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®
Partner | 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®
Partner | 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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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
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Matthew's passion for helping others and his interest in all things personal finance led him to the profession of financial planning.
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
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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.
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
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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.
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
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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.
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®
PARTNER | 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®
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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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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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
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
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
CHRIS SULLIVAN
Investment Operations Specialist
chris.sullivan@brightworth.com
MAKAILA R. WALLACE
Sr. Investment Operations Specialist
mwallace@mcgilladvisors.com
KATIE O. WILLIAMS
Investment Operations Specialist
kwilliams@mcgilladvisors.com
OPERATIONS & ADMINISTRATION
Senior Accountant/Analyst
matthew.davis@brightworth.com
LIZZIE GREMALSCHI
Sales Enablement Coordinator
Front Desk Assistant
carrieann.taylor@brightworth.com
ERIN WHITE
Senior HR Generalist
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
Senior Accountant/Analyst
matthew.davis@brightworth.com
LIZZIE GREMALSCHI
Sales Enablement Coordinator
lizzie.gremalschi@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
BRIAN PRESTON
Controller
brian.preston@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
Front Desk Assistant
carrieann.taylor@brightworth.com
ERIN WHITE
Senior HR Generalist
"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
Wealth Advisor, Brightworth
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