David Wahlen is a financial advisor with Merit Financial Advisors in Raleigh, NC, holding a Series 66 designation and 11 years of industry experience. His prior roles include positions at CapFinancial Partners LLC (CAPTRUST) and Hatteras Funds. Outside of his advisory duties, he serves as a consultant sharing his expertise on the competitive landscape and key trends of the RIA industry with several third-party research firms. Merit Financial Group is a multi-team SEC-registered advisory firm serving individual investors, employer-sponsored retirement plans, ESOPs, and other institutional clients. The firm offers asset management, financial planning, and retirement plan consulting, utilizing a centrally managed investment approach with customizable model portfolios overseen by an internal investment committee.

Ronald Jackson is a financial advisor with Principal Advised Services in Raleigh, NC, holding Series 63 and Series 66 credentials. He has one year of industry experience, including roles at Principal Life Insurance Company, Principal Financial Services, Principal Bank, and prior experience with Fidelity Investments. Principal Advised Services provides investment advice and related services primarily to retirement plan participants and retail IRA clients, offering both non-discretionary recommendations and a discretionary wrap-fee investment management program called SimpleInvest. The firm uses a blend of third-party methodologies and proprietary models, leverages its affiliation with Principal Financial Group, and maintains governance and supervision frameworks to manage conflicts of interest.

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.

Evan Kramlich is a financial advisor at Redhawk Wealth Advisors, Inc. with 15 years of industry experience. He holds a Series 66 designation and previously worked at Axa Advisors, LLC before joining Redhawk in 2017. In addition to his advisory role, he is licensed as an insurance agent with various carriers. Redhawk Wealth Advisors provides discretionary and non-discretionary wealth management, financial planning, and retirement-plan advisory services to individuals, high-net-worth families, estates, trusts, retirement plans, and charitable organizations. The firm’s investment management approach includes strategic and tactical asset allocation across multiple asset classes, with oversight by a weekly investment committee.

Lawrence Mcmanus Jr. is a CFP® professional with 22 years of industry experience, currently serving at Modern Wealth Management, LLC since 2024. His prior roles include positions at Advisory Services Network, LLC and Team Wealth Planning and Management, Inc. He serves as treasurer and finance chair on the board of directors for Carol Woods Retirement Community and holds board roles with County Hall Insurance Company. Modern Wealth Management provides investment advisory and integrated planning services to individuals, trusts, pension and retirement plans, charitable organizations, broker-dealers, and corporations. The firm employs a centralized portfolio management model supported by an Investment Committee and offers a range of services including discretionary investment management, modular financial planning, tax and estate planning, and ERISA plan services.

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. Before entering the financial sector, he worked in event production and sports network roles. Balentine serves entrepreneurs, families, high-net-worth individuals, and institutional clients by providing wealth management, financial planning, investment management, family office services, and sub-advisory arrangements. The firm employs a model-driven investment approach based on a Capital Markets Forecast and asset allocation framework that combines active and passive strategies, including managing private funds and pooled investment vehicles.

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 financial advisor at Balentine with CFP®, CFA®, and Series 66 designations and two years of industry experience. He has been with Balentine, LLC since 2014. Balentine serves entrepreneurs, families, high-net-worth individuals, and institutional clients by providing wealth management, financial planning, investment management, family office services, and sub‑advisory arrangements. The firm uses a seven-year Capital Markets Forecast and a Building Blocks framework for asset allocation, combining active and passive strategies and third‑party sub‑advisers.

Alejandro Segovia is a financial advisor with Mission Wealth Management, LP in Raleigh, NC, holding a Series 65 designation and five years of industry experience. He has previously worked at Beacon Pointe Advisors and ADP, and spent four years at the University of Arizona. Mission Wealth Management serves high-net-worth individuals, families, and institutional clients, providing wealth management, financial planning, investment management, and consulting services. The firm employs a comprehensive approach that integrates investment management with tax, trust, legacy, philanthropy, and risk planning, managing a diverse range of portfolios with both discretionary and client-directed options.

