CLIENT ADVISORY BOARD

Melissa is drawn to the reliability of mathematics and the uncertainty of investments. She began working in wealth management to pursue a dynamic, fast-paced career, but the industry’s never-ending learning curve has been her sticking point.

Inspired by community and creativity, Melissa is always looking to innovate in her role as Director of Portfolio Management at Americana Partners. “Innovation, to me, means bringing into reality a fresh new idea or concept. I like to think about what could be, visualize change, implement it and help others along the way.” Melissa exercises and meditates to recharge, but when she’s looking for a deeper reset, she always turns to her family.

As Chief Operating Officer and Partner at Cerity, Kevin Hilden finds himself at the intersection of operations, technology and human capital. It’s no wonder that he recognizes the importance of his teams for pushing the envelope.

“People often look at technology to be the source of inspiration for innovation, but when your people, your processes and your systems are working in harmony, you have the opportunity to transform not only how you do something but also what needs to get done.” Considered a trusted problem solver at the office, he also recharges by solving puzzles at home with his family.

Don’t be surprised if you catch Jane Eagle running. As a partner, CFO and COO of Evoke Advisors, Jane has a lot on her plate. She uses running as an opportunity to recharge and revitalize — to clear her mind and tackle whatever awaits. “I find that when I’m running, my thoughts flow freely and lead to new ideas and solutions.

Through it all, I have an innate ability to remain calm and respond to whatever challenges I encounter.” All of which enables her to work closely with team members to continuously innovate and achieve tangible results for the firm.

Innovation is a part of Amy’s day-to-day life as Chief Experience Officer for Focus Financial Partners’ partner firm Connectus Wealth Advisers. She is responsible for the vision and architecture of Connectus’ fully integrated technology suite and digital-first client engagement platform. She also oversees Connectus’ merger integration activities – a position that requires “always-on” creativity and an ability to see ahead of the curve. “To innovate, you need to see what is possible, not what is.”

With over 25 years of experience in financial services, Amy has helped wealth firms transform, in part by implementing financial technology solutions like Addepar.  When Amy is not advising Connectus’ ever-growing consortium, she is likely out of the office enjoying outdoor activities and spending time at the beach with her husband, Joe.

After years of working on Wall Street, Claire took a leap and moved to Miami for a role at GenTrust when it was still in start-up mode. Her experience in private equity, asset management and accounting made her the perfect candidate to help the firm accelerate its growth. As Chief Financial Officer, today she is responsible for the company’s financial reporting, budgeting and operations for private investments.

Embedded in all aspects of the business, Claire identifies innovation as key to their firm’s success: “It is critical to come up with new ideas that result in forward progress.” While she is glad she made the move to Miami, she recharges by taking a trip to the mountains to ski, snowboard or simply unplug and take in her surroundings.

As the Head of Operations at Jordan Park Group, Tim and his team support all areas of RIA and Trust Operations including client reporting, performance, strategic projects, operational risk, client service and more. Tim was previously with Wells Fargo’s Wealth & Investment Management division where he was the head of Shared Service and Client Reporting within Operations. Prior to Wells Fargo, Tim worked at Goldman Sachs as a Global Operations Senior Leader, Vice President over Private Wealth Management client service, data aggregation, banking, reporting and RIA custody support.

Tim earned his bachelor’s degree from Utah Valley University and served on the alumni board there from 2010-2013. In his spare time, he enjoys fly fishing, golfing and spending time with family.

Alignment is important to Stacy, in the same way she ensures that all systems, resources and people required for the day-to-day operation of Lido Advisors align with the firm’s goals. And it’s important to how she balances her life — starting her days bright and early with a workout and a recharging hike in the mountains or a walk on the beach. “For me, innovation means challenging the status quo with intention.”

In addition, Stacy takes on projects with grit and a relentless midwestern work ethic one would expect from someone who earned degrees from Iowa State and DePaul University.

For Bryn, a 25-year financial services veteran and CNBC Contributor, life consists of three things: work, exercise and spending time with family — although not necessarily in that order. Drawn to a career in wealth management by watching her grandmother invest, she is now a managing partner at Requisite Capital, where she is motivated by her ability to make a meaningful impact on the lives of her clients.

When asked about innovation and inspiration, quotes from historical leaders initially came to mind, but in her own words: “Innovation is the intersection of creativity, imagination, ambition and execution.”

For Karin, there’s power in numbers. According to the 25-year industry veteran, collaborative team research is one of her keys to successful portfolio management. Her determination and creativity have allowed her to build a career in wealth management, while simultaneously blazing a trail for other women in finance. In her current position as Chief Investment Officer at True Capital, she is motivated by the potential to reinvent financial services for a new generation of investors.

“It is truly invigorating to be a part of a work culture that is determined to create investment opportunities that resonate with their client’s ideals and passions, not just the bottom-line.” Karin is a foodie at heart, always on the hunt for undiscovered restaurants off the beaten path, whether in the Bay Area or another country.