Nathan Burks is a financial advisor at API Financial Advisors, LLC with two years of industry experience. He holds a Series 65 designation and previously worked at Quility Inc. and Appreciation Financial. Outside of his advisory role, Burks owns and operates Empowered to Retire, where he sells life insurance and annuities. API Financial Advisors, LLC serves individual and high-net-worth clients with financial planning, discretionary portfolio management, and participant account management. The firm uses a combination of technical and fundamental investment analysis and implements portfolios through affiliated and third-party sub-advisers, managing approximately $84.7 million in assets.

Stephen High is a financial advisor with Insight Strategic Wealth LLC in Knoxville, TN. He holds the PFS™ designation and has 22 years of industry experience, including 24 years at Kraft Asset Management, LLC prior to joining Insight Strategic Wealth in 2025. Insight Strategic Wealth provides investment management, financial planning, and employee benefit retirement plan advisory services to individuals, trusts, qualified retirement plans, and small businesses. The firm’s investment approach is based on Modern Portfolio Theory, emphasizing diversified asset-class allocations primarily through passively managed mutual funds and ETFs, with a buy-and-hold strategy.

Marc Morris is a Series 65-licensed financial advisor with six years of industry experience, currently with Blue Ridge Wealth Planners since 2019. He previously worked at PYA, P.C. and held roles related to investment and finance at the University of Tennessee. Outside of his advisory role, he is the managing member of Lighthouse Financial LLC, an investment club where he oversees bi-annual meetings and investment strategy. Blue Ridge Wealth Planners provides discretionary asset management and goals-based financial planning to individual and high-net-worth clients, utilizing proprietary model strategies and a sub-advisory platform. The firm offers integrated wealth management, retirement rollover recommendations, and educational workshops.

Michael Brown is a financial advisor with Patriot Investment Management Group Inc, holding Series 63 and Series 65 designations and bringing 45 years of industry experience. His prior roles include positions at Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc. and Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., where he worked from 2015 to 2020. He took a brief retirement from 2020 to 2021 before joining Patriot Investment Management Group. Patriot Investment Management Group serves individual clients, pension and profit-sharing plans, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, and business entities. The firm offers personalized portfolio management and financial planning services, employing fundamental and cyclical analysis, and often operates under discretionary authority while integrating accounting services as an outside business activity.

Scott Fisher is a CFP®-credentialed financial advisor with 27 years of industry experience. He is affiliated with TVAMP, LLC and has worked at related firms including Tennessee Brokerage Agency and LPL Financial. Fisher is involved in TVAMP Tax Planning, LLC, a tax preparation and accounting business. TVAMP provides investment advisory and financial planning services to individuals, including high-net-worth clients, as well as employer-sponsored retirement plans. The firm employs a long-term, asset-allocation approach using diversified portfolios with mutual funds and ETFs, and offers additional services such as retirement-plan advisory, sub-advisory relationships, and educational seminars.

Brandon Smith is a CFP® and holds a Series 65 license with six years of industry experience. He has been with Patriot Investment Management Group Inc. since 2019 and previously worked at Thierry V Sommer & Associates and Third Group Properties. Patriot Investment Management Group serves a diverse client base including individuals, pension and profit-sharing plans, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, and business entities. The firm offers personalized portfolio management and financial planning services, employing fundamental and cyclical analysis with ongoing portfolio monitoring, and integrates accounting services as an outside business activity.

Deana Hyde is a financial advisor at Insight Strategic Wealth LLC with 11 years of industry experience. She holds the Series 63 and Series 66 designations and has previously worked at firms including Kraft Asset Management, JPMorgan Chase Bank, and Wells Fargo Private Bank. Insight Strategic Wealth provides investment management, financial planning, and employee benefit retirement plan advisory services to individuals, trusts, qualified retirement plans, and small businesses. The firm uses a Modern Portfolio Theory approach with diversified asset-class allocations primarily implemented through passively managed mutual funds and ETFs, focusing on a buy-and-hold strategy.

