Operations
Our operations team members work side-by-side with each of our financial planning teams to help keep us running efficiently. Day by day, they work behind the scenes to help us make the best use of our time and resources. We want to be the best financial advisors we can be, and our operations team helps us achieve that goal.
Learn more about each of the dedicated members of the Operations Team.
Michelle Johns
Facilities Manager/New Hire Onboarding,
Southwestern Investment Group
615-861-6110 Email
Todd earned his MBA from Marquette University and his undergraduate degree from Concordia University-St Paul. Prior to Joining Southwestern Investment Group, Todd served as Executive Director for UBS Asset Management, where he launched a major transformation project. His project was commissioned to update, consolidate, and transform the global asset management operating landscape. Additionally, he served as the Head of Investment Operations with BMO Global Asset Management, leading middle and back office functions.
Todd is responsible for helping our advisors and firm grow in production and efficiency and to retain top talent. He was drawn to Southwestern Investment Group because of the dynamic culture, team atmosphere, and growth trajectory. He enjoys the leadership approach and client-centered focus.
When he is not with his four children, Todd is actively involved as a volunteer for industry committees and community services or is engaged in church functions.
Michelle is a graduate of Western Kentucky University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree. Before starting at Southwestern Investment Group in 2014 as a sales assistant, Michelle developed her administrative skills, working in the insurance, hospitality, and mortgage industry.
Michelle specializes in applying her extensive administrative knowledge and client relations experience as an instructor to all administrative staff. She provides customized training to enhance employee skill development that enables a positive client experience.
After a two year sabbatical, Michelle decided it was time to get back to work! Soon after searching the job market, she found herself accepting a position with our firm. Being that this was her first and only interview, Michelle believes it was simply divine intervention that led her here.
Along with Southwestern Investment Group's culture, Michelle absolutely loves the people. She feels blessed to be a part of the ever-growing family.
Michelle and her husband, Mike, love watching their sons, Mikey and Patrick, play ice hockey. They are all big Nashville Predators fans and enjoy attending games. During the hockey off-season, the family enjoys spending time with their family, friends, and volunteering around town.
After more than 12 years at our corporate headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee, Michelle Johns wanted to explore other opportunities within the Southwestern Family of Companies. She transitioned to the Dobyns Wealth Team in 2016 as a client operations specialist and moved into the role of Facilities Manager two years later.
As the Facilities Manager, Michelle oversees the needs of each office to ensure they run effectively and efficiently, meeting the facilities requests of staff and clients.
Michelle moved to the team because, after consideration, she felt that Southwestern Investment Group was the right fit for her. She loves the people, the culture, and the vibe of the office. “It's like one big family,” affirms Michelle.
Michelle and her husband, Chris, live on a small farm south of Franklin, Tennessee, where they enjoy playing with their grandchildren. When she’s not in the office, Michelle loves gardening and entertaining her family and friends.
Ambrosha has a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from The University of Arizona. Before joining the Southwestern Investment Group team, she had the great honor of teaching young children for many years, and she also spent more than 8 years as the Client Relationship Manager for a startup internet company.
After making the decision to take a break from teaching, Ambrosha wanted to work for a company that would help guide her along a new career path. From her first interview at Southwestern Investment Group, Ambrosha knew this was the place she wanted to be.
Outside the office, Ambrosha loves spending time with her two boys, ages 3 and 11. Ambrosha and her family love the outdoors and are always looking for new adventures. In her spare time, Ambrosha also enjoys playing the violin, reading, and yoga.
In her current role, Ambrosha helps the office run smoothly with all day-to-day operations. She makes sure clients are taken care of and that staff members have what they need. She loves the people and culture at Southwestern Investment Group and that the company is supportive and encouraging, offering opportunities for employees to grow personally and professionally.
A native of Toledo, Ohio, Andrew Shibley is a graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, earning a B.S. in Journalism and Electronic Media, cum laude, and a B.A. in Political Science, cum laude. After a brief stint as a radio news anchor and reporter, Andrew entered the financial services industry in 2008 while living in Atlanta. His experience includes operations and management, financial planning, title insurance, and mortgage.
Shibley’s role at Southwestern Investment Group is Team Lead in Operations. Andrew joined Southwestern Investment Group because of the client-first focus, family culture, and forward-thinking leadership. The opportunity to work side-by-side with talented people who care about finding and employing the best solutions for clients is what he enjoys most about his work at Southwestern Investment Group.
