Deborah Castellani is a CFA® charterholder with 23 years of industry experience, currently serving at Akros Investments, Inc. She has worked in consulting since 2000 and is president of OTB Strategic Consulting, Inc., a financial and non-financial consulting firm. Akros Investments, Inc. primarily serves institutional clients and plan sponsors, offering retirement-plan oversight, fiduciary governance, and asset-allocation-based portfolio management. The firm provides consulting and educational programs, including women-focused financial education, alongside asset management and co-fiduciary services.

Claudia Valladares is a financial advisor at 11 Financial in Lufkin, TX, holding a Series 65 designation with seven years of industry experience. She has worked at 11 Financial since 2018 and was previously with Envoy Advisory Inc. and Commercial Bank of Texas. 11 Financial provides portfolio management, financial planning, and education services primarily to individual and high-net-worth clients, as well as corporate clients. The firm uses a combination of fundamental and technical analysis alongside modern portfolio theory to tailor strategies to client goals and risk tolerance.

Taylor Kovar is a CFP® with 12 years of industry experience, currently serving as an advisor at 11 Financial since 2015. He previously worked at Envoy Advisory Inc. from 2022 to 2024. Outside of advising, Kovar is involved in several business ventures including real estate development, digital marketing, outdoors apparel, frozen treats, and coffee shops. He also serves as an adjunct professor at Stephen F. Austin State University during select spring semesters. 11 Financial provides portfolio management, financial planning, and education services primarily to individual and high-net-worth clients, as well as corporate clients. The firm combines fundamental and technical analysis with modern portfolio theory, offering tailored investment strategies that include both long-term allocations and more active trading approaches.

Joseph Ceasar is a financial advisor with 15 years of industry experience, currently serving at 11 Financial as part of a six-advisor team. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and has previously worked at Kovar Wealth Management, Semita Asset Management, and Investors of the Kingdom LLC. Ceasar is also the president of the board of directors for the Legacy Institute for Financial Education, a nonprofit organization. 11 Financial provides portfolio management, financial planning, and education services primarily to individual and high-net-worth clients, as well as corporate clients. The firm employs a combination of fundamental and technical analysis alongside modern portfolio theory, offering tailored investment strategies that include both long-term allocations and active trading approaches.

Ashlyn Reece is a financial advisor at Commonwealth Financial Network with six years of industry experience. She holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and has worked at firms including Raymond James & Associates and The Advanced Financial Group. Outside of advisory work, she is involved in fixed insurance sales. Commonwealth Financial Network serves a national network of approximately 2,950 advisors, providing a range of advisory programs and services including wealth management, retirement plan consulting, and access to third-party asset managers. The firm supports its advisors with operations, trading, technology, investment management, compliance, and practice-management resources.

Alexis Pigg is a financial advisor at Sanctuary Advisors, LLC with 12 years of industry experience. She holds the Series 66 designation and previously worked at Bank of America and Merrill. Alexis serves as President of the Junior League of Lufkin, overseeing the organization's board and community service projects. Sanctuary Advisors provides investment advisory and financial planning services to individuals, corporations, charitable organizations, trusts, estates, and retirement plans. The firm offers customized investment programs through various account types and utilizes an integrated affiliate structure with multiple affiliated entities and strategic partnerships.

Roy Alvis, Jr. Jr. is a financial advisor with Sanctuary Advisors, LLC, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and bringing 36 years of industry experience. His prior roles include extensive tenures at Merrill and Bank of America. He serves as the administrator for the estate of his mother-in-law, Betty Sexton Brown. Sanctuary Advisors provides investment advisory and financial planning services to a diverse client base, including individuals, corporations, trusts, and retirement plans. The firm offers customized investment programs through various account structures and supports a broad network of independent advisors and affiliated broker-dealers.

Christopher Moss is a financial advisor with Commonwealth Financial Network, holding a Series 66 designation and bringing 25 years of industry experience. He has worked at Commonwealth since 2022 and has been associated with Advanced Financial Group since 1999. Moss serves as a trustee for the Lufkin Firemans Relief and Retirement Fund. Commonwealth Financial Network is a registered investment adviser supporting a national network of approximately 2,950 advisors and their clients. The firm provides a range of advisory programs and operational support, allowing advisors discretion in portfolio construction alongside managed model portfolios and various program options.

