M&A+ Succession Summit

Martine is responsible for driving the growth and expansion of the organization through strategic mergers and acquisitions of other RIAs. Based on her more than two decades of experience in the independent wealth management space, she leads like-minded firms in their transition decisions, including assessment of fit, due diligence, financial analysis, talent mapping, and deal negotiations. Previously, Martine served as the company’s Chief Talent Officer (a role she held since joining Mercer Advisors in 2020), with a focus on developing and growing the talent of the organization. She is also a member of the Executive Leadership Team.
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Before joining Mercer Advisors, Martine was a Principal and both the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Compliance Officer at Sullivan, Bruyette, Speros & Blayney. She also served on the Technology, Operations & Service Advisory Board of one of the largest RIA custodians, and has been involved as a writer and instructor for CFP® exam review courses.
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Martine holds an MBA from Georgetown University and a B.S. in Mathematics from Duke University. She is a member Certified Public Accountant and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional.

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Jason Gordo is a co-founder and president at Modern Wealth Management. Gordo is an accomplished wealth management executive with a diverse background in business strategy, execution, and mergers and acquisitions. Prior to joining the founding team at Modern Wealth, Gordo was a Managing Director at Goldman Sachs Personal Financial Management where he was Head of Advisor Growth.
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Gordo was part of the team that scaled and sold United Capital, a $25B RIA with 90 locations, to Goldman Sachs for $750M. While at United Capital he held various positions, including Head of Office and Head of FinLife Partners. Gordo was also a member of the United Capital executive team where he worked to help drive the firm’s growth and success.
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Before joining United Capital, Gordo co-founded Valley Wealth, Inc., a wealth management firm that served high-net-worth clients, endowments, foundations, and corporate retirement plans. Under his leadership, the firm was named to Forbes Magazine’s list of fastest-growing RIAs.
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Gordo graduated from Gonzaga University, earning a master’s degree in organizational leadership. He also holds industry credentials from the College for Financial Planning and the Center for Fiduciary Studies.

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Scott Holsopple serves as Chief Strategy Officer at Hightower Advisors, leading enterprise strategy and M&A, and defining the firm’s value proposition for both advisors and end clients. In his role, he aligns cross-firm initiatives with a unified vision focused on accelerating advisor success and enhancing client outcomes. Scott brings 20 years of experience in investment banking, private equity and wealth management — all of which help him to successfully articulate enterprise strategy and oversee implementation. Most recently, he worked at an international firm focused on strategic investments in the wealth management industry, leading their West Coast M&A efforts to identify top RIA firms and support existing partner firms’ M&A and organic growth strategies.

Gordon Ross joined DeVoe & Company as President in 2025. He brings over 20 years of industry experience and a strong track record of helping RIAs achieve their goals. Gordon will join the executive leadership team and oversee day-to-day operations, with a focus on scaling the firm’s consulting and M&A advisory business to meet growing client demand. He will be responsible for implementing the firm’s strategic goals and supporting the firm’s continued growth in a thriving RIA market.
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Most recently, he served as Chief Client Officer at Dynasty Financial Partners, where he led all client-facing functions, including relationship management, transitions, practice management, and service delivery—supporting RIAs across the country. Prior to joining Dynasty, he was Vice President at BBR Partners in New York. Before that, he was at Atlantic Trust Private Wealth Management, where he helped manage the personal client book of the COO. Originally from Scotland, Gordon began his career at Bestinvest Brokers in London, one of the UK’s leading private client investment groups.
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He received a BA in economics from Durham University (UK) and MBA from Harvard Business School.

