Benjamin Ingram is a financial advisor at First Citizens Asset Management, Inc. with 20 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 66 licenses and has worked previously at LPL Financial and Cuna Mutual Group. First Citizens Asset Management provides investment advisory and sub‑advisory services to individuals, trusts, corporations, institutional accounts, and municipal entities. The firm manages approximately $167 million on a discretionary basis through a multi‑team platform and constructs global, multi‑asset model portfolios using a combination of quantitative and qualitative criteria.

David Wahlen is a financial advisor at Merit Financial Advisors in Raleigh, NC, with 10 years of industry experience. He holds a Series 66 designation and has previously worked at CapFinancial Partners LLC (CAPTRUST) and Hatteras Funds. Outside of his advisory role, Wahlen serves as a consultant for several third-party research firms, providing expertise on the competitive landscape and trends within the RIA industry. Merit Financial Group, LLC manages approximately $10.6 billion and serves a diverse client base including individuals, retirement plan sponsors, and charitable organizations. The firm employs a long-term, diversified investment approach using model portfolios and modular sleeves, overseen by a central Investment Management team and Investment Committee, while allowing advisors to customize portfolios on various platforms.

Thomas Corenevsky is a financial advisor at Wealthcare Advisory Partners LLC with 33 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63, Series 65, and Series 66 licenses. Prior to joining Wealthcare Advisory Partners in 2021, he worked at LPL Financial for 18 years. Wealthcare Advisory Partners LLC manages approximately $6 billion in client assets through a team of over 150 advisors, serving individuals, trusts, estates, retirement plans, charitable organizations, and businesses. The firm combines a goals-based, client-centered planning process with an evidence-based investment framework that includes proprietary quantitative measures and access to alternative and private placement investments.

Lucas Roberson is a financial advisor at Balentine in Raleigh, NC, holding a Series 65 designation with three years of industry experience. His prior roles include positions at CapFinancial Partners, Fisher Investments, and Whitener Capital Management. Balentine serves entrepreneurs, families, high-net-worth individuals, foundations, and institutional clients, offering wealth management, financial planning, investment management, family office services, and business advisory support. The firm uses a risk-based investment process with a mix of active and passive strategies, third-party managers, and a model-driven Global Tactical Asset Allocation program, and it is noted for its role in pooled vehicles and private fund advisory.

Donald Parrott is a financial advisor with Capital Investment Advisory Services, LLC, holding Series 63 and Series 65 credentials and bringing 31 years of industry experience. He has been with Capital Investment Group, Inc. since 1996. Outside of his advisory role, he serves on the committee for the Presbyterian Endowment Trust at First Presbyterian Church in Gastonia and is an advisory board member for Gaston Skills, Inc., a nonprofit supporting employment for mentally and physically challenged individuals. Capital Investment Advisory Services, LLC provides investment advisory and supervisory services to individuals, retirement plans, corporations, trusts, estates, and charitable organizations. The firm offers personalized investment management through discretionary mandates, third-party managers, and private-label model portfolios, using a mix of analytical methods and ongoing monitoring.

Mark Mc Cormick is a financial advisor with Founders Financial Alliance, LLC, holding a Series 66 designation and 11 years of industry experience. He has been with Founders Financial Alliance since 2018 and previously worked at NTT Data in 2016-2017. Founders Financial Alliance provides discretionary, fee-based investment management and financial planning services to individual and high-net-worth clients, charitable organizations, and corporate retirement plans. The firm employs an evidence-based investment approach tailored to individual goals, combining asset allocation, rebalancing, and a mix of strategies, while also supporting advisors with administrative and compliance resources.

Martha Thorne is a financial advisor at Capital Investment Advisory Services, LLC with four years of industry experience. She holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and has worked with Capital Investment Group, Inc. and Mainstreet Collection prior to her current role. Capital Investment Advisory Services, LLC provides investment advisory and supervisory services to individuals, retirement plans, corporations, trusts, estates, and charitable organizations. The firm offers customized investment management through discretionary mandates, third-party managers, and private-label model portfolios, utilizing a range of analytical methods and conducting at least quarterly portfolio reviews.

John Maddison is a CFP®, CFA®, and holds a Series 66 license, currently working at Balentine in Raleigh, NC. He has 12 years of experience at Balentine and two years in the financial industry overall. Balentine serves entrepreneurs, families, high-net-worth individuals, foundations, and institutional clients, providing comprehensive wealth management, financial planning, investment management, family office services, and business advisory support. The firm employs a risk-based investment process using a combination of active and passive strategies and manages pooled investment vehicles, including private funds.

Joseph Barnes is a Series 66-licensed financial advisor with Credit Union Investment Services in Raleigh, NC, and has three years of industry experience. He is also affiliated with Members Trust Company, SECU Life Insurance Company, and SECU Brokerage Services. Barnes has worked in various roles at State Employees' Credit Union since 2019. Credit Union Investment Services serves primarily individual investors in North Carolina, offering non-discretionary portfolio management, retirement and financial planning, and a wrap-fee program. The firm emphasizes low-cost, index-based mutual funds and ETFs, fixed-income products, and a goals-based, long-term planning approach.

Alejandro Segovia is a financial advisor with Mission Wealth Management, LP in Raleigh, NC. He holds a Series 65 credential and has one year of industry experience. Before joining Mission Wealth Management in 2021, he worked at Beacon Pointe Advisors and ADP, and he has an academic background from the University of Arizona. Mission Wealth Management is a multi-team advisory firm serving affluent and high-net-worth individuals, families, and institutional clients. The firm offers wealth management, financial planning, and portfolio management through tiered service models, employing customized, long-term strategies across a broad range of investment types.

