As a former Deputy U.S. Marshal and with a Master's degree in Financial Planning, Charlie brings decades of specialized financial experience to the private sector. His Federal Law Enforcement background gives him distinctive insight into the financial challenges and opportunities facing Federal Employees and specifically, Federal Agents. Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, Charlie is the Lead Financial Planner of Charles Michael Financial, a Fee-Only Financial Planning firm serving Federal Agent families nationwide. Charlie also founded and runs the MoneyArmor™ Membership at Charles Michael Financial, which focuses on financial coaching and educational resources designed specifically for Federal Agents & Heroes. As a Certified Financial Planner, Charlie follows the CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct. The complex knowledge required to obtain and maintain this professional designation helps Charlie develop extensive financial plans that hardworking people deserve. When he's not helping clients navigate their financial futures, Charlie embraces the "Work Optional" lifestyle by specializing in outdoor family adventures and enjoying great food and friends around the fire pit. He’s often found perfecting his ping-pong skills (where he claims an undefeated status), writing, and sharing amateur dog training tips with anyone willing to listen.

Charles Zalman is a CFP® with 13 years of industry experience currently affiliated with Credit Union Investment Services in Raleigh, NC. He has held roles at State Employees’ Credit Union since 2007 and serves as a Financial Advisory Services District Manager, supervising financial services offered to eligible members. His background also includes positions with Secu Life Insurance Company and Members Trust Company. Credit Union Investment Services primarily serves North Carolina residents, focusing on non-discretionary portfolio management and financial planning for individual investors and trust clients. The firm emphasizes low-cost, index-based mutual funds and ETFs, with salaried advisers and a goals-based, long-term investment approach.

Elizabeth Donner is a financial advisor with Simplicity Wealth in Raleigh, NC, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and 27 years of industry experience. Her prior work includes a long tenure at Cetera Advisor Networks LLC from 2002 to 2023, along with roles at Cetera and Diversified Retirement and Wealth. She is also a licensed insurance agent involved in selling various insurance products and conducting social security analysis. Simplicity Wealth serves a diverse client base, including individual and high-net-worth investors, retirement plans, corporate and institutional investors, and other financial firms. The firm employs a fund-of-funds investment approach using ETFs, mutual funds, and individual securities, offering model portfolios with ongoing monitoring and rebalancing, alongside technology and operational services for other advisers.

Ralph Aiello is a financial advisor with Founders Financial Alliance, LLC, holding a Series 66 designation and bringing 25 years of industry experience. He has worked at Founders Financial Alliance since 2017 and previously held roles at WealthPLAN Partners and LPL Financial LLC. Founders Financial Alliance provides discretionary investment management, financial planning, retirement plan consulting, and related advisory services to individuals, high-net-worth clients, charitable organizations, and corporate clients. The firm employs an evidence-based investment process using ETFs, third-party managers, and ongoing portfolio monitoring, and offers a family-office style program under a flat fee arrangement.

Hallie Burris is a Series 65-licensed financial advisor with Capital Investment Advisory Services, LLC in Greensboro, NC. She has experience working at EY and Clemson University prior to joining her current firm. Outside of advisory work, she operates a seasonal CPA practice focused on tax return preparation. 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 management through discretionary mandates, third-party managers, and private-label model portfolios, employing a range of analytical methods and conducting at least quarterly portfolio reviews.

Benjamin Foreman is a financial advisor with Credit Union Investment Services in Raleigh, NC, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and eight years of industry experience. He has worked with Members Trust Company since 2019 and has been affiliated with State Employees' Credit Union and its related entities since 2014. Foreman also serves as a financial advisory services specialist and life insurance agent for State Employees' Credit Union and its affiliates. 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, mostly index-based mutual funds and ETFs, with salaried advisers who provide recommendations while clients retain final decision authority.