William Ashford is a CFP® and holds a Series 65 license with three years of industry experience. He currently works at WMG Financial Advisors, LLC and previously held positions at Hamblen County Schools and 21st Mortgage. Outside of his advisory role, Ashford serves as the head tennis coach at Morristown West High School and is the president and registered agent of the Lakeway Tennis Association, a nonprofit promoting tennis in the Lakeway area. WMG Financial Advisors is a team-based registered investment adviser that provides portfolio management, financial planning, and retirement plan consulting to individuals, high-net-worth clients, and institutional plans. The firm emphasizes long-term trading strategies grounded in modern portfolio theory and manages a variety of investment vehicles, including pooled funds and closed-end funds.

Christian Kittrell is a financial advisor at Rather & Kittrell, Inc. in Knoxville, Tennessee, with 29 years of industry experience. He has been with Rather & Kittrell since 2000 and previously worked at Securities Service Network, Inc. from 2001 to 2017. Kittrell serves on the board of the Historic Tennessee Theatre Foundation, a local nonprofit organization. Rather & Kittrell, Inc. provides wealth management, financial planning, consulting, and retirement plan advisory services to individuals, high-net-worth clients, corporations, trusts, estates, and charitable organizations. The firm employs globally diversified, multi-asset class model portfolios based on Modern Portfolio Theory and manages approximately $1.855 billion in assets for over 1,100 clients.

Jane Maikkula is an advisor at Brogan Financial in Knoxville, TN, holding a Series 65 credential with one year of industry experience. Prior to joining Brogan Financial, she worked in various roles including at Real Hot Yoga Knoxville and the UTK Office of Sorority & Fraternity Life. Brogan Financial serves individual clients, businesses, retirement plans, trusts, estates, and charitable organizations with services including investment advisory, portfolio management, and financial planning. The firm focuses on tailored advice based on clients' objectives and risk profiles, utilizing fundamental securities analysis and a mix of long- and short-term strategies.

Kevin Gormley is a CFP® professional with 15 years of experience, currently serving as an advisor at Leading Edge Financial Planning LLC. He has worked with Leading Edge Financial Planning since 2015 and is also the managing member and owner of Leading Edge Tax Planning, LLC, a tax planning and preparation firm. Prior to this, he spent nine years at Accounting Consultants, Inc. Leading Edge Financial Planning LLC offers wealth management and financial planning services to individuals, high net worth clients, trusts, estates, and businesses. The firm emphasizes strategic asset allocation, diversification, and long-term investing, utilizing a mix of low-cost mutual funds, ETFs, and other investment vehicles while providing discretionary portfolio management and continuous account reviews.

D Bergner is a CFP®-designated financial advisor with 35 years of industry experience. He is affiliated with WMG Financial Advisors, LLC in Knoxville, TN, and has held roles at Lincoln Financial Securities Corporation and Concourse Financial Group Securities, Inc. He is also the owner and founder of WMG Financial Services, which offers insurance products. WMG Financial Advisors is a team-based registered investment adviser providing portfolio management, financial planning, and retirement plan consulting to individuals, high-net-worth clients, and institutional customers. The firm emphasizes long-term trading strategies rooted in modern portfolio theory and works with a variety of investment vehicles, including mutual funds, ETFs, and closed-end funds.

John Smartt is a financial advisor with Patriot Investment Management Group Inc in Knoxville, TN, holding 21 years of industry experience. He has worked at Patriot since 2019 and has been involved with Financial Counseling & Administration since 1993. Patriot Investment Management Group serves a diverse client base including individual investors, pension and profit-sharing plans, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, and business entities. The firm offers personalized portfolio management and financial planning, employing fundamental and cyclical analysis, and often operates under discretionary authority while integrating accounting services as an outside business activity.

