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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.
Chris Warner
Director of Human Resources,
Southwestern Investment Group
Branch Associate, RJFS
615-861-8868 Email
Along with his degree in Business Management from Liberty University, Chris Warner has over twenty years of combined experiences in operations, management, and human resources within the hospitality and real estate industries.
Chris is currently taking on the role of supporting the people and culture initiatives at Southwestern Investment Group. From recruiting and onboarding to career development and retirement, Chris ensures our team has a consistently premier workplace to call home.
Chris was encouraged to find that every person he met along the way to joining the Southwestern Investment Group team was genuine and excited about the company. This professional potential and personal sense of friendliness is what Chris believes created the perfect new opportunity.
Chris finds the servant-minded leadership he has seen on display at Southwestern Investment Group to be the most appealing part of the company. To Chris, it allows everyone to feel supported and encourages the success of the whole team versus individuals.
Away from work, Chris loves spending time with his wife of over 25 years. They enjoy travel, music, bird watching, and their beautiful grandchildren.
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.
Andrew “AJ” Williams comes to Southwestern Investment Group from National Real Estate Advisors, an SEC-registered firm in Washington, DC, investing in real estate assets on behalf of the IBEW pension fund, as well as individual and institutional investors. Previously, AJ worked for Empire Leasing in Washington, DC and is a graduate of George Mason University in Fairfax, VA.
As a member of the Operations Team at Southwestern Investment Group, AJ is responsible for maintaining workstations and connectivity, evaluating and implementing new technologies, and developing strategies to help enhance the functionality of Southwestern's digital environment.
While looking from afar, it was important that AJ found the right company—not just the right position before relocating. He could tell that Southwestern offered both, and that he could best position the organization and himself for the future in a company as dynamic as Southwestern. From his first interview, AJ could easily feel the pride his coworkers take in their work. The family-like atmosphere makes a growing firm still feel small.
When not in the office, AJ enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, and watching Washington Capitals hockey. He has every James Bond movie on DVD and loves watching them in his self-designed home theater, much to the chagrin of his neighbors.
*Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse the opinions or services of any organizations mentioned herein.
Andrew Shibley, a native of Toledo, Ohio, is a graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville with 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.
Andrew joined Southwestern Investment Group because of the client-first mindset, 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 SWIG.
Andrew’s role at the firm is leading the Southwestern Access team where he focuses on helping clients make sound decisions to grow wealth, and guide them toward the life they want to live. As a financial advisor, Shibley’s experience centers around individuals and families, as well as closely-held businesses, including self-employed business owners. He holds a Series 7, Series 66, and numerous life, health, variable, and long-term care insurance state licenses.
In the 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 children. Outside of the office he enjoys reading, traveling, Big Orange sports, spending time at Center Hill Lake, and keeping up with current events.
Alec Smith brought with her more than 20 years experience in the financial services and benefits administration industry. In her current role, she handles training and development at Southwestern Investment Group.
Never has Alec been part of a company that truly has her best interests at heart. She feels that she’s fortunate to have been given the opportunity to be part of a team where God and family come first. She is also thankful that Southwestern Investment Group encourages every employee through their journeys.
Alec has been married for 21 years to her husband Dave. They have two children, Noah and Claire. She spends most of her free time with her family, making memories while traveling or enjoying quiet staycations at home. She is also passionate about giving back to her community through volunteer work.
As a Client Services Associate, Jane Cormack assists our team with client paperwork, client fund requests, online access, and remote branch duties. She is integral to Southwestern Investment Group’s operations and finds a great deal of fulfillment in supporting clients as they discover their financial needs and potential.
Jane began her career in banking. However, her career took a turn when she found herself working with a multi-million dollar performing arts center that asked her to establish and run its Human Resources Department as the Director. After a while, Jane felt called to leave the business world and went to volunteer with The Stephen’s Ministry, helping people heal through challenging life events. She ultimately reentered the business world when she had a life event of her own, and she finally landed at Southwestern Investment Group.
Led to Southwestern Investment Group after meeting one of our clients, Jane inquired about an assistant position; and as they say, the rest is history. She considers her connection to Southwestern a Devine appointment. Jane loves Southwestern Investment Group’s core focus, purpose, and values because they align with her own. She especially enjoys connecting with clients to give them the caring, personal approach we value.
Jane has been married for over 30 years to her husband, Marc, and enjoys spending time with him and discussing the different books they are each reading. They have two cats they adore and can be accused of treating them like children, given they don't have any. She also enjoys painting, crocheting, and learning brush lettering.
Venita Cagle is a native to Williamson County who attended Belmont University. With a degree in Finance and Business Administration, Venita has worked in the financial industry and for several ministry organizations. At Southwestern Investment Group, Venita is focused mainly on meeting the insurance needs of our clients, and she works with several of our advisors in this role.
Venita recognized the mission of Southwestern Investment Group fit perfectly with her own values and industry focus. She enjoys ensuring an excellent experience for clients, so she sought to become part of our organization so she could offer the warm, personal approach we value here at Southwestern.
Venita believes Southwestern is a great place to work (for many reasons) and truly appreciates the quality service we consistently provide by approaching our clients' needs and interests as our very own. She sees her job here as an excellent opportunity for blessing individuals and families.
Venita and her husband, Ed, are servant leaders in their church, community, and in their families. They firmly believe that is the most fulfilling way to live and enjoy life.
Rachel McLaughlin holds a bachelor's degree in Music Performance and a minor in Public Relations from Valparaiso University. Prior to working at Southwestern Investment Group, she worked in Human Resources at PepsiCo.