Within the local community, Andrew is a former member of the Board of Elders at his church, where he also sings in the choir and leads the children’s sermon. He is also a board member of the UT Knoxville Phi Sigma Kappa Alumni Association and is a past member of the University of Tennessee Young Alumni Council.
Shibley lives in Brentwood with his wife and two daughters. Outside of the office, he enjoys reading, traveling, Big Orange sports, spending time at Center Hill Lake, and keeping up with current events.
Compliance Team
When you work in such a complex industry, it’s important to cross every t and dot every i. Our compliance team makes sure our policies and procedures are up to date, and we’re familiar with all regulations and requirements that govern the work we do.
Learn more about each of the dedicated members of the Compliance Team.
Deborah Jenkins
Chief Compliance Officer,
Southwestern Investment Group, Registered Principal, RJFS
615-861-6104 Email
Deborah has more than 25 years of experience in the financial services industry in areas such as compliance, operations and financial planning. She has held regulatory and management positions with several investment firms in the Nashville area. Her years of experience has included broker/dealer conversions, setting up new broker/dealers, establishing RIAs and working with a number of broker/dealers and clearing firms in the industry.
As the Chief Compliance Officer, Deborah is responsible for ensuring Southwestern Investment Group business is conducted in a manner that complies with the laws, regulations and internal procedures of the investment industry. She has passed the Series 4, 7, 24, 27, 53, 62, 63, 65 exams and is life/annuity insurance licensed.
Deborah resides in Mount Juliet, Tennessee, she enjoys spending time with family and friends. She also enjoys the beach, reading, watching Alabama football and attending church in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee.
Melissa Smith came to Southwestern Investment Group in 2010 after working in the banking industry for seven years. In her role as a compliance assistant, she assists with monitoring daily compliance and regulatory tasks.
Beginning as a part-time employee working on a summer project, Melissa has enjoyed the transition to a full-time compliance assistant position. She particularly enjoys that the job requires attention to detail and great organizational skills.
Melissa loves photography, watching Alabama football, and spending time with her husband, three boys, and their two dogs Jax and Mylee Caroline.
Originally from California, Yancey Wade graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Before joining Southwestern Investment Group, Yancey worked as a compliance officer for Wedbush Securities in downtown Los Angeles.
Yancey provides broad support to Southwestern Investment Group's regulatory compliance function. He joined our team after moving to Franklin, Tennessee, to be closer to family and enjoys being part of our welcoming and friendly culture.
When he’s not in the office, Yancey loves hiking and camping with his wife and daughter. He’s also an active member of his church.
Business Development Team
Growing our business is at the heart of what we do. Since 2002, our firm has tripled the amount of assets we manage. As we continue to serve more clients, we’re able to build a firm known for providing the very best in financial planning. Each member has a specialty they use to continue the growth of our business and keep our firm on course.
Our business development team works to plan and strategize the growth and maintenance of our entire firm. They work tirelessly to create an environment that encourages and sustains the success of each advising team.
Learn more about each of the dedicated members of the Business Development Team.
Jeff Dobyns has enjoyed extraordinary success providing comprehensive financial planning to retirees, entrepreneurs, entertainers and executives by taking the time to truly know his clients, understand their goals and develop and execute their ongoing, strategic, financial plans.
Jeff has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Ohio University and has held executive positions with financial planning firms for nearly two decades. After serving as Vice President of Investments of Lykins Financial Group, CPA’s, in his hometown of Westerville, Ohio, Jeff moved to Nashville, Tennessee to found Southwestern Investment Group in 2002. As its President, Jeff has led Southwestern Investment Group to remarkable success, holding the distinction of being Raymond James’ top independent contractor office, and a member of its Chairman’s Council*, since 2008.
Jeff’s true calling, however, is working directly with clients, helping them plan their financial futures in a manner that aligns with their values and ensures their families will be secure. To help meet these goals, Jeff leads the team of Dobyns Wealth Group and also incorporates the expertise of attorneys, accountants and other professionals to provide exceptional financial, tax and estate planning, and ongoing asset and risk management.
As independent advisory businesses, neither Southwestern Investment Group nor Dobyns Wealth Group hold any assets on behalf of clients, with such custodial and brokerage services being provided by Raymond James. As a leader in wealth management, Raymond James has an exemplary reputation and today serves more than three million client accounts through 7,200 financial advisors worldwide.
In order to meet the highest standards of professionalism and ethics in the industry, Jeff is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM practitioner**, a Chartered Life Underwriter and a Chartered Financial Consultant. Jeff is also a Dave Ramsey Endorsed Local Provider and SmartVestor Pro.