Jay specializes in practice development, team leadership, communication, collaboration and adult-learning behavior. He and his team provide coaching to financial professionals across the country, and he frequently speaks regionally and nationally on behalf of Invesco Global Consulting (IGC). Jay is also a member of the IGC Leadership Team, which focuses on helping financial professionals grow, keep and optimize their practices in a complex and competitive business environment.
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A keynote speaker, executive coach and author, Jay has worked in the financial services industry since 1999. His writing has been featured in multiple industry publications, and he is the coauthor of The Three Commitments of Leadership: How Clarity, Stability and Rhythm Create Great Leaders.
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Jay joined Invesco in 2019 when the firm combined with OppenheimerFunds. Previously, he was a Director of Business Consulting and head of CEO Advisor Institute Marketing at OppenheimerFunds. Prior to these postions, Jay held various leadership roles in the financial industry, including head of learning and development, national sales manager and head of professional development at ING, MassMutual and The Hartford, respectively. Jay earned a degree in economics and finance from the University of Massachusetts and a BS in business management from Western Governors University. He holds the Series 7 and 63 industry registrations.

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Denitsa Balunis is Head of Corporate Strategy and Corporate Development at Edelman Financial Engines (EFE), where she leads enterprise strategy, planning, and all aspects of M&A. She also serves as Chief of Staff to the CEO and is a member of the firm’s executive committee, the CEO Council, which oversees the company’s enterprise strategy. Since establishing EFE’s dedicated M&A function in 2020, Denitsa and her team have executed nine acquisitions representing more than $6B in assets under management. Her team manages the full lifecycle of transactions—from opportunity sourcing and valuation to negotiation, closing, and integration.
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Since joining EFE in 2018, Denitsa has played a central role in transformative deals, including the combination of Edelman Financial Services and Financial Engines under Hellman & Friedman’s ownership and the 2021 minority investment by Warburg Pincus.
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With 20 years of strategy, finance, and operations experience across financial services and technology, Denitsa has advised and led organizations through growth, market entry, M&A, and IPO preparedness. She holds a B.A. in Economics, summa cum laude, from Colby College and an MBA in Strategy from Duke University.

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Michael is responsible for leading the external M&A strategy for Carson Group. Prior to joining Carson, Michael spent more than 17 years with one of the nation's leading independent broker/dealers as a business development executive and consultant. He is a proud graduate of Creighton University.

Brad joined DeVoe & Company in 2018. He brings 30+ years of financial services experience in wealth management, asset management, and banking.
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Brad has led several multi-billion dollar AUM RIAs and banks that own RIAs, many of which he helped grow through acquisition. His roles included President of PSBT’s Wealth Management Group, Managing Director of Manarin Investment Counsel, President of Carson Wealth Management Group, and President and CEO of BancWest Investment Services. Earlier in his career, he held senior positions at Citigroup, Kemper Financial Institution Group, and consulted with Farmers Financial Services.
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Brad earned his undergraduate degree in Economics from Loyola University Chicago.

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James E. Abbott serves as the Co-Head of Seward & Kissel’s Corporate M&A Practice. He joined Seward & Kissel as a partner in 2007.
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Jim represents public and private companies, private investment funds, investment management firms, financial institutions, business owners and managers in connection with a variety of business transactions, financings and general corporate matters. Representative transactions include mergers and acquisitions, private equity, debt and venture capital transactions, seed capital arrangements, joint ventures, strategic alliances, PIPEs and other public and private securities offerings.
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In 2019, The M&A Advisor recognized Jim with its 2019 Leadership Award, and inducted him into its Hall of Fame. In 2018, The National Law Journal recognized Jim as an M&A Trailblazer, among only 27 attorneys nationally who it determined were “movers and shakers in the legal industry who have made an impact in their sector through new types of strategies or innovative matters.” In ranking Seward & Kissel’s Business Transactions Group as Highly Regarded for Corporate/M&A, Chambers USA ranked Jim Abbott a Leading Individual and reported that “clients are full of praise” for Jim, “saying that he always puts client satisfaction as a primary objective, brings a lot of experience to deals, and can explain legal items in everyday business terms.” In recommending the Seward & Kissel Business Transactions Group among the firms ranked in the middle market M&A category, The Legal 500 ranked Jim in its “Hall of Fame” category and reported that “Co-business transactions group leader Jim Abbott is very helpful with the overall strategic advice and guidance he provides. Jim gets actively engaged in the entire process, providing superior service, and not only is he personable and affable, but he can subtly drive a very hard bargain.”  Jim is among the corporate lawyers recognized by New York Super Lawyers, and is ranked AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 by Martindale-Hubbell. Jim is also ranked as a Notable Practitioner by IFLR1000. Additionally, Jim is featured in the Lawdragon 500 Leading Dealmakers in America guide.
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Jim has been a regular speaker and author on a variety of topics, including acting as an editor for IM Deals® (a blog covering investment management industry transactions), being a contributor to the Best Practices of the Best Dealmakers book, writing a chapter on “Mergers, Consolidations and Conversions Under the New York Limited Liability Company Law,” in the New York Limited Liability Companies and Partnerships book, and writing or being quoted in articles appearing in numerous financial and legal publications. He has been a moderator or panelist at many industry events, including the “M&A: The Art of the Deal” session sponsored by the New York Chapter of Financial Executives International, a presentation entitled “Earnouts: Recent Developments and Three Rules of the Road” at the JEGI Media & Technology Conference, a panel discussion entitled “Global Coverage: What’s Hot About India” at the M&A Advisor Annual Middle Market M&A Conference, and at the Wharton Entrepreneurial Speaker Series event entitled “When Selling Your Business Avoid Losing Millions From These Common Mistakes”.
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Jim received a B.A. degree, magna cum laude, from Colgate University in 1981 and a J.D. degree from New York University School of Law in 1984, where he was a member of the Moot Court Board. Jim is admitted to practice in New York and is a member of the New York State Bar Association (International Law and Practice Section, Committee on Foreign Investments in the United States).

