Deborah Castellani is a CFA® charterholder with 23 years of industry experience, currently serving at Akros Investments, Inc. She has worked in consulting since 2000 and is president of OTB Strategic Consulting, Inc., a financial and non-financial consulting firm. Akros Investments, Inc. primarily serves institutional clients and plan sponsors, offering retirement-plan oversight, fiduciary governance, and asset-allocation-based portfolio management. The firm provides consulting and educational programs, including women-focused financial education, alongside asset management and co-fiduciary services.

Claudia Valladares is a financial advisor at 11 Financial in Lufkin, TX, holding a Series 65 designation with seven years of industry experience. She has worked at 11 Financial since 2018 and was previously with Envoy Advisory Inc. and Commercial Bank of Texas. 11 Financial provides portfolio management, financial planning, and education services primarily to individual and high-net-worth clients, as well as corporate clients. The firm uses a combination of fundamental and technical analysis alongside modern portfolio theory to tailor strategies to client goals and risk tolerance.

Taylor Kovar is a CFP® with 12 years of industry experience, currently serving as an advisor at 11 Financial since 2015. He previously worked at Envoy Advisory Inc. from 2022 to 2024. Outside of advising, Kovar is involved in several business ventures including real estate development, digital marketing, outdoors apparel, frozen treats, and coffee shops. He also serves as an adjunct professor at Stephen F. Austin State University during select spring semesters. 11 Financial provides portfolio management, financial planning, and education services primarily to individual and high-net-worth clients, as well as corporate clients. The firm combines fundamental and technical analysis with modern portfolio theory, offering tailored investment strategies that include both long-term allocations and more active trading approaches.

Joseph Ceasar is a financial advisor with 15 years of industry experience, currently serving at 11 Financial as part of a six-advisor team. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and has previously worked at Kovar Wealth Management, Semita Asset Management, and Investors of the Kingdom LLC. Ceasar is also the president of the board of directors for the Legacy Institute for Financial Education, a nonprofit organization. 11 Financial provides portfolio management, financial planning, and education services primarily to individual and high-net-worth clients, as well as corporate clients. The firm employs a combination of fundamental and technical analysis alongside modern portfolio theory, offering tailored investment strategies that include both long-term allocations and active trading approaches.

Ashlyn Reece is a financial advisor with Commonwealth Financial Network, holding Series 65 and Series 63 licenses and seven years of industry experience. Her prior roles include positions at Raymond James & Associates, Woodlands Securities Corporation, and The Advanced Financial Group. She is also involved in fixed insurance sales alongside her advisory work. Commonwealth Financial Network is a dual-registered broker/dealer and SEC-registered investment adviser that supports a national network of approximately 2,900 advisors and manages over $212 billion in client assets. The firm offers a broad platform of managed-account programs, access to third-party asset managers, and a variety of investment options.

Alexis Pigg is a financial advisor at Sanctuary Advisors, LLC with 13 years of industry experience. She holds the Series 66 designation and previously worked at Bank of America and Merrill. Outside of her advisory role, she serves as President of the Junior League of Lufkin, overseeing the board and community service projects focused on women and children in the Lufkin/Angelina County area. Sanctuary Advisors, LLC provides investment advisory and financial planning services to a diverse client base, including individuals, corporations, pension and profit-sharing plans, trusts, estates, and charitable organizations. The firm supports more than 400 independent investment adviser representatives who manage accounts through various programs, employing multiple analytical approaches and offering both discretionary and non-discretionary management options.

Roy Alvis, Jr. Jr. is a financial advisor with Sanctuary Advisors, LLC, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and bringing 36 years of industry experience. His prior career includes roles at Merrill and Bank of America, spanning over three decades. Outside of advisory work, he serves as an administrator for an estate and manages a family LLC that oversees a second home in North Carolina. Sanctuary Advisors, LLC provides investment advisory and financial planning services to a diverse client base, including individuals, corporations, and charitable organizations. The firm offers a range of portfolio management options and consulting services through a network of more than 400 independent advisers, employing various analytical approaches and fiduciary practices.