Jeff’s work and personal life are both guided by his faith and the Christian principles of honesty, generosity, compassion and integrity. Accordingly, Jeff devotes considerable time and resources to a number of causes, including serving as a board member of Men of Valor, a prison ministry and mentoring program. Jeff is also on the advisory board of the National Christian Foundation of Middle Tennessee, which works with families to increase their charitable giving to their favorite causes. He is a board member with Porter’s Call, a Nashville charity that provides free counseling for musicians and their families, and volunteers with the Martha O’Bryan Center, which empowers those in poverty to transform their lives through work, education, employment and fellowship.
Jeff and his wife, Amy, are raising their family in Brentwood where they are members of the Brentwood Baptist Church, and their children, Gracyn, Hunter, and twins Tanner and Logan, attend the Christ Presbyterian Academy. For recreation, Jeff enjoys hunting, fishing and just being outdoors.
* Membership is based on prior fiscal year production. Re-qualification is required annually.
**Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP® (with plaque design) and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
SmartVestor™ is an advertising service for investing professionals. Advertising fees are not connected to any commission, portfolio, service, product, or other service offered or rendered by any SmartVestor Pros. SmartVestor Pros aresubject to initial vetting by Ramsey Solutions, and they affirm a Code of Conduct. SmartVestor Pros are not employees or agents of Ramsey Solutions. Neither Ramsey Solutions nor its affiliates are engaged in rendering investing or other professional advice. Ramsey Solutions does not receive, control, access, or monitor client funds, accounts, or portfolios. Ramsey Solutions does not warrant any services of SmartVestor Pros and makes no claim or promise of any result or success of retaining a SmartVestor Pro. Your use of SmartVestor, including the decision to retain the services of any SmartVestor Pro, is at your sole discretion and risk. Any services rendered by SmartVestor Pros you contact are solely that of the SmartVestor Pro. Raymond James Financial Services does not endorse and is not associated with Dave Ramsey or the SmartVestor program.
Sarah Esposito brings with her a background in operations, project management, and corporate event planning. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from MTSU.
Sarah’s main focus on the business development team is to support training, recruiting, and promotion of advisor growth. She also works in sales management and reporting, marketing and website, communications, company events, and corporate travel.
Sarah came to Southwestern Investment Group because she wanted to be somewhere she could grow both personally and professionally. She feels challenged every day and loves the encouragement she receives. The potential for long-term growth is great motivation!
Sarah loves working with so many wonderful, supportive people who truly love what they do. Their desire to help others is what she loves most about working here.
Sarah loves spending time with her husband and their two dogs. She enjoys running, traveling, trying new restaurants, and quality time with her family. Her greatest passion is helping others in any way she can.
Accounting Team
Keeping all the numbers in line is one of the most important aspects of high-level financial planning. We couldn’t do what we do without our valuable, incisive, and detail-oriented accounting department.
We depend on them to monitor and track every single business transaction we undertake. Their eagle eyes analyze every exchange and note any irregularities or unusual activity. They bring every observation to the attention of our leadership team, and make suggestions to increase efficiency, efficacy, and best results.
Learn more about each of the dedicated members of the Accounting Team.
Gerry Macbeth earned a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from the University of Georgia and an MBA from the University of Tennessee. After working as a copywriter for an advertising agency and a manufacturing cost accountant, Gerry began her career with the Southwestern Family of Companies in 1988 as part of its Corporate Accounting Department. Over the years, Gerry provided accounting support to several of Southwestern's companies, eventually transitioning into a full-time role with Southwestern Investment Group.
Gerry was involved with Southwestern Investment Group from its founding in 2002; her role and involvement grew as the company grew. Gerry loves being part of a firm that is always growing, but what she appreciates most about working at Southwestern Investment Group is its wonderful people. She admires the team’s professionalism, their high ethical standards, how they care for their fellow employees, and their passion for helping their clients.
Gerry is Southwestern Investment Group's Chief Financial Officer. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Southwestern Family of Companies.
When she’s not in the office, Gerry enjoys traveling with her husband, Glenn, including trips to see their two daughters and their spouses living in Boston and Amsterdam. They particularly love spending time with their two young granddaughters who live in Boston.
With over 20 years of accounting experience, Patricia is currently the Assistant Controller at Southwestern Investment Group. She handles many of the day-to-day accounting functions for her team.
Patricia spent many years in the music industry before she was ready to move on to something different. Southwestern Investment Group seemed like the perfect place. She is thrilled to be working in such a warm and inviting atmosphere. The people make it a joy for her to come to work each day.