Stephen Corley is a financial advisor with Commonwealth Financial Network, holding a Series 66 designation and 14 years of industry experience. He previously worked at Woodlands Asset Management, Inc. and Woodlands Securities Corporation from 2011 to 2022, and has been associated with The Advanced Financial Group since 2010. Outside of advising, he is involved in fixed insurance sales. Commonwealth Financial Network serves a national network of approximately 2,950 advisors and their retail and institutional clients, providing a range of advisory programs and services. The firm offers operational support, investment management, and compliance resources, allowing advisors discretion in portfolio construction and access to proprietary model portfolios.

William Alvis is a Series 66 licensed financial advisor with 12 years of industry experience. He has worked at Sanctuary Advisors, LLC since 2022 and previously held positions at Bank of America and Merrill. Outside of his advisory work, Alvis serves as the 2nd Vice President of a charitable Lions Club and is the incoming Board Chair of the Angelina County Chamber of Commerce. Sanctuary Advisors provides investment advisory and financial planning services to individuals, corporations, charitable organizations, trusts, estates, and retirement plans. The firm offers customized investment programs through various account structures and utilizes a network of independent advisors alongside affiliated broker-dealer services.

Bradley Morris is a financial advisor with Commonwealth Financial Network, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and bringing 21 years of industry experience. He previously worked at Woodlands Securities Corporation for 18 years and has been associated with Advanced Financial Group for over two decades. Morris is also involved in fixed insurance sales, dedicating a portion of his business hours to this activity. Commonwealth Financial Network is a registered investment adviser serving a national network of approximately 2,950 advisors and their clients. The firm offers a variety of advisory programs and support services, including discretionary model portfolios, wealth management, and retirement plan consulting, while providing operational and compliance infrastructure to affiliated advisors.

Trey Wilkerson is a financial advisor with LPL Financial in Diboll, Texas, holding Series 63 and Series 65 credentials and bringing 28 years of industry experience. He previously worked at Hilltop Securities Independent Network for 22 years before joining LPL Financial in 2019. Wilkerson serves as the mayor of Diboll, Texas. LPL Financial provides advisory and brokerage services to a diverse client base, including individual investors, retirement plan sponsors, institutions, and high-net-worth households. The firm offers a variety of investment solutions supported by an in-house research team and accommodates both advisory and brokerage needs through a large network of investment adviser representatives.

Roberta Carrell is a financial advisor at Merrill with a Series 66 designation and over 10 years of industry experience. She previously worked at Edward Jones Co, Inc for nine years before joining Merrill in 2022. Merrill serves a wide range of clients, including individuals, retirement plans, corporations, and institutional investors, offering managed account programs, third-party manager selection, discretionary portfolio management, brokerage execution, and custody services. The firm integrates closely with Bank of America affiliates, providing access to capital markets and tax-focused investment solutions.

Karen Shaw is a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, where she returned in 2025 to partner with Brian Zbylot. She has over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry and specializes in retirement planning, estate strategies, and education funding. Karen provides personalized financial guidance to her clients, helping them work toward their financial goals. Karen earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1998. She holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP) certification, the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) designation, and a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) license, reflecting her commitment to comprehensive financial planning. Outside of her professional work, Karen is married and a mother of two college-aged daughters. She is involved in caring for her aging family members and participates in the Tyler County Aggie Moms organization. Her personal interests include antiquing, gardening, spending time with family, and traveling.

Vincent Treadwell is a CFP®-credentialed financial advisor with Edward Jones in Lufkin, TX, where he has worked since 1989, accumulating 36 years of industry experience. He is involved as an investor in gear repair and holds ownership interests in several real estate ventures. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving both individual and institutional clients, offering a range of advisory and investment solutions through a large national network of advisors and branch offices.

John Friesen is a financial advisor with RBC Capital Markets in Lufkin, TX, holding a Series 63 designation and bringing 49 years of industry experience. Prior to joining RBC in 2016, he worked at Morgan Stanley Private Bank and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney. Outside of his advisory role, he owns an active business involved in airplane ownership and management. RBC Wealth Management serves a diverse client base, including individual and institutional investors, offering tailored portfolio management and financial planning through multiple advisory programs that utilize both in-house and third-party investment resources.