Christopher Moss is a financial advisor with Commonwealth Financial Network, holding a Series 66 designation and bringing 25 years of industry experience. He has worked at Commonwealth since 2022 and has been associated with Advanced Financial Group since 1999. Moss serves as a trustee for the Lufkin Firemans Relief and Retirement Fund. Commonwealth Financial Network is a registered investment adviser supporting a national network of approximately 2,950 advisors and their clients. The firm provides a range of advisory programs and operational support, allowing advisors discretion in portfolio construction alongside managed model portfolios and various program options.

Stephen Corley is a financial advisor with Commonwealth Financial Network, holding a Series 66 designation and 14 years of industry experience. He previously worked at Woodlands Asset Management, Inc. and Woodlands Securities Corporation from 2011 to 2022, and has been associated with The Advanced Financial Group since 2010. Outside of advising, he is involved in fixed insurance sales. Commonwealth Financial Network serves a national network of approximately 2,950 advisors and their retail and institutional clients, providing a range of advisory programs and services. The firm offers operational support, investment management, and compliance resources, allowing advisors discretion in portfolio construction and access to proprietary model portfolios.

William Alvis is a financial advisor with Sanctuary Advisors, LLC, holding a Series 66 designation and 12 years of industry experience. Prior to joining Sanctuary in 2022, he worked at Bank of America and Merrill. Outside of his advisory role, he serves as the 2nd Vice President of a local Lions Club focusing on youth programs and is the incoming Board Chair of the Angelina County Chamber of Commerce. Sanctuary Advisors, LLC provides investment advisory and financial planning services to a wide range of clients, including individuals, corporations, pension and profit-sharing plans, trusts, estates, and charitable organizations. The firm supports its advisors with diverse portfolio management options and operates with a fiduciary standard under written agreements.

Bradley Morris is a financial advisor with Commonwealth Financial Network, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and bringing 21 years of industry experience. He previously worked at Woodlands Securities Corporation for 18 years and has been associated with Advanced Financial Group for over two decades. Morris is also involved in fixed insurance sales, dedicating a portion of his business hours to this activity. Commonwealth Financial Network is a registered investment adviser serving a national network of approximately 2,950 advisors and their clients. The firm offers a variety of advisory programs and support services, including discretionary model portfolios, wealth management, and retirement plan consulting, while providing operational and compliance infrastructure to affiliated advisors.

Trey Wilkerson is a financial advisor at LPL Financial with 29 years of industry experience. He previously worked at Hilltop Securities Independent Network for 22 years before joining LPL in 2019. In addition to his advisory work, he serves as the Mayor of Diboll, Texas. LPL Financial is an SEC-registered investment adviser and broker-dealer serving individuals, retirement plans, banks, corporations, and charitable organizations through a national network. The firm offers a range of financial planning and advisory programs, combining discretionary and non-discretionary management with research-supported model portfolios.

Roberta Carrell is a financial advisor at Merrill with one year of industry experience. She holds a Series 66 designation and previously worked at Edward Jones Co, Inc for nine years before joining Merrill. Merrill, along with its affiliate Managed Account Advisors LLC, provides managed account services to Bank of America fiduciary clients through the Select Portfolio Solutions Program, offering model-based and discretionary investment strategies for individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Karen Shaw is a financial advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. She returned to Merrill Lynch in 2025 to partner with Brian Zbylot, focusing on assisting clients in achieving their financial goals. With more than 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, Karen specializes in retirement planning, estate strategies, and education funding. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Stephen F. Austin State University, earned in 1998. Additionally, she has obtained the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP) designation, the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) designation, and possesses an insurance license. Outside of her professional work, Karen is a member of the Tyler County Aggie Moms. She enjoys antiquing, gardening, spending time with her family, and traveling.

Vincent Treadwell is a CFP®-credentialed financial advisor with Edward Jones in Lufkin, TX, where he has worked since 1989, accumulating 36 years of industry experience. He is involved as an investor in gear repair and holds ownership interests in several real estate ventures. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving both individual and institutional clients, offering a range of advisory and investment solutions through a large national network of advisors and branch offices.

