Carmack Kersey

Josh Ackerman is a CFP® and ChFC® with 14 years of experience in financial advising. He is the principal of Context Financial LLC in Lexington, KY, where he has worked since 2006. He also serves as an instructor in the Finance & Quantitative Methods program at the Gatton College of Business and Economics, University of Kentucky. Context Financial provides portfolio management and financial planning services to individual clients, including high-net-worth individuals. The firm employs a long-term investment approach combining fundamental analysis and modern portfolio theory, with all assets managed on a non-discretionary basis to ensure clients retain final trade approval.

James Mullins is a financial advisor at Investments & Financial Planning, LLC in Lexington, KY, with 23 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 66 licenses and has worked at Securities America, Inc., Securities Service Network, Inc., and WFG Investments Inc. In addition to his advisory role, he owns and manages JEM Financial Planning, LLC. Investments & Financial Planning, LLC provides portfolio management and financial planning services primarily to individual and high net worth clients, as well as charitable organizations. The firm utilizes no-load mutual funds and exchange-traded funds, applying both fundamental and technical analysis with long- and short-term strategies.

Melody Townsend is a CFP® professional with 15 years of experience, currently serving as an advisor at Townsend Financial Planning since 2006. She is the managing member of Mountain Sage Holdings, LLC, a commercial property management business in Mt. Sterling, Kentucky. Townsend Financial Planning is an SEC-registered, fee-only fiduciary firm that provides financial planning and investment management services to individuals, families, and small businesses. The firm employs a long-term, buy-and-hold investment strategy using diversified, low-cost mutual funds and ETFs, and offers a range of engagement types including trustee services and retirement-plan consulting.

Aaron Combs is a financial advisor at Q2 Wealth Management in Lexington, KY, with one year of industry experience. He holds a Series 65 license and previously worked at Amazon and the University of Kentucky. Combs is also involved with Q2 Wealth Insurance LLC in a fixed insurance sales role. Q2 Wealth Management provides investment management and financial planning services to individuals, families, high-net-worth clients, and related trusts and businesses. The firm uses a range of model portfolios and emphasizes a holistic planning process that integrates written investment policy guidance with portfolio management.

Raymond Backers is a CFP® professional with 10 years of experience in financial advisory. He is currently with Q2 Wealth Management in Lexington, KY, where he has worked since 2019, following roles at RITE Financial Group and Hurricane Financial Corp. Outside of advisory work, he manages Q2 Wealth Insurance LLC, an insurance sales business. Q2 Wealth Management provides investment management and financial planning services to individuals, families, high-net-worth clients, and related trusts and businesses. The firm employs a range of model portfolios and integrates planning with portfolio management, serving approximately three advisors and managing around $108 million in assets.

Jessica Bedell is a financial advisor at Wallace Hart Capital Management in Lexington, KY, with 17 years of industry experience. She holds the Series 66 designation and has worked at Wallace Hart since 2017, following a decade at UBS Financial Services. Wallace Hart Capital Management serves a diverse client base including individuals, pension plans, corporations, and charitable organizations, offering discretionary and non-discretionary portfolio management as well as limited financial planning. The firm uses fundamental analysis to guide investments across mutual funds, ETFs, and equities, and sponsors private pooled funds employing a long/short equities strategy.