Michael Carrier is the sole advisor at Michael S. Carrier & Associates, Inc., an independent firm based in Highlands, NC. He holds a Series 65 designation and has 27 years of industry experience, having led his firm since 1997. Michael S. Carrier & Associates provides investment advice and portfolio management primarily to individuals, trusts, and small businesses. The firm tailors portfolios based on client profiles and conducts ongoing reviews, managing accounts on a discretionary basis without imposing a firm-wide minimum account size.

Donald Mcclellan is a financial advisor with Covenant Investment Solutions LLC in Highlands, NC, holding Series 63 and Series 66 designations and bringing 25 years of industry experience. Prior to founding Covenant Investment Solutions in 2018, he worked at Pruco Securities LLC for three years. He serves as a board member and president of the Highlands Historical Society and is a member of the Rotary Club of Highlands. Covenant Investment Solutions LLC provides discretionary and non-discretionary portfolio management and investment advice to individuals, high-net-worth clients, charitable organizations, and business entities. The firm employs tailored strategies based on clients’ objectives and risk tolerance, utilizing proprietary model portfolios and a combination of fundamental, technical, and cyclical analysis.

Dave Mccoy is a financial advisor with Freedom Capital Advisors Inc. and holds the Series 63 and Series 65 designations. He has 34 years of industry experience. In addition to his advisory role, he serves as COO of Steam Monsters Inc, an online gaming platform, where he focuses on growth and expansion. Freedom Capital Advisors provides investment advisory and financial planning services primarily to individual investors, joint accounts, IRAs, trusts, and corporate accounts. The firm follows a conservative, value-driven investment approach emphasizing income generation and risk-adjusted returns, utilizing a combination of fundamental, technical, and macroeconomic analysis.

David Tice is a financial advisor with Moran Tice Capital Management LLC, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and possessing 21 years of industry experience. He previously worked at Ranger Alternative Management, LP from 2020 to 2024 and has been involved with Tice Capital, LLC since 2011, where he serves as Chief Executive Officer providing consulting services on macro themes to investment firms and professionals. Moran Tice Capital Management LLC offers discretionary portfolio management primarily for accredited, high-net-worth, and institutional investors through private pooled investment vehicles and separately managed accounts. The firm focuses on long/short equity strategies with an emphasis on precious-metals equities and employs research-driven trading with full discretionary authority across its funds and accounts.

Michael Denti is a financial advisor at Summit Financial, LLC with 41 years of industry experience. He has held positions at Merrill and Bank of America, NA, and joined Summit Financial in 2023. Denti holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and conducts insurance sales through various insurance companies, including an affiliated firm. Summit Financial, LLC is an SEC-registered, multi-team advisory firm managing approximately $26.35 billion in assets for around 17,800 clients. The firm offers a range of investment advisory and portfolio management programs, financial planning, and retirement plan advisory services, operating both discretionary and consultative platforms.

Michael Wiercinski is a financial advisor with Kestra Advisory, holding a Series 66 designation and bringing 18 years of industry experience. Prior to joining Kestra Advisory in 2019, he worked at Wells Fargo Advisors and Wells Fargo Clearing from 2010 to 2019. He serves as president of Mountain Rock Wealth Management and is a member of the Parish Finance Council at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Kestra Advisory Services provides investment advisory and retirement-plan consulting to plan sponsors, institutional, and individual clients, offering a range of services including fiduciary consulting, plan design, and investment advice with access to multiple management platforms and third-party solutions.

Alexander Harrison is a financial advisor with Commonwealth Financial Network, holding a Series 66 designation and 27 years of industry experience. He previously worked at Lincoln Financial Advisors Corporation for 25 years before joining Commonwealth and Aegis Consulting Group, where he is co-owner and vice president. Harrison is also a co-author of the book "Master Your Financial Success." Commonwealth Financial Network is a registered investment adviser serving a national network of approximately 2,950 advisors and their clients. The firm provides a range of advisory programs and comprehensive back-office support, including investment management, compliance, and technology services.

Stephen Cameron is a financial advisor with Valic Financial Advisors in Franklin, NC, holding Series 63 and Series 65 credentials and over 35 years of industry experience. He has been with Valic Financial Advisors since 1998. Outside of his advisory role, he leads kayak tours as a 1099 employee. Valic Financial Advisors primarily serves U.S.-domiciled individual investors, including high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients, as well as corporate and retirement-plan participants. The firm offers discretionary managed-account programs, wrap programs, financial planning, and brokerage services, utilizing Envestnet-developed UMA models for portfolio construction.