John Friesen is a financial advisor with RBC Capital Markets in Lufkin, Texas, holding a Series 63 credential and 50 years of industry experience. He has been with RBC Capital Markets since 2016. Outside of his advisory role, he is involved in several business ventures including ownership of a convenience store and participation in various partnerships and LLCs related to retail and commercial enterprises, as well as active involvement in airplane ownership and management. RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets, serves individual and institutional clients with tailored investment strategies that include discretionary and non-discretionary portfolio management, financial planning, and brokerage services. The firm’s approach integrates both in-house and third-party investment managers, offering diverse program structures and alternatives such as tax management and responsible investing options.

Jenifer Strickland is a financial advisor with Ameriprise in Lufkin, TX, holding Series 63 and Series 66 registrations and 14 years of industry experience. She has been with Ameriprise since 2016 and is also involved as an associate financial advisor with Tiras Wealth Management LLC. Ameriprise Financial Services is a large, diversified advisory firm serving individual and institutional clients. The firm offers a specialized Premier Retirement Income service that provides written recommendations and ongoing advice focused on retirement income planning and tax-aware withdrawal strategies.

Kaylee Chambers is a financial advisor at Edward Jones with nine years of industry experience. She holds the Series 66 designation and has worked at Edward Jones since 2017. Prior to joining Edward Jones, she was associated with Worth Residential and Texas A&M University from 2014 to 2016. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving over four million individual and institutional clients. The firm manages approximately $1.01 trillion in assets and offers a broad range of advisory and investment solutions, including discretionary and non-discretionary wrap fee strategies, separately managed accounts, and affiliated mutual funds.

Collin Jackson is a financial advisor at Edward Jones in Lufkin, TX, holding a Series 66 designation with seven years of industry experience. Prior to joining Edward Jones in 2018, he worked at Deep East Texas Electric Co-operative and San Augustine Drug Co. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving over four million individual and institutional clients with approximately $1.01 trillion in assets under management. The firm offers a range of advisory programs and investment strategies supported by a nationwide network of more than 23,700 financial advisors and 15,000 branch offices.

Robert West is a financial advisor with Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. in Lufkin, Texas. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 credentials and has 16 years of industry experience. He has been with Raymond James since 2015 and is also affiliated with Two West Investments, Inc. since 2015. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. provides financial planning, investment consulting, and advisory services to a wide range of clients, including individuals, high-net-worth clients, corporations, and institutional clients. The firm offers tailored, non-discretionary planning and investment consulting supported by advanced analytical tools and maintains specialized programs such as municipal advisory services and SIMPLE IRA Employer Advisory & Consulting Services.

Jimmy Mcdaniel is a financial advisor with Cetera, holding a Series 66 designation and 17 years of industry experience. He has been with Cetera and its related entities since 2013 and has prior experience at Regions Bank beginning in 2012. Outside of his advisory role, he serves as president of the Central ISD Class of 2026 Parents Booster Organization and is a board member of the Salvation Army. Cetera Investment Advisers LLC is an SEC-registered firm that serves a broad client base including individuals, retirement plans, corporate and charitable clients, and institutional accounts. The firm offers a multi-manager platform with a variety of portfolio management and financial planning services, supporting both discretionary and non-discretionary strategies across multiple program structures.

Brian Zbylot is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, bringing over twenty years of experience in the financial services industry. He joined Merrill in 2000 and has developed expertise in corporate benefit programs, including equity compensation, defined benefit and contribution plans, as well as nonqualified deferred compensation. His client focus areas include family wealth management strategies, legacy planning, portfolio management services, small business strategies, individual and corporate investment strategies, and tax minimization. Brian holds a Bachelor's Degree from Texas A&M and carries the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. Throughout his career, he has assisted business leaders and healthcare professionals in achieving significant financial goals such as business acquisitions, funding education, retirement planning, and philanthropic endeavors. Brian and his team emphasize personalized, one-on-one financial strategies tailored to long-term client objectives. Outside of his professional work, Brian is actively involved in his community through volunteer efforts such as teaching personal finance at LEAD Academy and participating in Prison Ministries in Diboll, Texas. He and his wife Dayna, both Texas A&M alumni, reside in Lufkin, Texas, where they raise their five children. Brian’s personal interests include adventure sports, fishing, gardening, hunting, and surfing.