Kenneth Poskey is a financial advisor with Cetera, holding a Series 66 designation and one year of industry experience. His prior work includes roles at Regions Bank and Elliott Electric Supply. Cetera Investment Advisers serves a diverse client base including individuals, high-net-worth, institutional, and retirement-plan clients through a network of independent advisors. The firm offers a range of portfolio management, financial planning, and fiduciary solutions, supported by affiliated model portfolios and multiple program structures.

Jenifer Strickland is a financial advisor with Ameriprise in Lufkin, TX, holding Series 63 and Series 66 credentials and 13 years of industry experience. She has worked at Ameriprise since 2016, including its affiliated entities, and previously at Cetera Investment Services LLC and CB Financial. Outside of Ameriprise, she is an associate financial advisor managing an advisory business at Tiras Wealth Management LLC. Ameriprise is a large institutional firm that offers retirement-income planning services focused on individuals approaching or in retirement with significant investable assets. The firm combines research, modeling, and tax-efficiency analysis to provide tailored, non-discretionary recommendation reports, emphasizing the use of Ameriprise-managed accounts and algorithmic tools overseen by specialized committees.

Kaylee Chambers is a financial advisor at Edward Jones with eight years of industry experience. She holds the Series 66 designation and has worked at Edward Jones since 2017. Her prior roles include positions at Pipestone System, Worth Residential, and Texas A&M University. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving more than four million individual and institutional clients, including high-net-worth households, corporate clients, and charitable organizations. The firm manages approximately $1.01 trillion in assets and offers a broad range of advisory programs, investment strategies, and affiliated financial services through a large network of advisors and branch offices.

Collin Jackson is a financial advisor at Edward Jones in Lufkin, TX, holding a Series 66 designation with seven years of industry experience. Prior to joining Edward Jones in 2018, he worked at Deep East Texas Electric Co-operative and San Augustine Drug Co. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving over four million individual and institutional clients with approximately $1.01 trillion in assets under management. The firm offers a range of advisory programs and investment strategies supported by a nationwide network of more than 23,700 financial advisors and 15,000 branch offices.

Robert West is a financial advisor with Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. in Lufkin, TX, holding Series 63 and Series 65 designations and 15 years of industry experience. He has been with Raymond James since 2015 and also operates Two West Investments, Inc. since 2015. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. serves a diverse client base including individual investors, high-net-worth and non-high-net-worth clients, pension and profit-sharing plans, charitable organizations, corporations, and state and municipal entities. The firm offers financial planning and non-discretionary investment consulting, leveraging extensive research and multiple implementation options, with a notable emphasis on advisory and implementation-support roles rather than discretionary management.

Jimmy Mcdaniel is a financial advisor with Cetera, holding a Series 66 designation and 16 years of industry experience. He has been with Cetera and its affiliated entities since 2013 and also has experience with Regions Bank. Outside of his advisory work, he serves as President for the Central ISD Class of 2026 Parents booster organization and is a board member for the Salvation Army. Cetera Investment Advisers serves a diverse client base including individual, high-net-worth, institutional, and retirement-plan clients through a large network of independent advisors. The firm offers a variety of portfolio management, financial planning, and fiduciary solutions, utilizing a mix of advisor-managed accounts, firm-sponsored model portfolios, and third-party managed strategies.

Brian Zbylot is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, bringing over twenty years of experience in the financial services industry. He joined Merrill in 2000 and has developed expertise in corporate benefit programs, including equity compensation, defined benefit and contribution plans, as well as nonqualified deferred compensation. His client focus areas include family wealth management strategies, legacy planning, portfolio management services, small business strategies, individual and corporate investment strategies, and tax minimization. Brian holds a Bachelor's Degree from Texas A&M and carries the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. Throughout his career, he has assisted business leaders and healthcare professionals in achieving significant financial goals such as business acquisitions, funding education, retirement planning, and philanthropic endeavors. Brian and his team emphasize personalized, one-on-one financial strategies tailored to long-term client objectives. Outside of his professional work, Brian is actively involved in his community through volunteer efforts such as teaching personal finance at LEAD Academy and participating in Prison Ministries in Diboll, Texas. He and his wife Dayna, both Texas A&M alumni, reside in Lufkin, Texas, where they raise their five children. Brian’s personal interests include adventure sports, fishing, gardening, hunting, and surfing.