Katherine Gordon is a financial advisor with PNC Wealth Management in Franklin, NC, holding a Series 66 license and 10 years of industry experience. She previously worked at Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC from 2014 to 2017 before joining PNC Investments, where she has been since 2017. PNC Wealth Management provides retail brokerage and advisory services through model-based programs, including an invitation-only digital offering that uses algorithmic questionnaires to recommend investment strategies. The firm employs third-party managers for portfolio implementation and offers services primarily to employees through this pilot program.

York Mendoza is a Series 66-licensed advisor with two years of industry experience. He is currently with LPL Financial, having held previous roles at Ameriprise, SagePoint Financial, and Pearson Financial Group, among others. Outside of his advisory work, he has engaged in traveling and playing soccer. LPL Financial is a national broker-dealer and SEC-registered investment adviser serving individuals, retirement plan participants, banks, trust companies, and institutions. The firm offers a broad range of advisory and brokerage services through a large network of investment adviser representatives, utilizing various investment strategies and operational tools.

Samuel Morse Jr is a financial advisor at Stifel with 31 years of industry experience. He has been with Stifel since 2009 and holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses. Outside of his advisory role, he is involved as a managing partner and trustee in family-owned real estate and investment-related partnerships. Stifel serves a diverse client base including individuals, institutional clients, and charitable organizations, offering brokerage and investment advisory services. The firm employs a proprietary investment methodology developed by its Investment Strategy Group to provide asset allocation and financial planning analyses.

Robert Vingi Jr. is a financial advisor with Wells Fargo Clearing, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and over 30 years of industry experience. He has been with Wells Fargo Clearing since 2016 and previously worked at Wells Fargo Advisors LLC. Outside of his advisory role, he hosts a personal podcast unrelated to his business activities. Wells Fargo Clearing provides retirement plan consulting services to qualified ERISA and non-qualified deferred compensation plans, offering both discretionary and non-discretionary investment advisory services. The firm’s approach is IPS-driven and incorporates modern portfolio theory, with a notable inclusion of insurance-related products and bank deposit sweep options among its investment offerings.

George Thornhill is a CFP® professional with 44 years of experience in the financial industry, currently serving at LPL Financial since 2026. He previously worked at UBS Financial Services Inc. for 18 years and held positions at Morgan Stanley and Morgan Stanley DW Inc. Thornhill is involved in various business ventures, including agriculture, food distribution, and community organizations, and serves as treasurer for the charity Heart 4 Winter Haven. LPL Financial is a national broker-dealer and SEC-registered investment adviser offering a wide range of advisory and brokerage services to individuals, retirement plan participants, banks, trust companies, and institutions. The firm provides financial planning, model portfolio programs, third-party asset management, and institutional platforms, supporting advisors with technology tools and managing over $819 billion in discretionary assets.

Todd Holder is a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Highlands, NC, holding a Series 66 designation and five years of industry experience. He has worked at Edward Jones since 2020 and previously was associated with Dan Gilbert Insurance Agency and operated a personal advisory practice from 2013 to 2020. Outside of his advisory work, he has involvement with churches, retirement centers, and individual students. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving over four million individual and institutional clients with a broad range of advisory programs, including discretionary and non-discretionary strategies, separately managed accounts, and affiliated mutual funds. The firm manages approximately $1.01 trillion in assets and is noted for its extensive advisor and branch network as well as its range of affiliated services beyond traditional advisory offerings.

Justin Souma is a CFP® professional with 22 years of industry experience, currently serving as a financial advisor at LPL Financial. His career includes prior roles at Benjamin F. Edwards & Co, Wells Fargo Clearing, and A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. In addition to his advisory work, he is a business owner of Seven Oaks Farm at Hickory Ridge, LLC. LPL Financial is a national broker-dealer and SEC-registered investment adviser that provides advisory and brokerage services through a large network of investment adviser representatives. The firm serves individuals, retirement plans, banks, trust companies, and institutions, offering a range of financial planning and investment solutions including model portfolios, third-party asset management, and institutional platforms.