Michael Brennan Jr. is a financial advisor with Capital Investment Advisory Services, LLC, holding Series 63 and Series 66 credentials and 16 years of industry experience. His prior work includes roles at BANK of AMERICA, N.A., Merrill, Highland Capital Funds Distributor, Inc., and Bluerock Capital Markets LLC. He is also co-manager of Bass Brennan Advisory, LLC, an entity involved in facilitating the purchase of Rising Tide, Inc. Capital Investment Advisory Services provides portfolio management and supervisory services to individuals, corporations, retirement and profit-sharing plans, trusts, estates, foundations, and charitable institutions. The firm offers customized investment programs with a range of strategies across equities, fixed income, ETFs, and other asset classes, managing most assets on a discretionary basis.

Peter Simms is a financial advisor with Credit Union Investment Services in Raleigh, NC, holding Series 63 and Series 65 credentials and having 11 years of industry experience. He has been associated with Credit Union Investment Services, SeCU Life Insurance Company, and Members Trust Company since 2014 and 2015 respectively. Outside of advisory roles, he serves as a life insurance agent at SeCU Life Insurance Company and a trust representative at Members Trust Company. Credit Union Investment Services primarily serves 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.

Ryan Walton is a CFP® with four years of industry experience, currently serving as a financial advisor at Credit Union Investment Services in Raleigh, NC. He has been affiliated with Credit Union Investment Services and SECU Brokerage Services since 2022 and has worked with State Employees' Credit Union since 2018. Prior to that, he gained experience at Radeas Labs and North Carolina State University. Credit Union Investment Services primarily serves individual investors residing in North Carolina, offering non-discretionary portfolio management, asset allocation advice, and financial planning. The firm focuses on long-term, goals-based advice using low-cost index mutual funds and ETFs, operating within a credit union ecosystem as a wholly owned subsidiary of State Employees’ Credit Union.

Don Rudolph is a financial advisor with Founders Financial Alliance, LLC, holding Series 63, Series 65, and Series 66 licenses and 29 years of industry experience. He has been with Founders Financial Alliance and LPL Financial LLC since 2016. Founders Financial Alliance provides discretionary investment management, financial planning, retirement plan consulting, and related advisory services to individuals, high-net-worth clients, charitable organizations, and corporate clients. The firm employs an evidence-based investment process using ETFs, third-party managers, and regular portfolio monitoring, and offers a family-office style program called FlatFeeCIO that combines management, planning, and tax analysis under a flat fee.

Kamisha Aileen Mcknight is a financial advisor at Good Life Advisors, LLC with two years of industry experience. She holds the Series 66 designation and has previously worked at firms including LPL Financial and Fidelity Investments. Outside of her advisory role, she is involved with Zest Cafe & Home Art. Good Life Advisors provides investment advisory, financial planning, and retirement plan consulting services to a diverse client base including individuals, families, business entities, and charitable organizations. The firm uses a team-based approach and multiple analytical methods to tailor advice and manage portfolios aligned with clients’ objectives and risk tolerances.

Kara Bullock is a financial advisor with Credit Union Investment Services in Cary, NC, holding Series 65 and Series 63 licenses and with one year of industry experience. She previously worked at Fidelity Investments and Praus Dentistry and currently provides financial advisory services for State Employees' Credit Union and SECU Life Insurance Company. Credit Union Investment Services primarily serves individual investors who are residents of North Carolina, offering non-discretionary portfolio management, asset allocation advice, and retirement planning. The firm’s approach emphasizes long-term, goals-based advice using mostly no-load, low-cost index mutual funds and ETFs within a credit union ecosystem.

Carter Ellis is a CFP® and holds a Series 65 license with 10 years of industry experience. He is currently with Guardian Wealth Advisors, LLC and previously worked at Kuhn Advisors, Inc. for eight years. Outside of his advisory role, he co-founded and serves as a partner and tax preparer at Valley Peak Tax & Accounting, providing tax preparation and business consulting services. Guardian Wealth Advisors offers investment advisory, financial planning, and retirement plan consulting services to individuals, retirement plans, and institutional clients. The firm uses a systematic approach incorporating fundamental and technical analysis, with portfolios primarily constructed from mutual funds and ETFs, and employs both discretionary and non-discretionary management strategies.

