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PHONE: 404-760-9000 E-MAIL: info@brightworth.com
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MEET OUR TEAM

Our advisors specialize in working with clients who are corporate professionals and executives, business owners, dental professionals, and those nearing retirement or already retired. Choose a team member to learn more about them.
  • Advisors
  • Planners
  • Client Service
  • Leadership
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Ray V. Padrón, CPA, CFP®, CIMA® Chief Executive Officer | Wealth Advisor Ray has over 25 years of experience working through the complex wealth planning issues business owners, executives and retirees face.
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Ray V. Padrón, CPA, CFP®, CIMA® Chief Executive Officer | Wealth Advisor
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Christopher "Bud" Boland, CFP® Partner | Wealth Advisor Bud has devoted his career to working with high net worth and high-income earning individuals and families. Bud works closely with clients to understand their needs and develop customized financial plans to help them reach their short and long-term goals.
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Christopher "Bud" Boland, CFP® Partner | Wealth Advisor
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Lisa Brown, CFP®, CIMA®, GFP (USA) Practice Area Leader, Professionals and Executives | Partner | Wealth Advisor

"The most rewarding part of my job is helping our clients retire well, with confidence and security about their future." Lisa's straightforward, results-oriented approach appeals to the busy professional.
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Lisa Brown, CFP®, CIMA®, GFP (USA) Practice Area Leader, Professionals and Executives | Partner | Wealth Advisor
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Nathan Corbitt, CPA, CFA, CFP®, CEXP™️ Partner | Wealth Advisor Nathan’s experience as a tax advisor and keen understanding of investment strategy and economics allows him to provide individuals with a basic understanding of the most complex aspects of their financial lives.
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Nathan Corbitt, CPA, CFA, CFP®, CEXP™️ Partner | Wealth Advisor
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Brett M. Covert, J.D., CFP® Partner | Wealth Advisor Brett is a Wealth Advisor at CI Brightworth. Prior to joining CI Brightworth, he worked as a wealth advisor and wealth planner catering to high net worth and ultra-high net worth clients in the Washington, DC, and Raleigh, NC markets.
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Brett M. Covert, J.D., CFP® Partner | Wealth Advisor
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Jason Cross, JD, CFP®, CTFA Partner | Wealth Advisor Jason’s background serving high-net-worth families in addition to his education and experience in advanced wealth transfer techniques, helps him serve client’s unique needs.
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Jason Cross, JD, CFP®, CTFA Partner | Wealth Advisor
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Annika Cushnie, CFP®, CIMA®, CEXP™ Partner | Wealth Advisor | Exit Planner

Annika's experience and passion for working with attorneys and business owners make her uniquely positioned to help her clients reach their financial and lifetime goals.
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Annika Cushnie, CFP®, CIMA®, CEXP™ Partner | Wealth Advisor | Exit Planner
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Tenley E. Desjardins, CPA, CFP®, PFS Wealth Advisor Tenley is an Associate Wealth Advisor with CI Brightworth. Prior to joining CI Brightworth, she worked for a Big 4 accounting firm in the Private Client Services tax department.
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Tenley E. Desjardins, CPA, CFP®, PFS Wealth Advisor
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Mike Dewitt, CFA, CeXP Partner | Wealth Advisor Mike has dedicated his career to serving high net worth families, business owners, and nonprofit organizations through developing and implementing comprehensive wealth strategies, including investment management.
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Mike Dewitt, CFA, CeXP Partner | Wealth Advisor
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Thomas W. Farmer, CFP®, C(K)P® Partner | Wealth Advisor Thomas is a Wealth Advisor at CI Brightworth. Thomas graduated from The University of the South in Sewanee, TN with a bachelor’s degree in English and a concentration in Economics.
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Thomas W. Farmer, CFP®, C(K)P® Partner | Wealth Advisor
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Herman Freitag III, CFP® Wealth Advisor Herman is a Wealth Advisor with CI Brightworth. He graduated with a degree in Marketing and a Master's in Business Administration from the University of New Orleans.
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Herman Freitag III, CFP® Wealth Advisor
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Ryan Halpern, CPA, CFP®, PFS Partner | Wealth Advisor