When Patricia isn't working, she can be found spending time with her family, volunteering for various organizations, or gardening.
Advisor Development Team
We believe helping our team members with personal and professional development is a form of stewardship. Our firm is only as good as its advisors, so we contribute considerable time and resources to helping our advisors grow. We encourage our advisors pursue multiple licenses and certifications to better serve the needs of all our clients.
Since people are our most valuable resource, it’s important to invest in their education. Our advisor development team makes sure each advisor is well-equipped to grow and sustain their business.
Learn more about each of the dedicated members of the Advisor Development Team.
Mark Deering, CFP®
Executive Vice President,
Southwestern Investment Group | Financial Advisor, RJFS
615-861-6101 Email
Luke Aull, CFP®
Senior Executive Vice President,
Southwestern Investment Group | Financial Advisor, RJFS
615-391-2961 Email
Michael J. Purifoy, CPA, CFP®
Executive Vice President,
Southwestern Investment Group | Wealth Advisor, RJFS
615-432-4431 Email
Tyler Nace, CFP®, CHFC
Executive Vice President,
Southwestern Investment Group | Wealth Advisor, RJFS
972-987-1265 Email
Mark Deering is dedicated to providing each of his clients with a personal and comprehensive plan to help reach their financial goals. Mark's extensive knowledge and experience in preparing for and working towards achieving financial freedom in retirement has helped countless clients make their vision of their future a reality.
Mark’s career began in the ’90s as a college student paying for school by running a small business selling educational books during the summers through Southwestern Advantage. During this experience, Mark developed the skills and character needed to build and lead a successful team, and became a sales manager for Southwestern for several years. After earning a degree in Business & Economics, as well as Biblical Studies, from Wheaton College, Mark was invited to join Southwestern Investment Group. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner, Mark uses the same attributes that he developed selling books—determination, exceptional customer service, problem solving, to name a few—at Deering Wealth Team to partner with his clients in helping them reach their financial goals and experiencing freedom.
Mark has worked to further develop his services and team to continually improve client experience. In 2011, Mark was promoted to Vice President of Southwestern Investment Group, again promoted in 2013 to Senior Vice President, and in 2014 named Executive Vice President. In 2016, Mark was promoted to National Sales Director. Within this role, Mark oversees all training and mentoring for advisors of Southwestern Investment Group. As a leader in the industry, Mark has also been a member of the Raymond James Leaders Council consecutively since 2015 and most recently, named to Forbes’ list of Best-In-State Wealth Advisors in 2018 and 2019.
Mark exemplifies a true passion for service professionally and personally. He serves as a board member of TN Voices for Victims, Southwestern Investment Group Executive Board, and Southwestern Investment Group Leadership Board. Mark is an active member of his church and serves as the treasurer. He also volunteers as a youth coach for the YMCA and Williamson County Parks and Recreation.
On days off, when there are no Carolina basketball games on, Mark can be found at home with his wife of 16+ years and their three children.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP® (with plaque design), and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.
Membership is based on prior fiscal year production. Re-qualification is required annually. The ranking may not be representative of any one client's experience, is not an endorsement, and is not indicative of advisors future performance. No fee is paid in exchange for this award/rating.
The Forbes ranking of Best-In-State Wealth Advisors, developed by SHOOK Research, is based on an algorithm of qualitative criteria and quantitative data. Those advisors who are considered have a minimum of seven years of experience, and the algorithm weighs factors like revenue trends, AUM, compliance records, industry experience and those who encompass best practices in their practices and approach to working with clients. Portfolio performance is not a criteria due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Out of 29,334 advisors nominated by their firms, 3,477 received the award. This ranking is not indicative of an advisor's future performance, is not an endorsement, and may not be representative of an individual client's experience. Neither Raymond James nor any of its financial advisors or RIA firms pay a fee in exchange for this award/rating. Raymond James is not affiliated with Forbes or Shook Research, LLC.
Luke Aull is originally from Aiken, South Carolina. He is a graduate from The University of Tennessee. He graduated with honors pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Accounting with a French Minor which he obtained while studying at The Sorbonne University in Paris, France. Before joining Southwestern Investment Group, Inc., Luke was a manager with our parent corporation, The Southwestern Company, for 4 years.
Luke is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner and provides investment and financial planning. His specialty is providing sound, conservative, confidential and comprehensive investment advice to clients – to help them effectively and efficiently save for retirement, employ tax planning strategies and transfer their wealth.