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Nate is the CEO of Composition Wealth, leading daily operations and steering the firm's growth strategy. His focus is on growth within the private wealth management sector by offering tailored, value-added planning strategies and top-tier services for our clients. Before being named the Chief Executive Officer, Nate was the firm’s Head of Wealth Management.
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Prior to joining Composition Wealth, Nate held senior leadership roles at RBC Wealth Management. He was the Pacific Northwest Complex Director, where he served in a Senior Managing Director capacity, growing the Pacific Northwest revenues by over 60% through advisor recruiting, coaching, and expanded advisor support. Prior to that, Nate was Head of Practice Management and Wealth Consulting, where he oversaw the growth of RBC’s U.S. advisory, wealth planning, and liquidity capabilities.
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Nate received his MBA, Business from SBGE, Seattle Pacific University, and his bachelor’s degree from Texas Christian University, Neeley School of Business. Outside of work, Nate is actively engaged in his community as President of Citizens for University Place Schools and as a volunteer high school baseball coach.

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Karisa Diephouse oversees partnership integration and the strategic execution of operations across all Beacon Pointe offices located throughout the country. Karisa brings over 20 years of experience in financial services and wealth management and understands the operational components involved with office and service efficiencies. She has worked at Charles Schwab and Fidelity Investments where she held various roles of increasing responsibilities in sales, planning, operations, compliance, and client services. She is also a founding member of the Beacon Pointe Women’s Advisory Institute and co-authored Your Dollars, Our Sense: A Fun and Simple Guide to Money Matters, an international best-selling book that has ranked #1 in six different business/finance categories. Karisa received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Finance from California State University, Long Beach. Karisa is married, has two sons, and lives in Mission Viejo, CA. She enjoys traveling, staying fit, watching sports, and spending time with her family and friends.

Doug joined DeVoe & Company in 2021 as a Managing Director and works with our clients on consulting and investment banking projects.
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Doug has more than 20 years of senior-level RIA management experience as COO/CCO and consultant. Most recently, he served as COO/CCO at Parcion Private Wealth (~$2B) in Seattle. He oversaw an 80% AUM growth trajectory in the first 12 months of his tenure there. Prior to Parcion, Doug spent six years at The Ensemble Practice, where he supported RIAs and broker-dealers with business consulting and strategic planning. Doug also served in leadership positions at Columbia Pacific Capital Management and Lakeside Capital Management, among other firms.
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Doug earned an MBA from Thunderbird School of Management/ASU and a BA from University of California Los Angeles.