Paul Bode is a financial advisor at Franklin Street Advisors Inc. with nine years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 registrations and has worked previously at Safe Harbor Family Capital, LLC and Johnson Development Associates. Franklin Street Advisors, Inc. provides discretionary, customized investment management to high-net-worth individuals and various institutional clients. The firm uses a team-based manager research process and offers separately managed accounts, combining in-house equity and fixed income management with access to third-party managers.

Mary Crawley is a CFP®, ChFC®, and Series 65-licensed advisor with three years of industry experience. She is currently with Plancorp, LLC and has prior experience at Magellan Federal, Family Legacy Financial Solutions, Zeiders Enterprises, and The Bowen Consulting Group. Outside of her advisory work, she provides personal financial counseling at on-demand weekend events supporting the military community. Plancorp serves individuals, trustees, business owners, charitable organizations, and retirement plans, offering a range of services including wealth management, investment management, financial planning, pension consulting, business owner succession planning, and tax preparation. The firm’s investment approach is based on Modern Portfolio Theory and documented Investment Policy Statements, with discretionary and non-discretionary management, third-party adviser due diligence, and tax-aware strategies integrated into ongoing portfolio reviews.

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.

Joshua Thomas is a financial advisor with SVB Wealth who holds Series 63 and Series 66 designations and has 32 years of industry experience. He has worked at several firms including First Citizens Investor Services, Silicon Valley Bank, Wells Fargo Clearing, and Fidelity. At SVB Wealth, he serves as Director of Affluent Wealth Advisors, supervising registered individuals who provide wealth management advice. SVB Wealth LLC offers wealth management, portfolio management, financial planning, and retirement plan advisory services to individuals, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, and corporate clients. The firm utilizes a due diligence process to select and monitor third-party managers and operates as a wholly owned, non-bank subsidiary of First Citizens Bank & Trust Company, integrating bank, trust, broker-dealer, and asset management services.

Lori Taylor is a CFP® credentialed financial advisor with 23 years of industry experience, currently serving at CWA Asset Management Group since 2020. Her prior roles include positions at Fifth Third Securities and Truist Investment Services. CWA Asset Management Group provides investment advisory and financial planning services to individual and institutional clients, employing proprietary research and quantitative strategies across globally diversified portfolios. The firm also offers fiduciary retirement plan services and facilitates insurance product transactions through affiliated entities.

Nathaniel Brown is a financial advisor at Geneos Wealth Management, Inc. with 13 years of industry experience. He holds a Series 66 designation and has worked at several firms, including Cambridge Investment Research and Commonwealth Financial Network. Outside of his advisory work, he owns Networking With Nate LLC, which hosts professional job networking events. Geneos Wealth Management serves a diverse client base, including individuals, trusts, pension plans, corporations, and charitable organizations, offering financial planning, investment advisory, and brokerage services. The firm employs a range of analytic approaches and investment strategies, combining continuous account monitoring with discretionary trading authority.

Daniel Martin is a financial advisor with Advisory Services Network, holding Series 65 and Series 63 licenses. He has over 12 years of industry experience, including a 12-year tenure at Abrams Bison Investments before joining Advisory Services Network. Advisory Services Network serves individuals, families, corporations, and employer-sponsored retirement plans through a network of independent investment adviser representatives. The firm offers discretionary and non-discretionary portfolio management, financial planning, and retirement plan consulting, employing strategies tailored to client objectives and utilizing a broad range of investment products.

Paul Howland is a financial advisor at Gradient Investments, LLC with one year of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and has previously worked with Civitas Financial LLC, ESI Financial Advisors, Equity Services, Inc., Cornerstone Advisory Group LLC, Aristotle Spirits, and Pearl Therapeutics. Gradient Investments provides discretionary investment management to a diverse client base including individuals, high-net-worth clients, institutions, and charitable organizations. The firm uses a proprietary Wright Investment Strategies framework and offers a variety of model and custom portfolios, managing assets on a strictly fee-only basis.

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.