe Advisors and 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 client relationships, database management and client service. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Shaina spent two years at Charles Schwab. In her free time, she enjoys cooking and spending time outdoors.
Shannon Eusey
Chief Executive Officer
Shannon is the Chief Executive Officer of Beacon Pointe Advisors, the largest female-led Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) firm in the country serving private clients, foundations, and retirement plans. Prior to launching Beacon Pointe, Shannon served as Senior Managing Director and Portfolio Manager at Roxbury Capital Management and oversaw the socially responsible investment (SRI) platform for several years. Shannon is regularly featured in The Wall Street Journal, InvestmentNews, Barron’s, Forbes, 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 Banc of California, the UCI Athletic Fund Board, the Charles Schwab Advisor Council, the TD Ameritrade Advisory Council, the CNBC Financial Advisor 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.
Sharlene Bolle
Senior Account Services Associate
Sharlene is a member of the Client Service Department at Beacon Pointe Advisors and 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 new client relationships, database management, and client service. Sharlene has over two decades of comprehensive client service experience in diverse business sectors. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Sharlene worked for five years in wealth management with LPL Financial, and later for Vahanian & Associates, a small independent RIA located in Saratoga Springs, NY. Sharlene holds her FINRA Series 6 & 63 licenses as well as the NYS Life, Accident & Health Insurance license. In her free time, Sharlene can often be found supporting her two teenage boys at their various sporting events or milestones, camping, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
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.
Sophie Chapman
Wealth Planning Associate
Sophie is a Wealth Planning Associate specializing in helping our advisors provide custom healthcare planning services to clients. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Sophie completed two medical internships that provided her the opportunity to shadow an ophthalmologist and neurosurgeon. Her internships and prior volunteer experience in assisting pre-op patients and their families ignited her passion to understand and advocate for a better patient healthcare experience, as well as leading her to pursue an undergraduate degree in Public Health Policy at the University of California, Irvine. In her free time, Sophie enjoys cooking, hot yoga, and traveling.
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.
Sydney Alacano
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Sydney Alacano is a Coordinator 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, she worked as an Account Executive for FleishmanHillard, a global public relations agency. Sydney graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Strategic Communication with an emphasis in Public Relations. She was also a member of the Delta Gamma sorority and served on the chapter’s executive team. Outside of the office, Sydney loves hiking, reading, playing tennis and beach volleyball, and spending time outdoors with her family and friends.
Tom O’Connor, CFA®, CFP®
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 advised high-net-worth clients including Fortune 500 executives, entrepreneurs, and business owners. 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® (CFP®) and Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) designations. Tom resides in Laguna Niguel, CA. Outside 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.
Tom Walters
Trading Manager
Tom serves as the manager of Beacon Pointe’s central trading team, entrusted with ensuring a consistently excellent client and advisor experience. With over 20 years of experience in financial services, he possesses a deep understanding of trading dynamics and the imperative of precise, efficient trade execution. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Tom held diverse roles, including market maker, institutional coverage trader, and, most recently, Trading Manager at Wealth Enhancement Group. There, he steered the trading team through substantial asset growth and platform development. Tom currently resides in Plymouth, MN, with his wife, three children, and dog. Outside of the office, he finds joy in traveling, cooking, staying active, and cheering on his children in sports competitions.
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.
Tracey Lundahl, FPQP™
Senior Relationship Manager
Tracey is a Senior Relationship Manager within the Beacon Pointe Los Angeles Office. Her responsibilities include partnering with Beacon Pointe’s investment and financial planning teams to provide customized solutions that help clients meet their financial goals. For over 22 years, Tracey has been providing high-touch client service within the financial services industry. She takes great pride in building a strong rapport with clients; established on a foundation of trust and dependability. Tracey received her FPQP™ designation, Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional, from the College for Financial Planning and holds a B.A. in Humanities from Arizona State University. Her career began in private banking, but she eventually transitioned her knowledge and passion for client service excellence to the wealth management realm. Tracey resides in Phoenix, AZ with her husband, where they share a reverence for nature and devote most of their free time to rescuing & caring for animals.