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Scott W. Danner is the Executive Vice President of Steward Partners and Head of Legacy, the firm's M&A division. He leads all M&A strategy for Steward Partners, oversees the Legacy division and its teams, and contributes to major firm initiatives and strategic growth efforts. After building Freedom Street Partners into a thriving firm, he led its merger with Steward Partners in 2023, bringing his expertise in M&A, succession planning, and business development to the forefront.
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A recognized leader in financial services, Scott has helped scale firms, navigate transitions, and drive industry-leading expansion. Previously, as CEO of Freedom Street Partners, he grew the firm to seven states, overseeing 40 advisors managing nearly $3.5 billion in assets under advisement. His impact has earned him as a finalist to the ThinkAdvisor's Luminaries Individual Award for RIA M&A Leader of the Year (RIAs: Less Than $10 Billion AUM/AUA), recognition on InvestmentNews 2024 Hot List, and inclusion on the Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors list (2021, 2022, 2023).
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Scott's track record includes successfully building a $25M+ revenue business with over 100 employees, selling it at peak valuation, and establishing himself as a leading consultant in M&A for financial advisory firms. He is frequently sought after for industry insights and media interviews.
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Beyond finance, Scott is deeply committed to community impact. A longtime Chesapeake Rotary member, he actively supports charitable initiatives and service projects. He has worked alongside organizations like CHIP and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hampton Roads, where he served on the board for over 15 years. As the founder of the Chesapeake Wine Festival, he has helped donate over $2.75 million to local charities.
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Scott's greatest pride is his family. He and his wife, Adrienne, are dedicated to raising their two sons, Carson and Brayden, balancing their passion for travel, soccer, and meaningful experiences. He believes hard work, relationships, and giving back are the keys to a fulfilling life and he leads by example.

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Russ Larsen is responsible for managing Wintrust’s middle market banking efforts in the northwest suburbs, Wintrust’s Investment Advisor Banking practice, and also serves as CEO of Village Bank & Trust. Russ has spent the last 30 years working with middle market companies in the greater Chicagoland area. He is passionate about establishing highly personalized relationships with an emphasis on strategic discussions about growth and succession planning.

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Russ has a bachelor’s degree in finance with an emphasis in accounting from Northern Illinois University and an MBA in marketing with an emphasis in finance from DePaul University. He serves on the Board of Executive Advisors of the Northern Illinois University College of Business and as a board member for the American Cancer Society.

Robert Cambridge concentrates his legal practice on a broad range of corporate matters, with particular emphasis on mergers and acquisitions, securities compliance and venture capital financing. He advises companies at all stages of growth — helping them navigate complex transactions, structure strategic deals and meet regulatory requirements with confidence.
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Within his corporate practice, Robert offers business-focused legal counsel grounded in practical insight and a deep understanding of his clients’ unique needs. He regularly advises privately held businesses, public companies, high-net-worth individuals, family-owned businesses and family offices on corporate governance, strategic planning and day-to-day operations. Robert also assists in drafting, negotiating and reviewing a broad array of critical agreements, including operating agreements, shareholder agreements, bylaws, stock and asset purchase agreements, redemption agreements, confidentiality and nondisclosure agreements, as well as noncompete, nonsolicitation and independent contractor agreements. His comprehensive, client-centered approach helps ensure both immediate business needs and long-term goals are met with confidence and clarity.
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Robert has significant experience guiding clients through mergers and acquisitions, from initial planning to successful deal closings. He plays a hands-on role in structuring transactions, conducting due diligence, drafting and negotiating key documents, and navigating regulatory and business considerations. Known for his practical approach and attention to detail, Robert helps clients anticipate challenges, resolve issues efficiently and keep deals on track. His goal is always the same: To help clients close with confidence and achieve outcomes that align with their strategic objectives.
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In his securities practice, Robert assists investment advisers and broker-dealers with navigating the complex landscape of regulatory compliance. He provides practical, tailored guidance on issues such as registration, disclosures, policies and procedures and ongoing compliance obligations. By staying current with evolving regulations and industry best practices, Robert helps clients build strong compliance frameworks that support their operations, mitigate risk and promote long-term client trust.
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Robert has experience representing both emerging companies and investors in venture capital financing, guiding clients through each stage of the investment lifecycle. He assists with structuring and negotiating term sheets, preparing financing documents and addressing governance, equity and regulatory considerations. With a keen understanding of the dynamics between founders and investors, Robert helps clients align their goals, protect their interests and close funding rounds efficiently — whether it’s a seed investment or a later-stage financing.