William De Wandeler is a CFP®-certified financial advisor with Edward Jones, based in Franklin, NC, with 19 years of industry experience. He has worked at Edward Jones since 2009. Outside of his advisory role, he is a co-owner of a used bookstore, A Novel Escape, in Franklin. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving individual and institutional clients with a range of advisory programs and investment solutions. The firm manages approximately $1.01 trillion in assets and has a nationwide network of over 23,700 financial advisors.

Keriann Mitchell is a financial advisor with Ameriprise in Franklin, NC, holding Series 63 and Series 66 licenses and bringing 15 years of industry experience. She previously worked at FSC Securities Corporation before joining Ameriprise in various capacities since 2018. Outside of her advisory role, Mitchell is involved in local community activities as Treasurer and Secretary of the Cowee Woods Property Owners Association and owns a home repair business. Ameriprise offers a retirement-income planning service targeting individuals near or in retirement with substantial investable assets, providing tailored, non-discretionary recommendations that incorporate research, modeling, and tax-efficiency analysis. As a large institutional firm, Ameriprise delivers a broad range of advisory, brokerage, and insurance solutions through affiliated entities.

Daniel Tumba is a CFP® and CFA® with 19 years of experience in the financial services industry. He is currently with Merrill and Bank of America, having previously worked at JP Morgan Chase and First Republic Investment Management. He serves on the board of directors for the JDRF Greater Palm Beach County Chapter, a Type 1 diabetes charitable organization. Merrill, together with its affiliate Managed Account Advisors LLC, offers managed account services to Bank of America fiduciary clients through the Select Portfolio Solutions Program, providing model-based and discretionary strategies for a range of clients including individuals, high-net-worth investors, and charitable organizations.

Justin Clapsaddle is a CFP® with 10 years of industry experience, currently affiliated with LPL Financial in Sylva, NC. His background includes roles at United Community Bank, Cherokee County Schools, and several financial services firms. Outside of finance, he operates War Metal Forge/Clapsaddle Knives, a home-based business focused on custom knives. LPL Financial is a national broker-dealer and SEC-registered investment adviser serving individuals, institutions, and retirement plans. The firm offers a range of financial planning and asset management services supported by a large network of advisers and advanced research tools.

Benjamin Rodriguez is a financial advisor at Edward Jones with five years of industry experience. He holds a Series 66 designation and previously worked at Entegra Bank from 2015 to 2020 before joining Edward Jones in 2020. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving more than four million individual and institutional clients, including both non-high-net-worth and high-net-worth households. The firm offers a range of advisory strategies, including discretionary and non-discretionary wrap fee programs, separately managed accounts, and affiliated mutual funds, operating under a fiduciary standard.

Benjamin Lane is a financial advisor at Wells Fargo Advisors with 24 years of industry experience. He holds a Series 66 designation and previously worked for UBS Financial Services Inc. for 10 years. Lane is also the principal owner of Lane Wealth Management, LLC, a full-time investment-related business. Wells Fargo Advisors provides investment and fee-based financial planning services to individuals, trusts, and institutional clients, offering a broad array of specialized planning options. Advisors at the firm develop tailored recommendations using proprietary research and planning tools, with implementation options available through various brokerage and advisory programs.

Mary Beth Brody is a financial advisor at Ameriprise with 28 years of industry experience. She previously worked at Edward Jones for nine years and has been with Ameriprise since 2022. Brody serves on a local board of directors in Highlands, North Carolina. Ameriprise offers retirement-income planning services primarily for clients with significant investable assets, combining research, modeling, and tax-efficiency analysis to provide tailored, non-discretionary recommendations delivered through a centralized consulting team.

Andrew Norton III is a financial advisor at Thrivent Investment Management with three years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 credentials and has worked previously at Stanberry Insurance Inc, Credit Union Investment Services, Secu Brokerage Services, Secu Life Insurance Company, and State Employees' Credit Union. Thrivent Investment Management provides Dedicated Planning Services to individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofit clients through a network of Financial Advisors. The firm offers detailed, goal-based planning across various financial topics and allows clients to integrate planning with managed account services under a consolidated billing option called WealthPlan.