Tyler Lira
Trading Associate
Tyler is a member of the Central Operations and Trading Department at Beacon Pointe Advisors and is responsible for partnering with Beacon Pointe’s investment and financial planning teams to provide the firm’s clients with a personalized service experience. His duties include executing trades for retail and institutional accounts, portfolio maintenance, database management, onboarding of new client relationships, and client service. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Tyler was a Service Professional and Advisor Support Specialist with Charles Schwab. Outside of the office, he enjoys hiking, watching football, snowboarding, and spending time with family.
Vanessa Burnett, CFP®
Partner, Managing Director
Vanessa Burnett is a Partner and Managing Director at Beacon Pointe Advisors with over a decade of professional experience advising high-net-worth individuals and families. Vanessa launched her career in 2008, just before the Great Financial Crisis. Rather than being deterred, Vanessa saw this event as her calling, proving that with a solid plan and the right team, success was achievable. She is passionate about serving her clients, helping them achieve their financial goals, and mentoring her team to do great things both in and out of the office. Vanessa graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in communication and a minor in Business Administration from the University of Southern California. She holds the California Life, Health, and Disability insurance license and has been a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) since 2011. Vanessa is a member of Beacon Pointe’s Women’s Advisory Institute and currently serves as Secretary on the Board of Directors for the Elizabeth House, a shelter for pregnant women and their children experiencing homelessness in Pasadena, California. Outside of the office, Vanessa spends time with her family and enjoys staying active in any way possible – be it solo on the Peloton or the trampoline with her kids.
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 (Bill) Thompson
Director, Institutional Consulting
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.
William Diehl, CFA®
Partner, Managing Director
William (Billy) Diehl is a Partner and Managing Director at Beacon Pointe Advisors and brings over three decades of professional experience advising ultra-high-net-worth families, institutions, and business owners. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe in 2023, Billy served as Managing Director at UBS Private Wealth Management for 14 years after spending nine years at Goldman Sachs and four years with Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management in New York, Houston & Dallas. He holds the Certified Financial Analyst® (CFA®) designation and received his BA from Vanderbilt University and his MBA from the University of Texas at Austin.
William Draper
Associate, Institutional Consulting
William (Will) is an associate analyst within the Institutional Consulting Services Team at Beacon Pointe. His responsibilities range from preparing client performance reports and conducting asset allocation studies to investment research. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Will earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, concentrating in Finance from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and his master’s in finance and management from the University of St Andrews in Scotland. In his free time, he enjoys playing competitive golf, hiking, running, and enjoying time with family and friends.
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.
Alexander W. Pierce III
Partner, Senior Wealth Advisor
Alexander (Rusty) is a Partner and Senior Wealth Advisor at Beacon Pointe Advisors. Rusty began his career in the financial services industry in San Antonio in 1980 after graduating from Southern Methodist University with a B.B.A in finance. For the next 17 years, he worked for Texas-based brokerage firms as a Registered Representative serving high-net-worth investors. From 1997 until 2023, he served as a Research Analyst and Portfolio Manager for two Texas-based investment management firms registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. He has also previously held the additional responsibilities of Chief Operating Officer and Chief Compliance Officer. He opened the Beacon Pointe San Antonio office in 2023 and his responsibilities include constructing and managing custom portfolios for successful business owners, their families, and women in transition. His charitable interests have been devoted to numerous youth athletic organizations on behalf of his three sons.
Alisa Garnek, CFP®, CDFA®, MSTFP, NSSA®
Associate Director, Financial Planning
Alisa Garnek holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) 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 also holds the National Social Security Advisor (NSSA®) designation and is the Social Security specialist for Beacon Pointe nationwide. 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 is a partner and managing director of Beacon Pointe’s Fort Worth office. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Advisors, Alisha was a senior financial advisor with Rosenthal Retirement Planning for over 12 years. Prior to joining the Rosenthal team in 2006, Alisha held positions in the staffing industry as well as the financial services industry. Alisha has earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) certification and the Certified Retirement Counselor certification, and she received her degree in English from the University of Texas at Austin. She has served as a volunteer with the Junior League of Fort Worth, an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Additionally, through her passion to help and support women, Alisha is an active member of the Beacon Pointe Women’s Advisory Institute. Alisha, a lifelong Texas native, was born and raised in Houston and relocated to Fort Worth in 2006. In addition to advising clients, Alisha enjoys spending time with her husband, Burk, their two rescue dogs, Stanley and Cleo, as well as traveling, exercising, playing the piano, and has most recently taken up golf.