Paul Reed is a financial advisor at Edward Jones with Series 63 and Series 66 designations and over 31 years of industry experience. He has been with Edward Jones since 1994. Outside of his advisory role, he has interests in oil and gas royalties. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving individual and institutional clients, offering a range of advisory programs and investment strategies supported by a large nationwide network of financial advisors and branch offices.

Bonnie Mckinney is a Series 66 licensed financial advisor with RBC Capital Markets in Lufkin, Texas, and has 12 years of industry experience. She has been with RBC Capital Markets since 2016. Outside of her advisory role, she serves as a voting member on the board of directors for the Crown Colony Improvement Association Inc. RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets, serves a diverse client base including individual investors, institutions, and charitable organizations. The firm offers various advisory programs with customizable investment strategies implemented through a combination of in-house and third-party managers.

Ashley Kettelkamp is a financial advisor at Edward Jones with 13 years of industry experience. She holds the Series 66 designation and has been with Edward Jones since 2013. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving individual and institutional clients, including high-net-worth households and charitable organizations. The firm manages approximately $1.01 trillion in assets and offers a range of advisory strategies, including discretionary and non-discretionary wrap fee programs, separately managed accounts, and affiliated mutual funds.

Bruce Mckibben is a financial advisor at Merrill with 29 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and has worked at Merrill since 2009 and Bank of America, N.A. since 2011. Merrill, along with its affiliate Managed Account Advisors LLC, provides managed account services to Bank of America fiduciary clients through the Select Portfolio Solutions Program. The firm offers model-based and discretionary investment strategies for individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

James Zeleskey Jr is a financial advisor with RBC Capital Markets in Lufkin, TX, holding a Series 66 designation and 12 years of industry experience. He has been with RBC Capital Markets since 2016. Zeleskey serves on the boards of CASA and the Alzheimer's Association of Houston and South East Texas and is a member of the Woodland Heights Advisory Board. RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, serves a broad client base including individual investors, institutions, and charitable organizations. The firm offers customized portfolio management and financial planning services through various advisory programs tailored to clients’ risk profiles.

Natalie Spring is a financial advisor at Edward Jones with seven years of industry experience. She holds the Series 66 designation and has been with Edward Jones since 2015. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving individual and institutional clients, including high-net-worth households and corporate entities. The firm manages over $1 trillion in assets and offers a range of advisory programs and investment solutions through a large national network of financial advisors and branch offices.

John Lassitter is a financial advisor at Edward Jones in Lufkin, TX, with one year of industry experience. Prior to joining Edward Jones, he served eight years at First Baptist Church and nine years with the Texas Air National Guard. He holds the Series 66 designation. 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 financial advisors and branch offices.

Brent Brookshire is a financial advisor with LPL Financial based in Lufkin, Texas. He holds a Series 66 designation and has 27 years of industry experience, including prior roles at Bank of America and Merrill. Outside his advisory work, he is a general partner in a family investment partnership established in 2002. LPL Financial is an SEC-registered investment adviser and broker-dealer serving individuals, retirement plans, banks, corporations, and charitable organizations through a national network of representatives. The firm offers a range of advisory programs, financial planning, and retirement consulting, utilizing both discretionary and non-discretionary management supported by proprietary and third-party research.

Jayce Murry is a financial advisor at Edward Jones in Lufkin, TX, holding CFP® and ChFC® designations with 11 years of industry experience. He has been with Edward Jones since 2015. Jayce also owns JRM Wealth Management LLC, established to organize his business expenses. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving over four million clients, including individuals, institutions, and charitable organizations, with approximately $1.01 trillion in assets under management supported by a large national network of advisors and branch offices.

Travis Parker is a Series 66-licensed financial advisor with Edward Jones in Huntington, TX, where he has worked since 2017. He has nine years of industry experience, including prior roles at Parker Brothers' Services and Kingham Construction. Outside of advising, he has ownership interests in local construction and real estate businesses. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving individual and institutional clients with a broad range of investment advisory programs and affiliated financial services, operating under a fiduciary standard. The firm manages approximately $1.01 trillion in assets and supports a large network of advisors and branch offices nationwide.