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Adam returned to DeVoe & Company in 2022 after previously working with the company in 2014-2015. Adam is focused on delivering our valuation services to RIA clients. He is an experienced CFO and financial analyst.
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He has held positions across multiple industries, including financial services, technology, and other professional services verticals. Most recently, he was the CFO at Talent, Inc a technology-enabled career services provider. Prior to that, he was the CFO at Helix Education, a technology-based enrollment platform for colleges and universities. Earlier in his career, Adam co-founded Deer Creek Capital Partners, a long/short alternative investment fund with $20MM in assets.  He was also a Senior Equity Analyst at Invesco Funds Group.
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Adam has a BA in English from the University of Michigan and a MBA in Finance from Cornell University Johnson Graduate School of Management.

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Rick Dennen is the founder and CEO of Oak Street Funding, a First Financial Bank company. Founded in 2003, Oak Street Funding provides customized loan products and services for specialty lines of business including certified public accountants, registered investment advisors, BHPH dealerships, and insurance agents nationwide.
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A CPA and former Senior Manager at Deloitte, Rick holds a BS in Accounting and an MBA from the Indiana University Kelley School of Business. He has served as an adjunct professor at Kelley, teaching venture capital and entrepreneurial finance, and is a sought-after speaker on startups, capital options, and succession planning.

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James Hughes is the Head of Investment Advisory Lending at Live Oak Bank. In his role, James leads the sales team and oversees the lending process from the initial call to loan servicing. Since joining Live Oak in 2013, he has helped hundreds of businesses achieve their goals through financing. James has served in several roles at Live Oak, including as a sales trader, relationship manager, underwriter and loan officer. Before joining the bank, James worked at one of the leading investment banks in the world, where he managed a group of derivative trading assistants and several client service teams. Through this unique experience, James has gained an understanding of business owners' challenges. James' dedication is to assisting small business owners in the Investment Advisory industry to attain success and continue to thrive with Live Oak Bank’s products and services James has a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Bucknell University.

Corey Kupfer is an expert strategist, negotiator, and dealmaker with more than 35 years of professional deal-making and negotiating experience as a successful entrepreneur, attorney, consultant, author and professional speaker. He is the founder and principal of Kupfer., PLLC, a leading corporate and deal law firm, which has handled hundreds of advisor transitions to independence and RIA industry M&A transactions representing sellers and buyers. He is also the author of the Amazon best-selling book Authentic Negotiating: Clarity, Detachment & Equilibrium - The Three Keys To True Negotiating Success & How To Achieve Them and the creator and host of the highly rated DealQuest Podcast. www.kupferlaw.com.

Dustin Mangone is a Managing Partner and the Director of Investment Advisor Services for PPC LOAN, a cash-flow based lender providing nationwide financing to service sector businesses. He has over 18 years of experience with cash-flow lending and has evaluated and underwritten over $1 billion in loans for investment advisors. Dustin now spends 100% of his time consulting on the M&A financing needs of RIAs and Independent Investment Advisors nationwide and is a regular speaker on these topics. Dustin’s experience is focused on acquisitions, mergers, buy-ins, buy-outs, equity purchases, succession plans, and debt consolidations.
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Dustin is a 2002 graduate of Texas A&M University and spent 2 years as a financial advisor providing retirement planning for non-profit organizations before joining PPC LOAN in May of 2005.  

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Ed Moore joined DeVoe & Company as a Special Advisor in 2021. Most recently, Ed served as President of Edelman Financial Services, the nation’s largest independent RIA. Over his 30-year career at Edelman, he helped grow the firm from six people into a $230-billion enterprise with 1.1 million clients and 1,400 employees. In addition to overseeing the large-scale merger and integration of Edelman Financial Services and Financial Engines, Ed navigated the company through a series of sales to private equity firms and taking the firm private.
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During his tenure, he helped lead the firm’s organic growth from one office to 45 offices with 150 planners from coast to coast. As part his leadership roles there, he led and helped train financial planners, served on the Executive committee, Investment committee and the firm’s Board of Directors.
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Ed started his career with Waddell & Reed as a financial advisor. Ed has been a CFP® professional since 1991 and has served on the Board of Directors for the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc.
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Ed graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research.