Russell Smith is a CFP® with 20 years of industry experience, currently serving as a financial advisor at Guardian Wealth Advisors, LLC since 2022. His prior experience includes roles at Aptus Capital Advisors, LLC and Gordon Smith Pension Advisors, LLC. In addition to his advisory work, he is involved in insurance sales and service, focusing on long-term care and fixed annuity products. Guardian Wealth Advisors provides investment advisory services, financial planning, and retirement plan consulting to individuals, retirement plans, and institutional clients. The firm employs a systematic investment approach using mutual funds, ETFs, bonds, options, and equities, combining fundamental and technical analysis to manage portfolios.

Rollin Warren is a financial advisor at Credit Union Investment Services with 9 years of industry experience. He holds Series 65 and Series 63 credentials and has been affiliated with Members Trust Company since 2018. Warren also owns a lawn care business outside of his financial advisory roles. Credit Union Investment Services primarily serves individual investors who are North Carolina residents, offering non-discretionary, goals-based investment advice with an emphasis on low-cost mutual funds, ETFs, and retirement planning within a credit-union ecosystem.

Daniel Martin is a financial advisor with Advisory Services Network. He holds Series 65 and Series 63 licenses and has 13 years of industry experience, including 12 years at Abrams Bison Investments before joining Advisory Services Network in 2026. Advisory Services Network provides investment advisory and planning services to individuals, families, corporations, and retirement plans through a large network of independent advisors. The firm offers a range of services including portfolio management, financial planning, and retirement plan consulting, utilizing various investment strategies and flexible engagement models.

Heather Dean is a financial advisor with Prosperity - An EisnerAmper Company in Raleigh, NC, holding a Series 66 designation and bringing 16 years of industry experience. She has previously worked at Avantax Investment Services and 1ST Global Advisors. Dean is also a partner at EisnerAmper, where she is involved in tax and accounting services. Prosperity advises individuals, trustees, estates, retirement plans, and business entities, providing financial planning, portfolio management, and consulting services. The firm manages approximately $5 billion in assets with a multi-team approach that emphasizes asset allocation and diversification, utilizing third-party managers and technology platforms to support client services.

Olivia Van Amsterdam is a financial advisor at SVB Wealth with four years of industry experience and holds a Series 65 credential. Her background includes roles at UKG, Kronos Incorporated, Northeastern University, Babson College, and a brief tenure at An Unlikely Story. Olivia is based in Raleigh, NC. SVB Wealth serves individuals, trusts, estates, retirement plans, charitable organizations, and corporate clients, providing wealth management, portfolio management, financial planning, and retirement plan advisory services. The firm uses a combination of fundamental, quantitative, and technical analysis to oversee investment allocations and manager adherence, supported by an Investment Committee.

Jason Steele is a financial advisor with Prospera Financial Services, Inc. in Raleigh, NC, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and bringing 30 years of industry experience. He has been with Prospera since 2012. Outside of his advisory role, he owns Bull and Bear Brew, a coffee distribution business, and is involved in athlete wealth management through Echelon Sport and Wealth Management. Prospera Financial Services, Inc. is an enterprise-scale advisory and broker-dealer firm serving a diverse client base including individuals, corporate and charitable entities, and retirement plans. The firm manages approximately $12.4 billion through 207 advisors across about 140 offices, offering investment advisory and financial planning services via multiple platforms and customizable portfolio solutions.

Richard Keeter III is a financial advisor with Capital Investment Advisory Services, LLC in Raleigh, NC, holding Series 63 and Series 66 credentials and over 32 years of industry experience. He has been with Capital Investment Group, Inc. since 1997 and has been self-employed since 1994. Outside of advisory services, he is also an insurance agent with Keeter Financial Corporation. Capital Investment Advisory Services, LLC provides investment advisory and supervisory services to individuals, retirement plans, corporations, trusts, estates, and charitable organizations. The firm offers customized investment management through discretionary mandates, third-party managers, and private-label model portfolios, utilizing a variety of analytical methods and conducting ongoing portfolio reviews.

Timothy Hucks is a financial advisor with Capital Investment Advisory Services, LLC, holding Series 63 and Series 65 credentials and over 43 years of industry experience. He has worked at Rising Tide, Inc. and Capital Investment Group, Inc. for more than two decades each. Outside of his advisory work, he serves as treasurer for the Kiwanis Club of Hillsborough. Capital Investment Advisory Services, LLC provides investment advisory and supervisory services to individuals, retirement plans, corporations, trusts, estates, and charitable organizations. The firm offers a range of services including separately managed accounts, third-party manager referrals, private-label model portfolios, and financial planning, using a variety of analytical methods and ongoing portfolio monitoring.

Andrew Pannell is a financial advisor at Capital Investment Advisory Services, LLC in Raleigh, NC, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses with three years of industry experience. His prior roles include positions at Wells Fargo Bank, State Employees' Credit Union, and Capital Investment Group, among others. Capital Investment Advisory Services provides portfolio management and supervisory services to a diverse client base, including individuals, corporations, and various types of plans and institutions. The firm offers tailored investment programs using fundamental, technical, and charting analysis, managing most assets on a discretionary basis through a network of over 100 independent investment adviser representatives.

Jennifer Pcholinsky is a CFP® professional with five years at Balentine and a total of two years of industry experience. Prior to joining Balentine, she worked at Truist Wealth for four years. She is based in Raleigh, NC. Balentine serves entrepreneurs, families, high-net-worth individuals, foundations, and institutional clients, providing comprehensive wealth management, financial planning, investment management, family office services, and business advisory support. The firm employs a risk-based investment approach utilizing both active and passive strategies, third-party managers, and a model-driven Global Tactical Asset Allocation program.