George Costakis is a financial advisor with Eagle Strategies (NY Life) in Deerfield, IL, holding the ChFC® designation and Series 63 license. He has 50 years of industry experience, including over two decades with Eagle Strategies and long tenures at Nylife Securities LLC and New York Life Insurance Company. Outside of his advisory role, he is involved in insurance brokering across multiple product lines and is a shareholder in NYLARC Holding Company, Inc. Eagle Strategies serves a diverse client base including individuals and institutional investors, providing financial planning, investment management, and retirement-plan advisory services. The firm emphasizes tailored advice delivered through various program types, primarily managing assets on a non-discretionary basis and operating within an integrated New York Life affiliate structure.

Candace Vondra is a CFA® charterholder with 23 years of industry experience, currently serving at William Blair since 2006. She holds the Series 63 designation and is based in Des Plaines, IL. William Blair’s Private Wealth Management division provides investment management, financial planning, and wealth services to individuals, foundations, pension, and corporate clients. The firm employs an active, research-driven approach across multiple asset classes and offers proprietary models, third-party sub-advisers, and access to private funds and co-investment opportunities.

Christopher Owens is a financial advisor with Foundations Investment Advisors LLC and holds a Series 65 designation. He has three years of industry experience and previously worked at AE Wealth Management, Impact Partnership Wealth, and Station-M. Owens is also president of Owens Financial Group, LLC, where he is involved in insurance sales and client insurance and annuity plan reviews. Foundations Investment Advisors provides financial planning and portfolio management to individual, high-net-worth clients, employer-sponsored retirement plans, and registered investment companies. The firm uses a combination of fundamental, technical, and cyclical analysis with an asymmetric rebalancing approach and employs third-party sub-advisers and custodians to support its services.

Ryan Begley is a financial advisor at &PARTNERS with 10 years of industry experience. He holds a Series 66 designation and previously worked at Merrill and Wells Fargo Advisors. &PARTNERS serves a diverse range of individual and institutional clients, offering investment management, financial and tax planning, and retirement-plan services through a combination of fundamental, technical, and quantitative analysis. The firm operates as both a registered investment adviser and broker-dealer, providing discretionary and non-discretionary portfolio management and municipal advisory services.

Grace Bossert is a CFP® professional at Mercer Global Advisors Inc. with two years of industry experience. Her work history includes roles at Mercer Global Advisors since 2021, as well as positions at MOKA and T. Anton Investment House. Outside of finance, she was involved with Rags Consignments for five years. Mercer Global Advisors provides investment advisory and planning services to a diverse client base, including individuals, high-net-worth families, small business owners, corporate plan sponsors, foundations, and nonprofits. The firm’s investment approach is based on Modern Portfolio Theory, focusing on globally diversified, risk-appropriate portfolios using low-cost index vehicles and multi-factor tilts, complemented by financial planning, retirement consulting, tax support, and estate-planning coordination.

Joshua Walters is a CFP® with 14 years of industry experience, currently advising at Voya Financial Advisors, Inc. He has held roles at several firms including LPL Financial LLC, Calamos Wealth Management, and J.P. Morgan Chase Bank. Walters holds Series 63 registration and operates out of Arlington Heights, IL. Voya Financial Advisors, Inc. is an enterprise-scale advisory and broker-dealer affiliate of Voya Financial serving individuals, pension and profit-sharing plans, charitable organizations, and corporate clients. The firm offers financial planning, portfolio management, and retirement advisory services using a combination of in-house and outside strategists, model portfolios, and technology-enabled tools, with a significant focus on non-discretionary client relationships.

Benjamin Krotky is a financial advisor with Bankers Life Advisory Services, Inc., holding a Series 66 credential and beginning his industry experience in 2026. Prior to joining Bankers Life, he worked in various roles including positions at United Parcel Service and educational institutions. In addition to his advisory role, he is licensed as an insurance agent, brokering Medicare-related health insurance plans through Blue Cross Blue Shield. Bankers Life Advisory Services, Inc. provides discretionary portfolio management and investment consulting primarily to mass-affluent and high-net-worth individuals. The firm’s investment approach focuses on customized asset allocation, periodic rebalancing, tax efficiency, and a combination of fundamental, technical, and cyclical analysis.

Rod Russell is a financial advisor at Farther with 13 years of industry experience. He has held positions at BNY Mellon and J.P. Morgan prior to joining Farther. Outside of his advisory role, he coordinates property development activities for Lake Roots Holdings, LLC. Farther provides discretionary investment management and related advisory services primarily to individual investors, trusts, and estates through a web and mobile platform as well as in-person meetings. The firm’s investment approach is based on Modern Portfolio Theory, utilizing proprietary model portfolios, algorithmic rebalancing, and a mix of ETFs, mutual funds, equities, and fixed income, supplemented by AI tools under internal review.

Nicholas Bova is a CFP®-credentialed advisor at &PARTNERS with 13 years of industry experience. He previously worked at Wells Fargo for 13 years before joining &PARTNERS in 2026. &PARTNERS serves a diverse client base including high-net-worth individuals, retirement plans, charitable organizations, and corporations. The firm offers investment management and financial planning services using a combination of proprietary and third-party strategies, supported by both discretionary and non-discretionary account management.

Donna Gordon is a financial advisor with Independent Financial Partners, holding a Series 66 designation and 15 years of industry experience. She has worked with Independent Financial Partners since 2019 and previously spent 15 years at Signature Advisors Group and Signature Financial Services, Ltd. Independent Financial Partners provides investment advisory, financial planning, trust, and retirement-plan services through a nationwide network of independent Investment Adviser Representatives. The firm offers a decentralized advisory model with options for centralized asset management, third-party managers, and wrap programs, serving individual, charitable, corporate, and high-net-worth clients.