Ryan’s experience with high net worth families in public accounting and in a multi-family office setting allows him to offer clients individualized guidance in navigating the complexities of their financial lives.
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Ryan Halpern, CPA, CFP®, PFS Partner | Wealth Advisor
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Eric A. Harbert, CPA, CFP® Partner | Wealth Advisor Eric is a Partner and Wealth Advisor at CI Brightworth. Prior to joining CI Brightworth, Eric worked for a local tax and wealth management firm for 10 years.
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Eric A. Harbert, CPA, CFP® Partner | Wealth Advisor
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Charlie Jordan, CPA, CFP®, CEFT® Partner | Practice Area Leader, Retiring Well Charlie's passion for integrating retirement, estate, and charitable giving strategies provides his clients with enhanced clarity and purpose for their wealth.
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Charlie Jordan, CPA, CFP®, CEFT® Partner | Practice Area Leader, Retiring Well
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ANDREW KOBYLSKI, CFP®, CIMA® Associate Wealth Advisor Working closely with Small Business Owners, Dental Professionals, and Attorneys; Andrew aims to create financial plans that align with each client's values and goals. 
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ANDREW KOBYLSKI, CFP®, CIMA® Associate Wealth Advisor
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Brett S. Miller, CPA, CFP® Practice Area Leader, Dental Industry | Wealth Advisor Brett is Partner in Charge and Wealth Advisor at CI Brightworth. Brett graduated from The Citadel with a degree in Business Administration (Accounting Concentration).
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Brett S. Miller, CPA, CFP® Practice Area Leader, Dental Industry | Wealth Advisor
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Josh Monroe, CFP®, CIMA® Wealth Advisor

Josh is a big-picture thinker who listens actively and plans thoughtfully to help clients achieve their most important goals.
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Josh Monroe, CFP®, CIMA® Wealth Advisor
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Chase Mouchet, CFP®, CIMA® Partner | Wealth Advisor Chase brings thoughtful listening and planning skills and a devotion to maximizing the impact of wealth for our clients.
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Chase Mouchet, CFP®, CIMA® Partner | Wealth Advisor
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K. Warren Poe Jr., CFP® Partner | Wealth Advisor Warren is a Partner and Wealth Advisor at CI Brightworth. Warren graduated from Wake Forest University with a degree in Communications, a minor in International Studies, and completed an intensive program of business disciplines.
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K. Warren Poe Jr., CFP® Partner | Wealth Advisor
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Dave Polstra, CPA, CFP®, CIMA® Partner | Co-Founder | Wealth Advisor Dave's more than 30 years of experience working with executives, widows and charitable organizations brings wisdom and insight that is unprecedented in the wealth management field.
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Dave Polstra, CPA, CFP®, CIMA® Partner | Co-Founder | Wealth Advisor
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Tom Presley, CPA, CFP®, PFS President of Wealth Management | Wealth Advisor Tom's public accounting background coupled with his attention to detail and his desire to help others allows him to provide clients with a clear financial understanding at the highest level of service.
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Tom Presley, CPA, CFP®, PFS President of Wealth Management | Wealth Advisor
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Jalen P. Randolph, CFP®, MBA Associate Wealth Advisor As an Associate Wealth Advisor at CI Brightworth, Jalen is passionate about helping high-earning professionals maximize their unique wealth-building opportunities through personalized planning and advice.
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Jalen P. Randolph, CFP®, MBA Associate Wealth Advisor
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Patricia D. Sklar, CPA, CFA, CFP® Partner | Wealth Advisor Patricia has a passion for working with clients as their personal CFO, helping them reach their goals and feel confident about their financial situation.
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Patricia D. Sklar, CPA, CFA, CFP® Partner | Wealth Advisor
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Robert V. Sytz JR., CPA, CFP® Co-Founder McGill Advisors | Wealth Advisor Bob is co-founder and wealth advisor at CI Brightworth. As the founder of CI Brightworth, Bob has more than 30 years of professional experience in financial and investment planning.
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Robert V. Sytz JR., CPA, CFP® Co-Founder McGill Advisors | Wealth Advisor
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Amanda Valenti, CFP® Director of Financial Planning | Wealth Advisor

Amanda's entire career has been spent in the field of financial planning, focusing on holistic wealth management for high-net-worth families.
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Amanda Valenti, CFP® Director of Financial Planning | Wealth Advisor
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Wesley Wood, CFP®, CIMA® Wealth Advisor