Paul Reed is a financial advisor at Edward Jones with Series 63 and Series 66 designations and over 31 years of industry experience. He has been with Edward Jones since 1994. Outside of his advisory role, he has interests in oil and gas royalties. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving individual and institutional clients, offering a range of advisory programs and investment strategies supported by a large nationwide network of financial advisors and branch offices.

Bonnie Mckinney is a financial advisor with RBC Capital Markets, holding a Series 66 designation and 11 years of industry experience. She has worked at RBC Capital Markets since 2016 and was previously with Morgan Stanley from 2012 to 2016. Outside of her advisory role, she serves on the board of the Crown Colony Improvement Association Inc., a private homeowners association. RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets, serves a diverse client base including individual investors, institutions, and charitable organizations. The firm offers a range of advisory programs and tailors investment strategies to clients’ risk profiles using a combination of in-house and third-party managers.

Ashley Kettelkamp is a financial advisor at Edward Jones with 13 years of industry experience. She holds the Series 66 designation and has been with Edward Jones since 2013. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving individual and institutional clients, including high-net-worth households and charitable organizations. The firm manages approximately $1.01 trillion in assets and offers a range of advisory strategies, including discretionary and non-discretionary wrap fee programs, separately managed accounts, and affiliated mutual funds.

Bruce Mckibben is a financial advisor at Merrill with Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and 29 years of industry experience. He has been with Merrill since 2009 and concurrently works at Bank of America, N.A. since 2011. Merrill serves a diverse client base including individuals, retirement plans, corporations, and institutional clients by providing managed account programs, discretionary portfolio management, and brokerage services. The firm emphasizes manager selection and tax-efficient strategies, supported by its integration with Bank of America’s broader banking and capital markets platform.

James Zeleskey Jr is a financial advisor at RBC Capital Markets with 11 years of industry experience. He holds a Series 66 designation and has worked at RBC Capital Markets since 2016, following a year at Morgan Stanley Private Bank. Zeleskey serves on the board of directors for CASA, a nonprofit organization, and is also a board member of the Alzheimer's Association of Houston and Southeast Texas. RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets, serves a wide range of clients including individual investors, institutions, and charitable organizations. The firm offers tailored investment programs and portfolio management services using both in-house and third-party managers, emphasizing customizable strategies based on clients’ risk profiles.

Natalie Spring is a financial advisor at Edward Jones with seven years of industry experience. She holds the Series 66 designation and has been with Edward Jones since 2015. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving individual and institutional clients, including high-net-worth households and corporate entities. The firm manages over $1 trillion in assets and offers a range of advisory programs and investment solutions through a large national network of financial advisors and branch offices.

John Lassitter is a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Lufkin, TX, holding a Series 66 designation and having one year of industry experience. Prior to joining Edward Jones, he served in the Texas Air National Guard for nine years and was involved with First Baptist Church over multiple periods. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving individual and institutional clients with a broad range of advisory programs and investment strategies, supported by a nationwide network of over 23,000 financial advisors.

Brent Brookshire is a financial advisor with LPL Financial in Lufkin, TX, holding a Series 66 designation and 26 years of industry experience. His prior roles include positions at Bank of America and Merrill. Outside of his advisory work, he serves as a general partner in a family limited partnership. LPL Financial provides advisory and brokerage services to a diverse client base, including individual investors, retirement plan sponsors, institutions, and high-net-worth households. The firm offers a variety of investment delivery options supported by an in-house research team and a large network of investment adviser representatives.

Jayce Murry is a financial advisor at Edward Jones in Lufkin, TX, holding CFP® and ChFC® designations with 11 years of industry experience. He has been with Edward Jones since 2015. Jayce also owns JRM Wealth Management LLC, established to organize his business expenses. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving over four million clients, including individuals, institutions, and charitable organizations, with approximately $1.01 trillion in assets under management supported by a large national network of advisors and branch offices.