Luke has earned his Series 7, Series 66, and life and annuity insurance licenses. He is a registered representative with Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. He has completed his Investment Management Consulting designation through Raymond James and earned the recognition in 2009 as a Raymond James Rising Star**. In addition, Luke attained Raymond James Executive Council in 2010, 2011, and 2012**. And Leadership Council in 2013**. Luke’s focus is helping his clients manage wealth through comprehensive financial planning with a specialty in fee-based* professional money management, tax planning strategies, and exceptional customer service.
Most importantly when Luke isn’t helping pre-retirees and retirees with their finances he enjoys spending time with his wife, Michelle, and their six kids, Isaac, Micah, Asher, Dori, Naomi, and Levi.
*Clients should periodically re-evaluate whether the use of an asset-based fee continues to be appropriate in servicing their needs. A list of additional considerations, as well as the fee schedule, is available in the firm’s Form ADV Part II as well as the client agreement.
**Qualification is based mainly on assets under management, education, credentials and fiscal year production. Re-qualification is required annually.
Michael Purifoy provides clients with the comprehensive financial expertise that has helped make Southwestern Investment Group, a division of Southwestern/Great American, Inc., one of the top-producing branches of Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. As a member of the Executive Leadership Board, Michael also devotes his time and expertise to the strategic direction of the team.
Michael assists his clients in building wealth through comprehensive financial planning with a specialty in professional money management, tax planning strategies and exceptional client service. He has an extensive list of qualifications that attest to his capabilities, including:
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner through the Certified Financial Board of Standards, Inc.
Licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA).* Michael is a member of the Nashville Chapter of the Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants
Recognized in 2012-2019 as a member of the Raymond James Financial Services “Executive Council” for dedication and service to clients and high levels of professional performance**
Certified Investment Management Consultant through the Raymond James Institute of Investment Management Consulting
Holder of Series 7, Series 66, Life and Annuity Insurance licenses
Registered representative with Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC
A native of Knoxville, Michael attended one of the nation’s top public accounting programs and holds both a master’s degree in accounting and a degree in business administration from the University of Tennessee, where he served the student body through leadership positions in student government and contributed much of his time to the Knoxville community through Young Life. Prior to joining our team, Michael served as senior financial auditor for Ernst & Young LLP, one of the world’s largest professional services and accounting firms, where he was selected to serve on the team of HCA Inc., a Fortune 100 company.
Michael is an active member in his church and has held local leadership positions with national non-profit organizations. He and his wife Lindsey have three boys, Jacob, Luke, and Sam. Michael enjoys spending much of his time with his family, playing golf, and cheering on the Vols.
*CPA services are not provided by Raymond James.
**Executive Council is based mainly upon assets under management, education, credentials and fiscal year production. Requalification is required annually.
Specializing in retirement planning, estate planning, and income tax planning, Tyler’s background as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional helps him advise his clients on an array of any financial issues. He believes financial planning is using your money to match your values so that you can live the life you envision.
Tyler is a sought after speaker traveling to present throughout the country. He works as an adjunct faculty member with the University of Dallas where he teaches the CFP® live review course for Ken Zahn, Inc. throughout the country.
Tyler donates his time and resources to several community based non-profit organizations. One charity especially meaningful to him is Mommies in Need, which is dedicated to helping stay at home mothers and their families as they endure a health crisis.
Born and raised in Kauai, Hawaii, Tyler grew up loving the outdoors. As a teenager, he then moved to North Carolina, where he finished high school and then attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, majoring in Business Administration with a focus on Finance. Outside of Raymond James, Tyler enjoys gardening, hiking and wakeboarding. Most importantly, he loves spending time with his wife Annie and their two small children Cooper and Morgan.
Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse the opinions or services of the University of Dallas, Ken Zahn, Inc., or Mommies in Need.
Matt Atchison leads our Omaha, Nebraska, office. Matt is originally from Holdrege, Nebraska, and he attended Creighton University, where he graduated with honors. He and his wife, Chelsea, have enjoyed making Omaha their home over the past 18 years. He is an active member of Countryside Community Church and enjoys meeting and working with other Smartvestor members in and around the Omaha community.
Matt has received his Series 7, Series 66, and Nebraska Insurance, Annuity, Long Term Care, and Disability licenses. His focus is helping his clients build wealth through comprehensive financial planning with a specialty in professional money management, tax planning strategies, and exceptional customer service.
He enjoys spending much of his time with family and friends, traveling, running marathons, and cheering on the Cornhuskers and Creighton Bluejays. Matt and Chelsea have three children, Molly, Ben, and Sam, and he loves being their dad.