Wesley is a Wealth Advisor at CI Brightworth. He joined Brightworth as a Financial Planner in 2017. He started his career at a wealth management firm in Silicon Valley where he worked with tech executives and startup founders.
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Wesley Wood, CFP®, CIMA® Wealth Advisor
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Amanda Valenti, CFP® Director of Financial Planning | Wealth Advisor Amanda's entire career has been spent in the field of financial planning, focusing on holistic wealth management for high net worth families.
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Amanda Valenti, CFP® Director of Financial Planning | Wealth Advisor
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Matthew Broom Wealth Planner

Matthew's passion for helping others and his interest in all things personal finance led him to the profession of financial planning.
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Matthew Broom Wealth Planner
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Callie Huggins Wealth Planner Caroline W. Huggins (“Callie”) is a Wealth Planner with CI Brightworth. Prior to joining the firm, she received a Masters in Financial Planning in 2020 from the University of Georgia (UGA).
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Callie Huggins Wealth Planner
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Taj Jones Wealth Planner Taj joined Brightworth in 2021 as a Wealth Planner. Prior to joining the firm, he worked as a financial services representative at E*Trade Financial and also worked in client operations with another RIA in Atlanta.
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Taj Jones Wealth Planner
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Kate Lidl Wealth Planner

Kate is a Wealth Planner with Brightworth. She graduated with a degree in Financial Planning from the University of Georgia. Kate previously interned with California Bank & Trust and is currently pursuing her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM certification.
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Kate Lidl Wealth Planner
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Rob Moore Wealth Planner

As a wealth planner, Rob works with Brightworth’s partners and wealth advisors alike creating financial plans for various clients to help them grow their wealth and achieve their financial goals.
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Rob Moore Wealth Planner
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Jason Rogers Wealth Planner Jason is a Wealth Planner with CI Brightworth. He graduated from Gardner-Webb University with a degree in Business Administration, and is currently pursuing his Masters in Wealth and Trust Management.
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Jason Rogers Wealth Planner
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Lucita Broussard Relationship Manager Lucita joined Brightworth in 2018 as a Client Service Specialist. She brings with her 20-plus years of client service experience from the hospitality and financial services industries.
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Lucita Broussard Relationship Manager
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Jenna L. Bryan Senior Relationship Manager Since Jenna joined CI Brightworth, she has focused on understanding the needs of her clients and is committed to helping each of them realize their retirement goals.
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Jenna L. Bryan Senior Relationship Manager
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Caitlin Cucitrone Senior Relationship Manager Originally from Pennsylvania, Caitlin graduated magna cum laude from West Virginia University with a degree in Marketing. Upon graduation, she moved to Charlotte and became a part of the CI Brightworth team.
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Caitlin Cucitrone Senior Relationship Manager
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Colleen Day, MBA Client Service Specialist Originally from the Quad Cities (Davenport, Iowa) area, Colleen moved to the Charlotte area back in 2017. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration/Sports & Recreation Management from Ashford University.
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Colleen Day, MBA Client Service Specialist
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Erin B. Henry Senior Relationship Manager

Erin Henry graduated from Appalachian State University with a degree in Finance. She worked in a couple of different financial fields before landing at CI Brightworth.

 
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Erin B. Henry Senior Relationship Manager
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Susan G. Jones Practice Area Administrator Susan has been with CI Brightworth since its inception. She started as the only support person and was a Senior Relationship Manager and Supervisor of Division Services for 22 years.
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Susan G. Jones Practice Area Administrator
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Jennifer Mackey Senior Relationship Manager

Jennifer joined Brightworth in 2019 as a Relationship Manager. An Alumni of Stetson University, Jennifer has over 15 years of customer service experience with 4 years in the financial services industry.

 
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Jennifer Mackey Senior Relationship Manager
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Alison Nichols Relationship Manager Alison joined Brightworth in 2019 as a Client Service Specialist. She brings more than 10 years of client service experience with 4 years in the financial services industry.
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Alison Nichols Relationship Manager
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Megan O'Hara Senior Relationship Manager Megan is a Senior Relationship Manager who joined our team in 2014, after graduating cum laude from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree.
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Megan O'Hara Senior Relationship Manager
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Jacobi Poesch Relationship Manager

Jacobi is originally from Wisconsin and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in 2012 with a degree in Sociology. She joined the CI Brightworth team in 2018.