Currently, Rachel handles the day-to-day front desk operations for the corporate office. She joined Southwestern because of the company’s core values and client-first mindset, and she truly enjoys getting to interact with and meet all of Southwestern’s clients.
Outside of work, you can find Rachel watching movies and taking as many road trips as possible.
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 earned his finance degree in business administration from Ohio University and has held executive positions with financial planning firms for more than 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 one of Raymond James’ top independent contractor offices, and a member of its Chairman’s Council*, every year 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 helps provide them with financial confidence. 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 quality 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 $930 billion in client assets through 8,200 financial advisors worldwide (as of 9/30/2020).
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 participant of the Dave Ramsey SmartVestor program.
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 Signatry of Middle Tennessee, which works with families to increase their charitable giving to their favorite causes. Lastly, Jeff is an Advisory Board Member for Halftime Institute, an organization that coaches marketplace leaders to discern and engage in their life purpose. He is a past board member of Porter’s Call, a Nashville charity that provides free counseling for musicians and their families, and 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 and referral service for investing professionals (“SmartVestor Pros”) operated by The Lampo Group, LLC d/b/a Ramsey Solutions (“Ramsey Solutions”). Pursuant to an arrangement between Ramsey Solutions, Southwestern Investment Advisory Services, Inc. and your advisor, your advisor pays Ramsey Solutions a flat monthly fee to: (a) be a SmartVestor Pro, (b) advertise services through the SmartVestor website, and (c) receive client referrals in the form of an initial introduction to interested consumers who are located in your advisor's Pros geographic region. Southwestern Investment Advisory Services, Inc. does not endorse and are not affiliated with Ramsey Solutions, except with respect to the arrangement described above, and neither Ramsey Solutions nor its agents are officers or employees of Southwestern Investment Advisory Services. Further, neither Ramsey Solutions nor its agents are authorized to provide investment advice or act in any way on behalf of Southwestern Investment Advisory Services, except in connection with providing your contact information to your advisor.
Ramsey Solutions' relationship and agreement is between Southwestern Investment Advisory Services, Inc. only. Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. is not affiliated with the solicitor arrangement between Ramsey Solutions and Southwestern Investment Advisory Services, Inc.
Raymond James is not affiliated with any of the organizations mentioned above.
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 Middle Tennessee State University.
On the business development team, Sarah’s main areas of focus are corporate marketing and communications, and supporting the training, recruiting, and promotion of advisor growth. She also facilitates sales management, company events, and corporate travel.
Sarah was drawn to Southwestern Investment Group because she quickly found it to be a work environment where she could grow personally and professionally. She feels challenged every day on the job and is grateful for the ongoing encouragement she receives from her colleagues.
Sarah appreciates working alongside so many wonderful, supportive individuals who truly love what they do. Her coworkers’ desire to help others is what she loves most about being a part of the Southwestern Investment Group team.
Beyond the office, you’ll find Sarah spending time with her husband, Lee, their son, Ryder, and their two dogs. She also enjoys running, traveling, and trying new restaurants. Perhaps her greatest passion, though, 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.
Brian Harding earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Denver in Denver, Colorado. Brian started his career in the Assurance practice of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). He spent 7 years with PwC in the Denver and Dallas offices, specializing in the financial services sector and focusing on Investment Advisors, Mutual Funds, Private Equity, and Venture Capital clients. Brian then left PwC as a manager and joined a Denver-based investment adviser as their Chief Compliance Officer, eventually taking over the role of Chief Financial Officer of the Adviser and Principal Financial Officer and Treasurer of their SEC registered mutual funds. Brian is also a member of the American Institute of CPAs.
Brian is Southwestern Investment Group’s Controller, focusing on financial statement production and analysis, budgeting, cash management, and overall financial reporting integrity. He was drawn to Southwestern’s dynamic leadership team, company history, trajectory of growth, and its faith-based approach to life and business. Brian enjoys the entrepreneurial spirit he sees on display at Southwestern, as well as the sheer talent of the employees and company management.
Brian is proud to be married to his teenage sweetheart Chelsea for over 20 years, and they have two children, Chance and Presley. Outside of work, Brian and Chelsea are members at Oak Hill Baptist Church, and you can find him spending time with family and friends, beach vacations, the Denver Broncos, the Colorado Avalanche, and raising South Poll cattle on his farm in Southern Tennessee.
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®
Senior 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®
Senior 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 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 the 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 experience 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, named Executive Vice President in 2014, and named Senior Executive Vice President in 2021. 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, 2019, 2020 and 2021*.
Mark exemplifies a true passion for service professionally and personally. He has served as a board member of the TN Voices for Victims, Southwestern Investment Group Executive Board, and Southwestern Investment Group Leadership Board. Mark is an active member of his church and has served as both an Elder and 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 17+ years, their three children, two dogs, and twenty-five chickens!
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.
*The Forbes ranking of Best-In-State Wealth Advisors, developed by SHOOK Research, is based on an algorithm of qualitative criteria, mostly gained through telephone and in-person due diligence interviews, and quantitative data. Those advisors that are considered have a minimum of seven years’ experience, and the algorithm weights factors like revenue trends, assets under management, compliance records, industry experience and those that encompass best practices in their practices and approach to working with clients. Out of approximately 32,725 nominations received, based on thresholds, more than 5,000 advisors received the award. Portfolio performance is not a criteria due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK receives a fee in exchange for rankings. This ranking is not indicative of advisor’s future performance, is not an endorsement, and may not be representative of individual clients’ 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. For more information: www.SHOOKresearch.com.
**Membership is based on prior fiscal year production. Re-qualification is required annually. This recognition may not be representative of any one client’s experience, is not an endorsement, and is not indicative of future performance. Financial Advisors do not pay a fee in exchange for membership.
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.