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.

Joseph Bowman is a financial advisor with Credit Union Investment Services in Cary, NC, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and four years of industry experience. He has worked with Members Trust Company, SECU Life Insurance Company, SECU Brokerage Services, and State Employees' Credit Union. Outside of his financial roles, Bowman manages Bear Branch Farm, a local grocery and woodworking business selling produce and handmade items at farmer's markets. Credit Union Investment Services serves individual investors and trust clients in North Carolina, offering non-discretionary portfolio management and retirement planning with a focus on low-cost, index-based mutual funds and ETFs. The firm emphasizes a goals-based, long-term planning approach and employs salaried advisers who provide recommendations while clients retain final decision-making authority.

Darlene Scoggins is a financial advisor with Credit Union Investment Services in Cary, NC, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and 14 years of industry experience. She has worked with Members Trust Company, Secu Life Insurance Company, Secu Brokerage Services, and State Employees' Credit Union since 2010. Outside of her financial services roles, she operates a small arts and crafts business. Credit Union Investment Services serves primarily individual investors in North Carolina, providing non-discretionary portfolio management, retirement and financial planning, and a wrap-fee program. The firm focuses on low-cost, index-based mutual funds and ETFs alongside fixed-income products, emphasizing a goals-based, long-term planning approach.

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. in Cary, NC, with 14 years of industry experience. He holds a Series 66 credential and previously worked for Axa Advisors, LLC from 2011 to 2017. Outside of advisory work, he is also 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 uses a strategic and tactical asset allocation approach across multiple asset classes and supports multi-generational wealth needs, separately managed accounts, and educational seminars.

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. 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.

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 LLC in Raleigh, NC, holding Series 63 and Series 66 credentials and bringing 32 years of industry experience. His career includes roles at First Citizens Investor Services, Silicon Valley Bank, and Wells Fargo Advisors. He serves as Director of Affluent Wealth Advisors, supervising registered individuals who provide wealth management advice to SVB Wealth clients. SVB Wealth LLC serves a diverse client base including individuals, trusts, charitable organizations, and corporations, offering wealth management, portfolio management, financial planning, and retirement plan advisory services. The firm employs a range of investment strategies and maintains a formal due-diligence process for manager selection, with operational ties to First Citizens Bank.

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.

Lori Taylor is a CFP® and holds a Series 66 license with 23 years of industry experience. She has worked at CWA Asset Management Group since 2020 and previously spent six years at Fifth Third Securities. CWA Asset Management Group provides portfolio management and financial planning services to individual and high-net-worth clients, as well as trusts, foundations, endowments, pension plans, and other business entities. The firm offers a range of services including family-office offerings, retirement plan fiduciary services, and access to private pooled investment vehicles, utilizing proprietary research and a combination of active fundamental analysis and multi-factor quantitative rankings.

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.