 
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Jacobi Poesch Relationship Manager
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Michelle Ramos Senior Relationship Manager Michelle joined Brightworth in 2014 as a Client Service Administrator. She brings more than 10 years of experience in the financial industry in growing and maintaining client relationships.
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Michelle Ramos Senior Relationship Manager
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Misty Richardson Relationship Manager Misty joined the CI Brightworth team in 2020, bringing more than 14 years of financial service experience. Misty prides herself in building relationships with her clients and providing the attention each client deserves.
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Misty Richardson Relationship Manager
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Jennifer Staines Client Service Specialist Originally from Georgia, Jennifer graduated from Georgia Southern University with a degree in Business Administration. She was previously employed with CI Brightworth from 2005-2010 but left to take care of her mom back in Georgia.
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Jennifer Staines Client Service Specialist
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Kelsey Traylor Relationship Manager Kelsey joined the CI Brightworth team bringing 15 years of financial service experience. She is passionate about creating and developing long-lasting relationships with clients.
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Kelsey Traylor Relationship Manager
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Teresa Turner-Hall Senior Relationship Manager Teresa moved to Charlotte from Adelaide, South Australia a few years ago and loves it here. Her attention to detail and passion for a challenge makes her a valuable member of the CI Brightworth team.
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Teresa Turner-Hall Senior Relationship Manager
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Pam Wyly Senior Relationship Manager Pam joined Brightworth as a Client Service Administrator in 2016 and has over 15 years of experience in client services.  Pam’s responsibilities include transitioning clients to Brightworth and servicing their accounts.
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Pam Wyly Senior Relationship Manager
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Heather L. Zanotti Senior Client Service Specialist Heather is originally from New Jersey and relocated to North Carolina to be closer to her family. Since working in the investment industry, she has developed an ardent desire for helping others.
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Heather L. Zanotti Senior Client Service Specialist
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RAY V. PADRÓN, CPA, CFP®, CIMA® CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER | WEALTH ADVISOR Ray has over 25 years of experience working through the complex wealth planning issues that business owners, executives, and retirees face.
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RAY V. PADRÓN, CPA, CFP®, CIMA® CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER | WEALTH ADVISOR
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DAVE POLSTRA, CPA, CFP®, CIMA® PARTNER | CO-FOUNDER | WEALTH ADVISOR Dave's more than 30 years of experience working with executives, widows and charitable organizations brings wisdom and insight that is unprecedented in the wealth management field.
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DAVE POLSTRA, CPA, CFP®, CIMA® PARTNER | CO-FOUNDER | WEALTH ADVISOR
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DEAN HARBRY, PCC President | Chief Operating Officer Dean is Brightworth’s Chief Operating Officer and has a long history of work assignments in the financial services arena.
DEAN HARBRY, PCC President | Chief Operating Officer
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SHERRY HODOR, CFP® Partner | Chief Compliance and Integration Officer Sherry's extensive experience across the firm, along with her strong attention to detail and desire to help people make her uniquely suited to run the firm's compliance and integration functions.
SHERRY HODOR, CFP® Partner | Chief Compliance and Integration Officer
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JUSTIN HUSSON Partner | Director of Information Technology Justin's passion for technology helps drive efficiencies across the entire firm in order to maintain a high level of service for our clients.
JUSTIN HUSSON Partner | Director of Information Technology
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KRISTEN LEWIS Director of Strategic Projects Kristen's experience, communication skills, and detailed follow-through help ensure clients have a positive experience with Brightworth.
KRISTEN LEWIS Director of Strategic Projects
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TOM PRESLEY, CPA, CFP®, PFS PRESIDENT OF WEALTH MANAGEMENT | WEALTH ADVISOR Tom's public accounting background coupled with his attention to detail and his desire to help others allows him to provide clients with a clear financial understanding at the highest level of service.
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TOM PRESLEY, CPA, CFP®, PFS PRESIDENT OF WEALTH MANAGEMENT | WEALTH ADVISOR
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MIKE QUINLAN, CExP PARTNER | PRACTICE AREA LEAD, BUSINESS OWNERS Using his unique I.M.G.O.O.D. Checklist™, Mike leverages more than 35 years of military aviation and business experience to help business owners navigate their options and opportunities to exit their business, increase transaction value and maximize the probability of a successful transaction.
MIKE QUINLAN, CExP PARTNER | PRACTICE AREA LEAD, BUSINESS OWNERS
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JANALEE R. RAINWATER, SHRM-SCP, CLM Director of Human Resources Bringing 25 years of experience to her role, Janalee is passionate about promoting a culture of integrity and respect, recognizing that HR’s role is to support an organization’s greatest asset—its people.
JANALEE R. RAINWATER, SHRM-SCP, CLM Director of Human Resources
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DONALD SMITH Director of Corporate Operations Donald is an experienced and determined professional with a proven record of building relationships, directing projects with excellence, creating efficient systems, and leading cross-functional teams.
DONALD SMITH Director of Corporate Operations
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JENNIFER TURNER Director of Client and Investment Services Jennifer’s strong attention to detail, demonstrated abilities with operational excellence, and passion for the development and growth of others makes her uniquely suited to manage Brightworth’s Investment Operations department.
JENNIFER TURNER Director of Client and Investment Services
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DON WILSON, CFA, CFP® Partner | Chief Investment Officer Don combines his passion for investing, intellectual curiosity, and analytical framework to build investment strategies to help our clients grow and preserve their wealth.
DON WILSON, CFA, CFP® Partner | Chief Investment Officer