William Bowers is a CFP®-designated financial advisor with The Strategic Financial Alliance, Inc. in Raleigh, NC, where he has worked since 2010. He has 24 years of industry experience. Outside of his advisory role, he is also an agent for fixed insurance products and owns Bowers Advisory Inc, a financial planning business. The Strategic Financial Alliance provides advisory services to individuals, retirement plans, trusts, and other entities, offering portfolio management, financial planning, and access to third-party managers. The firm operates multiple portfolio programs and supports both discretionary and non-discretionary management approaches.

Emily Mullahey is a financial advisor with Credit Union Investment Services in Raleigh, NC, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and 11 years of industry experience. She has been affiliated with Credit Union Investment Services since 2015 and also works with Members Trust Company and SeCU Life Insurance Company. Outside of her advisory work, she is involved in direct sales of beauty and cosmetic products through Young Living. Credit Union Investment Services serves primarily North Carolina residents with non-discretionary portfolio management, asset allocation advice, and financial planning, emphasizing long-term goals-based strategies using primarily low-cost index mutual funds and ETFs within a credit union ecosystem.

Cynthia White is a financial advisor with First Citizens Asset Management, Inc., holding Series 63 and Series 65 designations and bringing 20 years of industry experience. She has worked with various entities affiliated with First Citizens since 2019, as well as previous experience with BB&T from 2008 to 2019. Cynthia serves on the Halifax Community College Foundation Board and its Finance Board committee. First Citizens Asset Management provides model-based sub-advisory and direct investment advisory services to a range of clients including individuals, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, corporations, and public institutions. The firm offers multi-asset class portfolios implemented through funds, ETFs, and income-oriented strategies, combining fundamental, quantitative, and technical analysis, and emphasizes discretionary management with strategic asset allocation and manager research.

William Blackwood is a financial advisor at First Citizens Asset Management, Inc. in Raleigh, NC, with 18 years of industry experience. He has been with First Citizens Bank and its affiliated entities since 1989, holding roles at First Citizens Investor Services since 2013 and First Citizens Asset Management since 2017. 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 through a multi-team platform of 33 advisors, offering global multi-asset model portfolios with dynamic asset allocation and discretionary management.

Jeffrey Talley is a financial advisor with Founders Financial Alliance, LLC in Raleigh, NC, holding a Series 66 designation and 25 years of industry experience. He has been with Founders Financial Alliance, Founders Wealth Advisors, and LPL Financial since 2016. Founders Financial Alliance provides discretionary, fee-based investment management and financial planning for individual and high-net-worth clients, charitable organizations, and corporate retirement plans. The firm employs an evidence-based investment approach tailored to clients' goals and risk tolerances, combining asset allocation, rebalancing, and various strategies alongside third-party manager solutions.

Roy Bass is a CFP® with 40 years of experience in the financial industry. He is currently with Capital Investment Advisory Services, LLC and has held roles at Cic Advisers, LLC, Charitable Management Advisors, Inc., Capital Investment Brokerage, Inc., and Strategic Asset Management Consultants, Inc. He is president and owner of Strategic Asset Management Consultants, Inc. and serves as co-trustee for multiple trusts. 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, with ongoing monitoring and quarterly reviews.

Richard Gardner Jr. is a financial advisor at Capital Investment Advisory Services, LLC with 29 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63, Series 65, and Series 66 designations and has been with Capital Investment Advisory Services since 2013. Gardner is also the owner and Chief Investment Officer of RGA Investments. Capital Investment Advisory Services 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, employing a range of analytical methods and ongoing portfolio monitoring.