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
Business Development Manager
Allie Hines is a Business Development Manager on the Beacon Pointe National Sales team. She is responsible for new client development as well as managing Beacon Pointe initiatives between internal operations, marketing, and business development teams that lead to increased opportunities for the firm 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.
Anca Garcia, CLU®
Director of Firm Operations
Anca serves as the Director of Firm Operations at Beacon Pointe, coordinating firmwide operations projects to enhance the overall client and advisor experience. With an analytical and process-driven approach, she orchestrates firmwide projects aimed at enhancing operational efficiency. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, she had over 17 years of experience working in the financial services industry with Prudential, New York Life, and TIAA. She held various roles of increasing responsibilities in sales, client services, and practice management. She also managed two IAR mergers into the launch of a new RIA while overseeing firm operations, policies, vendors, and team training. Anca earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration, Finance concentration from Thomas Edison State College. Anca also holds the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®) designation from The American College and passed her Series 6, 7, 63, and 65. Anca is married, has two sons, and currently lives in New Jersey. Outside of the office, she enjoys traveling, being outdoors, gardening, and spending time with her family and friends.
Andrew Bullard, J.D.
Senior Estate Strategist
Andrew is a Senior Estate Strategist at Beacon Pointe and is responsible for assisting individuals and families with planning strategies to preserve and transfer wealth. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Andrew practiced as a trusts and estates attorney focusing on all aspects of estate planning and helping fiduciaries navigate the administration of trusts and estates. Andrew advised individuals and families regarding overall wealth and estate planning, including gifting strategies, estate tax planning, and gift and estate tax compliance. Andrew earned his B.A. in Political Science from the University of Michigan and his J.D. from Michigan State University College of Law. Andrew resides in Cary, North Carolina, with his wife and two children.
Andrew Hoang, CFP®, CDFA®
Senior Financial Planner
Andrew Hoang, CFP®, is a Senior 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® (CFP®) 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
Senior Associate, Institutional Consulting
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 L. Stern
Partner, Managing Director
Andrew (Andy) Stern is a Partner and Managing Director at Beacon Pointe Advisors and is responsible for client service and new client development. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Andy was a Managing Partner and co-founder at YorkBridge Wealth Partners (which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2023). Before launching YorkBridge Wealth Partners, Andy served as a Managing Director at Lebenthal Wealth Advisors where he provided clients with guidance across many facets of wealth management including portfolio construction, planning strategies and wealth transfer. Andy spent 17 years at Morgan Stanley and predecessor firms, first as an analyst at Smith Barney Asset Management, then rising through the ranks to become, among other roles, Co-Portfolio Manager of a U.S.-based large-cap growth equity portfolio with nearly $1B in assets. Andy received his MBA from the Leonard N. Stern School of Business at New York University and his undergraduate degree from Emory University. He lives in Amagansett with his wife and three children. Outside of the office, Andy coaches’ youth sports and he and his wife are involved in several local non-profit organizations.
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 Generalist
Annie is a Human Resources Generalist at Beacon Pointe Advisors responsible for assisting the HR Manager in all aspects of the firm’s HR operations as well as 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.
Anthony Santos
Central Operations Associate & Trader
Anthony is a member of the Central Operations and Trading Department at Beacon Pointe and is responsible for partnering with Beacon Pointe’s investment and financial planning teams to provide the firm’s clients with a personalized service experience. His duties include portfolio maintenance, onboarding of new client relationships, database management and client service. Anthony graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Economics. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Anthony was a service specialist at AssetMark Trust. Outside of the office, he enjoys being outside, going camping, watching or playing sports, spending time with family and friends, or trying new recipes.
Aracely Kurdziel
Senior Account Services Associate
Aracely is a member of the Client Service Department at Beacon Pointe Advisors and 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 client relationships, database management and client service. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Aracely graduated from Western Michigan University with a major in Business Administration. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with family.