James Argentine is a CFP® professional with 17 years of industry experience, currently serving as an advisor at SPC since 2014. He also operates as an independent insurance agent specializing in life, accident, and health insurance, and runs a sole proprietorship under the name Prospective Financial. SPC serves a diverse client base including high-net-worth individuals, charitable organizations, corporations, and employer-sponsored retirement plans, offering portfolio management, financial planning, and ERISA-related retirement services through a network of over 460 advisers managing approximately $5.66 billion in assets.

Pranav Singh is a financial advisor with FIFTH THIRD SECURITIES, Inc. in Crystal Lake, IL, holding Series 63 and Series 66 designations and bringing 17 years of industry experience. He previously worked at J.P. Morgan Securities and Jpmorgan Chase Bank NA for over a decade before joining Fifth Third in 2022. FIFTH THIRD SECURITIES, Inc. serves a diverse client base including individuals, high-net-worth clients, and institutions through investment advisory and brokerage services. The firm offers multiple program types and third-party portfolio management via its Passageway Managed Account Platform and operates as a broker-dealer, SEC-registered investment adviser, and municipal advisor.

Anthony Ceffalio is a financial advisor with NewEdge Advisors holding a Series 66 designation and two years of industry experience. His prior work history includes roles at LPL Financial and Athletico. NewEdge Advisors is an enterprise-scale registered investment adviser serving individuals, pension and profit-sharing plans, corporations, trusts, estates, and charitable organizations through a network of independent advisors. The firm offers a broad range of portfolio management, financial planning, and consulting services, utilizing multiple program structures and technology tools to support advisor and client needs.

Benjamin Heizer is a Series 65-licensed financial advisor with Foundations Investment Advisors LLC, bringing three years of industry experience. He has also been principal and owner at Thrive Wealth Group, formerly Heizer Financial Group, since 2008, where he provides insurance and retirement planning services. Foundations Investment Advisors serves a broad client base including individuals, high-net-worth clients, employer-sponsored retirement plans, and registered investment companies. The firm offers tailored financial planning and portfolio management using a mix of fundamental, technical, and cyclical analysis, as well as sub-advisory arrangements through a network of affiliated offices.

David Hatton is a CFP®-designated financial advisor with 27 years of industry experience. He is currently with &PARTNERS and previously worked at Old National Bank, LPL Financial, and First Midwest Bank. &PARTNERS serves a diverse clientele, including high-net-worth individuals, retirement plans, charitable organizations, and corporations, offering investment management, financial and tax planning, and ERISA 3(21) consulting. The firm employs a range of strategies incorporating fundamental, technical, and quantitative analysis and utilizes both proprietary and third-party portfolio management.

Sherwin Lesk is a CFP® professional with 24 years of experience in financial advising. He has worked at Hightower Advisors since 2017 and was previously with Leonetti & Associates, LLC for 11 years. Lesk has also practiced law as a licensed attorney in Illinois, dedicating less than 10% of his time to this activity. Hightower Advisors provides investment advisory and planning services to a diverse client base, including individual and institutional investors such as pension plans, charitable organizations, and corporations. The firm employs a multi-manager investment approach, utilizing both affiliated and third-party managers, and offers a range of portfolio management and consulting services.

Lauren Rosberg is a CFP® with 19 years of industry experience, currently with Mercer Global Advisors Inc. since 2023. Her prior roles include positions at Nadler Financial Group, Ausdal Financial Partners, and Capital Asset Advisory Services, among others. She receives residual income from the sale of Medicare supplement insurance. Mercer Global Advisors provides investment advisory and planning services to a diverse client base, including individuals, high-net-worth families, small business owners, and nonprofit organizations. The firm employs a Modern Portfolio Theory-based approach focused on globally diversified, risk-appropriate portfolios with multi-factor tilts and offers a range of implementation options alongside financial planning and tax support services.

Lynn Zak is a financial advisor with Fifth Third Securities, Inc., holding Series 63 and Series 65 designations and over 22 years of industry experience. She has been with Fifth Third Securities since 2002 and is also affiliated with Fifth Third Bank, where she has worked since 1982. Fifth Third Securities provides brokerage and investment advisory services to individuals, charitable organizations, corporate clients, and institutional investors through its Passageway Managed Account Program. The firm offers multiple discretionary managed-account options and features such as direct indexing and tax-overlay services, operating as a wholly owned subsidiary of Fifth Third Bank.

Robin Stone is a financial advisor with Hightower Advisors who holds the CFP® designation and Series 63 and 65 licenses. He has 26 years of industry experience, including 11 years at Leonetti & Associates and nine years at Hightower Advisors. He is based in Buffalo Grove, Illinois. Hightower Advisors serves a diverse range of individual and institutional clients, offering portfolio management, financial planning, and retirement plan consulting. The firm emphasizes multi-manager solutions and uses both affiliated and third-party managers, incorporating proprietary research and a variety of investment vehicles in its advisory approach.

Donald Baran is a financial advisor with TLG Advisors, Inc. holding a Series 66 license and five years of industry experience. His professional background includes roles at The Leaders Group Inc., FSG, Pizza Hut, Edward Jones, Weiman Products, and EMCO Chemical Distributors. He also works as an insurance wholesaler for fixed insurance products directly with financial advisors through FSG. TLG Advisors, Inc. serves a wide range of clients including individuals, high-net-worth clients, trusts, charitable organizations, corporations, pension and retirement plans, and other institutional investors. The firm focuses on manager selection and ongoing portfolio monitoring using fundamental analysis and Modern Portfolio Theory, offering services through independent representatives, sub-advisors, and a direct-to-consumer digital program called Starlight Portfolios.