Zachary Boyd is a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Lufkin, TX, holding a Series 66 designation and four years of industry experience. Prior to joining Edward Jones in 2022, he worked at St. Luke's Health Memorial Hospital and Texas Health Resources. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving more than four million individual and institutional clients with a nationwide network of approximately 23,701 advisors. The firm offers a range of investment strategies and advisory services, including discretionary and non-discretionary wrap fee programs, separately managed accounts, and affiliated mutual funds, operating under a fiduciary standard.

Wayne Ramsey serves as Resident Director of Wealth Management at Merrill Lynch. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional with over seven years of experience in financial advisory, focusing on personalized wealth management strategies. Wayne joined the Lufkin Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Office in 2021 as a Senior Financial Advisor, bringing experience from his prior role as an independent advisor with the Principal Financial Group. His expertise spans college education planning, defined benefit and contribution plans, retirement income, portfolio management, tax minimization, and strategies for business owners, physicians, and retirees. Wayne earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Stephen F. Austin State University in 2011. He holds multiple professional designations including Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA), CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP), CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA). Wayne emphasizes a planning-based approach tailored to each client's long-term financial goals. Raised in the Lufkin area, Wayne and his wife Brittany have two children. Committed to community involvement, he is a past president of the Lufkin Rotary Club and has served on the Salvation Army Advisory Board. Outside of work, Wayne enjoys running, tennis, skiing, cooking, traveling, and spending time with his family and friends.

Forest Griffin serves as a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, where he focuses on helping clients plan for and achieve significant life milestones. He specializes in personal retirement planning, small business strategies, and tax minimization. Forest brings a combination of youth and experience to his role, having spent five years in financial planning at Edward Jones, including overseeing his own branch, before joining Merrill Lynch. He holds several professional designations, including Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS), CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA). Forest earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Texas Bible College and also attended Eastern Michigan University. He is active in his community, serving on the boards of various local organizations such as The Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce, Z&00 Railroad, and as Vice President of The Humane Society of Angelina County: Winnie Berry. He is also a member of the Angelina County Chamber of Commerce and the Lufkin Host Lion's Club. Outside of his professional commitments, Forest enjoys boating, fishing, football, and spending time with his wife Victoria and their four rescue dogs. He grew up near Ann Arbor, Michigan, and relocated to Texas in 2011. Forest defines success as helping retirees prepare for their single retirement, enabling college students to graduate without significant debt, and fostering meaningful friendships along the way.

Jay Schwartz is a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Lufkin, TX, holding Series 63 and Series 66 licenses and bringing 26 years of industry experience. He has been with Edward Jones since 1999. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving over four million individual and institutional clients. The firm manages approximately $1.01 trillion in assets under management and offers a range of advisory services, including discretionary and non-discretionary wrap fee strategies, separately managed accounts, and affiliated mutual funds, supported by a nationwide network of more than 23,700 financial advisors.

Ryan Boehner is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He focuses on creating personalized wealth management strategies tailored to clients' individual financial goals and changing market conditions. Ryan provides access to investment insights from Merrill as well as banking and lending solutions through Bank of America. He holds the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation and earned a Bachelor's Degree from Stanford University. Ryan emphasizes a personalized, one-on-one approach with clients to help them pursue their long-term financial objectives. In addition to his professional work, he is engaged in community service through volunteering with local organizations.

Kaleb Ricks is a financial advisor with Merrill in Lufkin, TX, holding a Series 66 credential and beginning his career in 2026. His prior experience includes roles at Bank of America, Regions Bank, and Century 21 Cota Realty, where he worked for several years. Merrill, together with its affiliate Managed Account Advisors LLC, provides managed account services to Bank of America fiduciary clients through the Select Portfolio Solutions Program, offering model-based and discretionary strategies for individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension and profit-sharing plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Timothy Geisbauer II is a financial advisor with LPL Financial in Lufkin, Texas, holding a Series 66 credential and 21 years of industry experience. He has been with LPL Financial since 2005. LPL Financial is an SEC-registered investment adviser and broker-dealer serving individuals, retirement plans, banks, corporations, and charitable organizations through a national network of investment adviser representatives. The firm offers a range of advisory programs, financial planning, and retirement plan consulting, utilizing both discretionary and non-discretionary management strategies alongside model portfolios and research from LPL Research and third-party subadvisors.