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I’ve been in the wealth management profession since 1993, and with each passing year, my appreciation for this remarkable field continues to grow. It’s a true privilege to build deep, trusting relationships with clients—helping to ease their stress and fears around money. Over time, many of the people I work with gain greater confidence in their financial future, knowing they’re on a secure path forward.  My current title is Chief Strategy Officer and through that role I provide guidance to the team on how to effectively help clients have financial peace of mind.  The great thing about that role is that I can have an impact on the clients that I still work with directly as well as clients throughout the firm.
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I’m fortunate to have a large, loving family and many wonderful friends. I also enjoy three favorite sports—sailing, squash, and skiing—which I often share with family, friends, and even clients. These shared passions allow me to blend fun with purpose, helping others pursue both enjoyment and financial success.
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My faith is another important part of my life. I’ve been a member of Christ Church Cranbrook, a vibrant Episcopal parish, since 1986. It has been a meaningful spiritual home for me for decades.
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My interest in investing started early. My grandfather encouraged me to become an investor when I was very young, and I was lucky to meet Jack Bogle in the 1970s as he was launching Vanguard. Jack and my dad had been childhood friends, and Jack continually preached to us the advantages of low-cost investing.  That exposure inspired a lifelong passion. When I earned my Certified Financial Planner™ designation in 1996, I knew I had found the profession I was meant for.
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My family also taught me the value of giving back.  Today I am on the board of two non-profits, Racquet Up Detroit and Little Traverse Sailors.   Racquet Up Detroit helps underprivileged kids achieve their full potential through a long-term, demanding, and inspiring mentorship program of squash, academics and community service.  Little Traverse Sailors exists to build skills and a lifelong interest in the sport of sailing in a fun, safe and supportive environment and works hard to make the program available to kids of all backgrounds and financial means.

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Tim joined forces with DeVoe & Company in 2017 with a passion to build out the most comprehensive succession and continuity platform in the industry. With 50 years of experience, Tim has long been recognized as one of the key leaders in and influencers of the wealth management industry.
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Tim is the former CEO and Chairman of Aspiriant, one of the industry's most admired firms, and co-author of Success & Succession (Wiley, 2015), a best-selling book on succession planning for RIAs. He led the wealth management practices at Bank of America and at Deloitte through the 1980’s before co-founding Kochis Fitz in 1991. The merger of Kochis Fitz and Quintile to form Aspiriant has been recognized as one of the industry’s most strategic RIA M&A transactions. Tim was also a co-founder of the Personal Financial Planning Program at University of California, Berkeley, one of the first accredited financial planning programs in the United States, where he taught for eighteen years.
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Tim has an MBA from the University of Chicago, a JD from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Marquette University.

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John joined DeVoe & Company as a special advisor in 2024. For the preceding nine years he served as CMO for Focus Financial Partners, a leading RIA aggregator which executed a successful IPO, grew revenue to over $2 billion and more than tripled the size of its network between 2015-2024.
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At Focus, John was responsible for developing programs to support organic growth, business development and marketing for the company’s 90+ partner firms.  Based upon rigorous field testing, the programs he designed enabled participants to dramatically outperform their peers in matched control groups.  He summarized his findings and insights in two internally published books outlining best practices for organic growth, entitled “Outperformers” and “Nester-Hunter-Builder.”  
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John’s previous financial industry roles include global director of advertising for Citi Smith Barney – where his campaign won the FCS’ Financial Marketer of the Year award – and leading paid advertising efforts for TIAA.  His non-financial accolades include leading the team who launched “Can you hear me now?” for Verizon Wireless, which was inducted into the Advertising Walk of Fame.
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John holds an MBA degree from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rice University.

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