Olivia Swift is a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Franklin, NC, holding a Series 66 designation and two years of industry experience. Prior to joining Edward Jones in 2025, she worked at First Citizens Investor Services and Equitable Advisors LLC. Outside of finance, she has experience in small business operations, including working at Renee's Cake Shoppe. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving over four million individual and institutional clients, including both non‑high‑net‑worth and high‑net‑worth households. The firm manages approximately $1.01 trillion in assets under management and offers a wide range of advisory programs, investment strategies, and affiliated financial services through a nationwide network of more than 23,700 advisors.

William Murphy is a financial advisor at UBS Financial Services with 52 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and has been with UBS since 2010. UBS Financial Services serves individual, corporate, and institutional clients through brokerage and investment advisory offerings, including financial planning and portfolio management. The firm combines institutional trading capabilities with wealth management services and provides a broad range of capital markets and research resources.

Mark Smith is a financial advisor with Stifel, holding a Series 63 designation and 39 years of industry experience. He has worked at Stifel Nicolaus since 2013, following roles at Morgan Stanley and Citigroup Global Markets. Outside of his advisory work, he is president of Mark A Smith Aircraft Sales, a business involved in aircraft sales. Stifel serves a diverse client base including individuals, institutional clients, and municipal entities, offering both brokerage and investment advisory services. The firm employs a proprietary investment methodology developed by its Investment Strategy Group to guide asset allocation and planning, with clients retaining discretion over implementation.

Erik Selness is a CFP®-designated financial advisor with Raymond James Financial, bringing 18 years of industry experience. He has been with Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. since 2015. Outside of his advisory role, Selness serves on the finance and investment committee of the First Presbyterian Church of Highlands, assisting with the management of church endowments. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. provides financial planning, investment consulting, and advisory services to a diverse client base, including individuals, high-net-worth clients, corporations, and institutions. The firm offers tailored, non-discretionary planning and consulting using analytical tools and supports a wide network of advisors with institutional and municipal advisory services.

William Barr is a CFP® professional with 37 years of experience in financial advising, currently serving at Edward Jones since 1988. He holds the Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and is based in Franklin, NC. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving over four million individual and institutional clients. The firm offers a range of advisory programs and investment strategies, supported by a large nationwide network of advisors and branch offices.

Russell Hawkins II is a CFP® and holds a Series 66 license, serving as a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Franklin, NC. He has 14 years of industry experience and has been with Edward Jones since 2011. Outside of his advisory role, he owns and manages a residential rental property. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving individual and institutional clients with comprehensive investment advisory programs and a broad national presence. The firm offers a range of managed solutions, separately managed accounts, and affiliated mutual funds under a fiduciary standard.

Clay Rucker is a financial advisor with Raymond James & Associates, holding Series 63 and Series 65 credentials and bringing 41 years of industry experience. He has been with Raymond James & Associates since 1997. Rucker serves on advisory boards for the Church of the Incarnation and the Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation, focusing on finance and investment committees. Raymond James & Associates is a large, dual-registered broker‑dealer and investment adviser serving a broad client base including individuals, institutions, and charitable organizations. The firm offers financial planning, non-discretionary investment consulting, and institutional fiduciary solutions, drawing on a range of portfolio management styles and extensive affiliated research.

Granville Younce is a Certified Financial Planner® with 31 years of experience in the financial industry. He has worked with Wells Fargo since 2011, initially at Wells Fargo Advisors LLC before joining Wells Fargo Clearing in 2016. Wells Fargo Advisors is a national securities firm serving individual, corporate, and institutional clients with investment advisory services, financial planning, retirement plan consulting, and brokerage solutions. The firm manages approximately $671 billion in assets and offers a range of investment and financial products supported by research and analytics.

Charles Strickland Sr. is a ChFC®-designated financial advisor with 41 years of industry experience, currently affiliated with Cambridge Investment Research Advisors. He has previously worked at Lincoln Financial Securities Corporation, Invest Financial Corporation, and Jefferson Standard Life Insurance Company. Outside of his advisory role, he serves on the boards of Nantahala Bank & Trust Company and Provision Financial Resources of NC Baptists, and volunteers with Truett Baptist Church. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors is a large SEC-registered firm serving a diverse client base including individuals, retirement plans, charitable organizations, and trusts. The firm offers financial planning, investment management, and retirement advisory services through a network of independent professionals, utilizing various investment platforms and proprietary and third-party strategies.