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.
Ashley Gignac, JD
Estate Strategist
Ashley is an Estate Strategist at Beacon Pointe, assisting clients and their families with implementing strategies to accomplish their wealth and legacy planning goals. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Ashley practiced as an attorney in Boston, Massachusetts, and West Palm Beach, Florida. In Massachusetts, Ashley advised individuals, families, and businesses on legacy and succession planning, state estate tax issues, and in matters of estate administration. In Florida, Ashley advised executors and fiduciaries in estate and trust administration matters, ensuring smooth transfers of wealth for families, providing guidance through local probate processes, and advising on federal estate tax matters. Ashley earned her B.A. in History from Boston University with a minor in Political Science and earned her J.D. from New England Law | Boston. Ashley is a member of the Florida and Massachusetts Bar Associations. She currently resides in West Palm Beach, Florida with her husband and daughter.
Ashley Smith
Senior Account Services Associate
Ashley is a member of the Client Service Department at Beacon Pointe Advisors and 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, database management and client service. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Ashley spent six years working in brokerage and advisory operations a Voya Financial Advisors in the Des Moines, IA office. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, baking, and socializing with family and friends.
Austin Cassidy, CFP®
Financial Planner
Austin Cassidy is a Financial Planner at Beacon Pointe Advisors and is responsible for guiding clients through the financial planning process by identifying and pursuing planning strategies that best position clients for success in meeting their financial goals. Austin holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) designation and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance with a minor in Economics from Penn State University. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Austin worked for over five years at Vanguard in Philadelphia in both investment operations and Advice Methodology, where his team oversaw Portfolio Construction and Financial Planning methodology for Vanguard’s personal advice offer. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, Austin is a huge fan of Pittsburgh sports and has attended Penn State Football games every year since birth. New to California, Austin is enjoying living in Encinitas, where he can play pickleball, hike, run, bike, and golf year-round. He hopes that these activities will help lower his golf handicap to the level it was while playing golf in high school.
Austin Kastenberg, MBA
Senior Associate Analyst, Institutional Consulting
Austin is a Senior Associate Analyst within the Institutional Consulting 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, traveling, being outdoors, and staying active.
Ben McGloin, CFA®
Partner, Managing Director
Ben McGloin, CFA® is a Managing Director and Partner in the Beacon Pointe Newport Beach office. Ben has close to 30 years of professional experience advising high-net-worth families, individuals, institutions, and business owners. Harnessing his extensive experience and expertise navigating the intricate world of wealth, Ben has an unwavering passion and relentless commitment to crafting and implementing bespoke wealth management strategies that transform successful individuals and their families’ financial aspirations into enduring legacies. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Ben held a variety of investment advisory and fiduciary leadership roles over the course of two decades with BNY Mellon Wealth Management. His prior experience also includes positions as a Global Analyst for Pacific Investment Management Company (PIMCO), a Fixed Income and Derivatives Trader and Treasury Analyst for Investors Bank & Trust in Boston and multiple private banking-related positions for TSB Bank and Ulster Bank in Ireland. Ben is a CFA® charterholder and member of the CFA® Institute, as well as a member of the CFA® Society Orange County. He studied Computer Science at Trinity College in Dublin and earned his Bachelor of Business Studies from Dublin City University in Ireland. Outside of the office, Ben enjoys playing golf, tennis and spending time with family and friends.
Bo Ward, CFP®
Partner, Managing Director
Bo Ward is a Managing Director at Beacon Pointe 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.
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.
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 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. Brandt was honored by InvestmentNews as a 2019 ’40 Under 40’ financial advisor. He is also a graduate of the prestigious Leadership Coachella Valley program and serves on the Alumni Council. Outside of the office, Brandt enjoys golf, snowboarding, and spending time with his wife and their black lab/beagle, Abby.
Brian L. Coughlan, MBA, 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.
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 California State University Northridge with a concentration in Financial Planning and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®). She also earned her Master of Science in Taxation (MST) degree from California 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, LLM
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®, CFS, ChFC®, CRC®
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 the American Bar Association. He has earned the following certifications: CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®), 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.