Hannah Whatley is a CFP® with nine years of industry experience, currently serving as a financial advisor at Rather & Kittrell, Inc. since 2021. She previously worked at Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC and Fidelity Investments Institutional Operations Company Inc. Whatley also serves on the boards of Family Promise, a nonprofit focused on preventing homelessness, and the Historic Tennessee Theatre Foundation. Rather & Kittrell provides wealth management, financial planning, and retirement-plan advisory services to a diverse client base including individuals, pension and profit-sharing plans, corporations, trusts, estates, and charitable organizations. The firm employs a globally diversified, multi-asset-class investment approach guided by Modern Portfolio Theory and uses low-cost mutual funds and ETFs across multiple model portfolios tailored to client risk profiles.

Roger Kiger is a CFP® professional with 28 years of experience in the financial services industry. He is affiliated with Visionary Horizons, LLC and has previously worked with Purshe Kaplan Sterling Investments and LPL Financial, LLC. Outside of his advisory role, he owns businesses including Smart-RIA and Marina Management LLC, which are not related to investment advisory services. Visionary Horizons, LLC serves individuals, high net worth clients, pension and profit-sharing plans, trusts, estates, and business entities by providing discretionary portfolio management, financial planning, and qualified retirement plan advisory services. The firm uses tailored investment plans and combines fundamental, technical, and algorithm-based research to manage portfolios, offering both direct management and oversight of sub-advisers.

Claire Kluth is a CFP® professional with two years of industry experience, currently serving as a financial advisor at PYA Waltman Capital, LLC since 2022. Her prior work includes positions at Liberty University and Ronald Blue Trust. PYA Waltman Capital, LLC provides financial planning, investment management, and retirement-plan consulting to individuals, pension plans, trusts, and charitable organizations. The firm employs a tactical investment approach combining fundamental-value and technical analysis and offers individualized portfolio management with performance-based fee arrangements for qualified clients.

InvestmentNews recognized Thomas as one of the best wealth advisors under 40 in the USA. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® and an Enrolled Agent for the IRS. He is also an adjunct lecturer in the Finance department at the Haslam College of Business at the University of Tennessee—Knoxville. He is the director of pro bono financial planning on the Board of the Financial Planning Association of East Tennessee and a volunteer tax preparer through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. He served a Christian mission for two years in Colombia, South America, and is fluent in Spanish. He currently volunteers in his church's youth program. In his free time, he enjoys an active lifestyle with his wife and two sons, playing strategy games and pickleball. He is a proud sponsor of the Tellico Village Pickleball Club.

Ryan Hoppie is a Planning Consultant at Fidelity Investments, where he supports individuals and families in pursuing their financial goals and working toward financial freedom. He focuses on providing personalized guidance and strategies that align with clients' values and long-term objectives. Prior to his current role, Ryan gained experience as a Portfolio Implementation Specialist at The Vanguard Group, a Financial Literacy Coach at Utah Valley University, and a Client Relationship Manager at Soltis Investment Advisors. He is committed to continuous learning and staying informed about industry trends and regulatory changes. Outside of his professional work, Ryan enjoys biking, camping, family activities, parenthood, and reading.

Michael Seelman is a financial advisor at Proffitt & Goodson Inc. with one year of industry experience. He holds a Series 65 designation and has prior experience at Arkwise Wealth - Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, as well as a background that includes engagements with Soccer Shots and academic institutions. Proffitt & Goodson Inc. provides discretionary portfolio management, financial and wealth planning, and pension consulting to individuals, families, trusts, charitable organizations, and retirement plans. The firm employs an evidence-based investment approach combined with fundamental analysis and model-based asset allocation, managing accounts primarily on a discretionary basis using a core–satellite strategy with ETFs, mutual funds, and individual securities.

Eric Foster is a CFP® professional with 20 years of industry experience, currently serving at PYA Waltman Capital, LLC since 2005. He also works as an independent insurance agent for various insurance companies. PYA Waltman Capital, LLC offers financial planning, investment management, and retirement-plan consulting services to individuals, including high-net-worth clients, as well as pension plans, trusts, estates, and charitable organizations. The firm employs a tactical investment approach combining fundamental-value and technical analysis, managing accounts on an individualized basis with both discretionary and non-discretionary options.