OUR OTHER DEPARTMENTS

Choose a department to view the contact information for those team members.
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT

MICHAEL ACKERMAN
Senior Investment Analyst
michael.ackerman@brightworth.com

JOHN DARBY, CFA
Portfolio Manager
john.darby@brightworth.com

NICK FAZIO
Investment Analyst
nick.fazio@brightworth.com

AMIE HOOD
Investment Operations Specialist
amie.hood@brightworth.com

ELIZABETH JACKSON
Manager of Investment Operations
elizabeth.jackson@brightworth.com

RYAN LEWIS
Investment Operations Specialist
ryan.lewis@brightworth.com

CHRIS SULLIVAN
Investment Operations Specialist
chris.sullivan@brightworth.com

JENNIFER TURNER
Director of Client and Investment Services
jennifer.turner@brightworth.com

MAKAILA R. WALLACE
Sr. Investment Operations Specialist
mwallace@mcgilladvisors.com

KATIE O. WILLIAMS
Investment Operations Specialist
kwilliams@mcgilladvisors.com

DON WILSON, CFA, CFP®
Partner | Chief Investment Officer
don.wilson@brightworth.com

 
OPERATIONS & ADMINISTRATION

MANDY BAIRD
Front Desk Assistant
mandy.baird@brightworth.com

GEOFF BERNARD
Senior Systems Analyst
geoff.bernard@brightworth.com

ESTHER BRYAN
Practice Area Administrator
esther.bryan@brightworth.com

LAURA FRASER
Compliance Administrator
laura.fraser@brightworth.com

LIZZIE GREMALSCHI
Sales Enablement Coordinator
lizzie.gremalschi@brightworth.com

GREG HANFT
Compliance Specialist
greg.hanft@brightworth.com

DEAN HARBRY, PCC
President | Chief Operating Officer

SHERRY HODOR, CFP®
Partner | Chief Compliance and Integration Officer
sherry.hodor@brightworth.com

MARIE HURT
Manager of Office Administration
marie.hurt@brightworth.com

JUSTIN HUSSON
Partner | Director of Information Technology
justin.husson@brightworth.com

PHYLLIS KIERNAN
Senior Accountant
phyllis.kiernan@brightworth.com

KIM KREINER
Senior Executive Assistant
kim.kreiner@brightworth.com

KRISTEN LEWIS
Director of Strategic Projects
kris.lewis@brightworth.com

JANALEE R. RAINWATER, SHRM-SCP, CLM
Director of Human Resources
janalee.rainwater@brightworth.com

DONALD SMITH
Director of Corporate Operations
donald.smith@brightworth.com

TRACY STROUD
HR Generalist
tracy.stroud@brightworth.com

ERIN WHITE
Senior HR Generalist
erin.white@brightworth.com

 
"A financial plan is worthless without implementation. I work to make sure that nothing falls through the cracks so that you can be confident about your financial future."
annika cushnie
Annika Cushnie Wealth Advisor, Brightworth
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