Cameron Wright
Senior Client Service Associate, Institutional Consulting
Cameron is a member of the Client Service Department and is responsible for partnering with the firm’s investment and wealth management teams to provide an elevated service experience for clients. Among his duties are investment strategy implementation, portfolio performance reporting, asset allocation modeling, and client services. Cameron graduated from California State University, San Bernardino and earned his B.A. in Business Administration with a concentration in Financial Planning. Outside of the office, Cameron enjoys watching football, jazz music, and reading.
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.
Carolyn Smith
Trading Associate
Carolyn Smith is a member of the Central Operations and Trading Department at Beacon Pointe Advisors and 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 client relationships, database management, client service, and executing trades for retail and institutional accounts. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Carolyn worked at the Wealth Management Network. Carolyn is married and has two sons. She enjoys going to the beach, running
Carrie Gallaway, CFP®
Partner, Managing Director
Carrie is a Partner and Managing Director at Beacon Pointe Advisors. With over 20 years of experience, Carrie is focused on helping clients plan for a secure financial future. Many of her clients are women who have experienced a recent life event, such as losing a job or a loved one, which forces their financial affairs to become a top priority. She works closely with clients in developing, implementing and monitoring retirement, education, investment and income plans for individuals and families. Carrie began her career as a Registered Client Service Associate with DLJDirect before pivoting to work at Morgan Stanley for 15 years, eventually rising to the role Senior Vice President. She then went on to co-found YorkBridge Wealth Partners in 2016 (which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2023). Carrie graduated from Lehigh University and holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) designation. Carrie currently lives in Hoboken, New Jersey with her husband and two children. In her spare time, she enjoys downhill skiing, tennis, volunteering in the local community, and cheering for her children at their sporting events.
Casey Stewart
Estate Strategist
As an Estate Strategist, Casey works nationwide with clients and their families to best utilize their wealth to meet their lifetime and legacy goals. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Casey practiced as a Trusts and Estates Attorney focusing on all aspects of estate planning, and the administration of trusts and estates. Casey advised individuals and families on overall wealth and estate planning, including gifting strategies, gift tax compliance, and assisting individuals and banks acting in fiduciary capacities in matters of estate and trust administration. Casey earned his B.S. in Legal Studies with a minor in Business from the University of Central Florida and his J.D. from Ave Maria School of Law, with concentration on Estate Planning, Business Planning, Tax, and Real Estate. Casey is a member of the Florida Bar Association and is a frequent speaker at local group meetings on the topic of Probate Administrations. Outside of the office, Casey enjoys spending time with his wife and three children in the beautiful Florida weather, coaching youth sports, and fishing.
Catherine Prentice
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.
Chandler Hammersla
Senior 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 Managing Director 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 executive benefit plans to reward, retain and recruit key staff. Prior to his financial services career, Chuck honorably served in the U.S. Army including spending several years as a Sentinel guarding The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as a member of The Old Guard. 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, AIF®, CFP®, 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® (CFP®), Accredited Investment Fiduciary and Chartered Financial Consultant designations. As the dad of a son who has autism, Charlie is actively involved with several charities, including HALO (Helping Autism Through Learning Outreach) and 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, JD, LLM
Partner, Managing Director
Charlie Farrell, JD, LLM 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.
Charlie Phillips, CEPA
Partner, Senior Wealth Advisor
Charlie is a Partner and Senior Wealth Advisor for the Beacon Pointe Los Angeles office. Charlie has over 15 years of experience working with high-net-worth individuals, families, and institutions to help navigate all aspects of their financial lives. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, he worked at BNY Mellon Wealth Management, where he sat on the Equity Strategy Committee overseeing the equity portion of the $300 billion in assets managed. Previous to BNY Mellon, Charlie worked as a small-cap equity analyst for ICM Asset Management. While there, he constructed valuation models for proposed investments and built out option writing strategies designed to mitigate risk and generate additional portfolio returns. Charlie is a member of the CFA® Society of Los Angeles as well as the CFA® Society of Orange County. Additionally, he is a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) and a member of the Exit Planning Institute. Charlie graduated from Whittier College with a concentration in international business. He captained the Whittier College golf team and is still an avid golfer in his free time.