Travis Parker is a financial advisor at Edward Jones in Huntington, TX, holding a Series 66 designation with eight years of industry experience. He has been with Edward Jones since 2017 and previously worked at Parker Brothers' Services and Kingham Construction. Outside of his advisory role, Parker is involved in construction and real estate businesses. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving individual and institutional clients with a range of advisory programs, including discretionary and non-discretionary strategies, separately managed accounts, and affiliated mutual funds. The firm manages approximately $1.01 trillion in assets and operates a large nationwide network of financial advisors and branch offices.

Zachary Boyd is a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Lufkin, TX, holding a Series 66 designation and four years of industry experience. Prior to joining Edward Jones in 2022, he worked at St. Luke's Health Memorial Hospital and Texas Health Resources. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving more than four million individual and institutional clients with a nationwide network of approximately 23,701 advisors. The firm offers a range of investment strategies and advisory services, including discretionary and non-discretionary wrap fee programs, separately managed accounts, and affiliated mutual funds, operating under a fiduciary standard.

Wayne Ramsey serves as Resident Director of Wealth Management at Merrill Lynch. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional with over seven years of experience in financial advisory, focusing on personalized wealth management strategies. Wayne joined the Lufkin Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Office in 2021 as a Senior Financial Advisor, bringing experience from his prior role as an independent advisor with the Principal Financial Group. His expertise spans college education planning, defined benefit and contribution plans, retirement income, portfolio management, tax minimization, and strategies for business owners, physicians, and retirees. Wayne earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Stephen F. Austin State University in 2011. He holds multiple professional designations including Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA), CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP), CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA). Wayne emphasizes a planning-based approach tailored to each client's long-term financial goals. Raised in the Lufkin area, Wayne and his wife Brittany have two children. Committed to community involvement, he is a past president of the Lufkin Rotary Club and has served on the Salvation Army Advisory Board. Outside of work, Wayne enjoys running, tennis, skiing, cooking, traveling, and spending time with his family and friends.

Forest Griffin serves as a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, where he focuses on helping clients plan for and achieve significant life milestones. He specializes in personal retirement planning, small business strategies, and tax minimization. Forest brings a combination of youth and experience to his role, having spent five years in financial planning at Edward Jones, including overseeing his own branch, before joining Merrill Lynch. He holds several professional designations, including Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS), CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA). Forest earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Texas Bible College and also attended Eastern Michigan University. He is active in his community, serving on the boards of various local organizations such as The Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce, Z&00 Railroad, and as Vice President of The Humane Society of Angelina County: Winnie Berry. He is also a member of the Angelina County Chamber of Commerce and the Lufkin Host Lion's Club. Outside of his professional commitments, Forest enjoys boating, fishing, football, and spending time with his wife Victoria and their four rescue dogs. He grew up near Ann Arbor, Michigan, and relocated to Texas in 2011. Forest defines success as helping retirees prepare for their single retirement, enabling college students to graduate without significant debt, and fostering meaningful friendships along the way.

Jay Schwartz is a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Lufkin, TX, holding Series 63 and Series 66 licenses and bringing 26 years of industry experience. He has been with Edward Jones since 1999. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving over four million individual and institutional clients. The firm manages approximately $1.01 trillion in assets under management and offers a range of advisory services, including discretionary and non-discretionary wrap fee strategies, separately managed accounts, and affiliated mutual funds, supported by a nationwide network of more than 23,700 financial advisors.

Ryan Boehner is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He focuses on creating personalized wealth management strategies tailored to clients' individual financial goals and changing market conditions. Ryan provides access to investment insights from Merrill as well as banking and lending solutions through Bank of America. He holds the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation and earned a Bachelor's Degree from Stanford University. Ryan emphasizes a personalized, one-on-one approach with clients to help them pursue their long-term financial objectives. In addition to his professional work, he is engaged in community service through volunteering with local organizations.

Timothy Geisbauer II is a Series 66 licensed financial advisor with LPL Financial in Lufkin, TX, where he has worked since 2005, accumulating 21 years of industry experience. He operates under the GEISBAUER WEALTH MANAGEMENT name as a DBA for his LPL business. LPL Financial provides advisory and brokerage services to a diverse client base, including individual investors, retirement plan sponsors, institutions, and high-net-worth households, offering a range of investment solutions supported by an in-house research team and a large network of investment adviser representatives.