Chas Moede
Trading Associate
Chas is a member of the Central Operations and Trading Department at Beacon Pointe Advisors and is responsible for partnering with Beacon Pointe’s investment and financial planning teams to provide the firm’s clients with a personalized service experience. His duties include executing trades for retail and institutional accounts, portfolio maintenance, database management, onboarding of new client relationships, and client service. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Chas spent four years at a wealth management firm in Wisconsin. In his free time, he enjoys camping and playing tennis.
Chloe Trimarche
Senior Marketing & Communications Associate
Chloe is a Senior 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.
Christina White, CFP®
Financial Planner
Christina (Christy) is a Financial Planner at Beacon Pointe Advisors with over 14 years of industry experience and is responsible for helping clients develop, execute, and maintain a strategic financial plan in order to achieve their personal and financial goals. Christy enjoys working with clients at every stage in their lives, from early career and starting a family to preparing for retirement and beyond. Christy graduated from the University of Maryland College Park, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance, and holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) designation. Christy and her husband, Tom, enjoy spending their free time with their daughter Alexis and visiting with family and friends.
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.
Cindy Randolph, CPA
Associate Financial Planner
Cindy Randolph is an Associate Financial Planner at Beacon Pointe Advisors and is responsible for providing ongoing comprehensive financial planning to aid clients in accomplishing their life and legacy goals. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Cindy held accounting roles in business management and public accounting, where she assisted high-net-worth clients by analyzing their bookkeeping, personal budgeting, and tax needs. Cindy earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from California State University Long Beach. Cindy received her CPA designation in 2020 and has an active license in California. In her free time, Cindy enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, listening to audiobooks, and staying up to date on current events.
Cole Woods
Senior Reporting Associate
Cole is responsible for supporting the Beacon Pointe strategic integration and operations teams to provide data reporting assistance. His duties include maintaining the firm’s data for performance reporting, providing internal support, and integrating external reporting and CRM systems following new office acquisitions. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Cole worked in logistics at a local Scottsdale brokerage. In May 2020, Cole earned his B.S. in Supply Chain Management from the W.P. Carey & Barrett Honors College at Arizona State University. Outside of the office, Cole has a passion for golf, snowboarding, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
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.
Connor Brown
Account Services Associate
Connor is a member of the Client Service Department at Beacon Pointe Advisors and is responsible for partnering with Beacon Pointe’s investment and financial planning teams to provide the firm’s clients with a personalized service experience. His duties include portfolio maintenance, onboarding of new relationships, database management, and client service. Connor graduated from Arizona State University with a bachelor’s degree in economics. Outside of the office, Connor enjoys playing golf and spending time with his loved ones.
Courtney Shields
Senior Compliance Associate
Craig Crespo
Senior Central Support Trader
Craig serves as the Reporting and Trading Manager for the Beacon Pointe New Orleans office. Craig is responsible for asset allocation implementation and executing trades for retail and institutional clients. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, he spent 20 years as an institutional sales trader at Capital One SouthCoast, Iberia Capital Partners and Coker Palmer. Craig graduated from Jesuit High School and earned a MA in Economics with a Finance concentration from the University of New Orleans. He is an active member of St. Pius X parish and Mt. Carmel Academy communities. Craig enjoys spending time with his family, cooking and watching sports.
Cristopher Zavala
Associate, Institutional Consulting
Cristopher Zavala is an associate analyst within the Institutional Consulting Services team at Beacon Pointe. His duties range from preparing client performance reports and conducting asset allocation studies to investment research. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Cristopher interned for a family office wealth management firm and for Constellation Brand’s revenue management team. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis on finance from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. In his free time, he enjoys staying active by working out, playing golf, and playing tennis.
Crystal Garner
Principal, Senior Wealth Advisor
Darin Simonian, CFP®
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.
Dave Penniall, CFP®
Partner, Senior Wealth Advisor
Dave Penniall is a Partner at Beacon Pointe Advisors with over four decades of wealth management ex