FOCUSPOINT SOLUTIONS - Key Persons
Abdulla joined FocusPoint Solutions a few years ago, bringing with him diverse experience in the financial world. He started in a relationship support role but quickly proved his capacity and potential, demonstrating a knack for innovation and problem-solving. Today, Abdulla's market understanding and ability to manage thousands of trades a day makes him a dynamic part of FocusPoint's trading team.
Amy began her career in the industry in 2009 having worked for a large custodian, in independent advisors offices, as well as for a larger RIA/Broker Dealer. Her experience surrounds the fee-based environment having headed up the Investment Advisory Services department for a large RIA/Broker Dealer for several years. Today she mainly focuses on working with new advisors to FocusPoint Solutions, determining their action plans, making their transition to FocusPoint as smooth as possible and identifying operational opportunities to assist with efficiency.
Chad is a Microsoft Certified IT professional with 15 years of industry experience. He started with FocusPoint Solutions in 2012 as a contractor, gradually working his way into a permanent full time role and eventually earning the title of Director of Technology. Led by Chad, FocusPoint's knowledgeable IT staff continually works to support and improve the technology infrastructure of the company, while maintaining a strong focus of security, system availability, and friendly user assistance.
Job Titles:
- President - Business Development & Marketing
Chris has 19 years of experience working with investment advisors in various capacities such as practice development, custody, relationship management, and sales. Prior to working for FocusPoint Solutions, Chris worked as an investment advisor and 9 years for a custodian. Today he focuses on working with new advisors as the President of Business Development & Marketing.
Elizabeth has a background in design and technology, paired with business skills attained through education and career advancement. With 19 years' experience working in different facets of design, development, and management, she joined the FocusPoint Solutions team in 2022 after years of working with the company in this same capacity as a third-party provider. She works closely with management to advance the digital marketing strategy for the company and advisors that choose to partner with FocusPoint Solutions. Her time is focused on developing the priority digital marketing assets, processes, and systems that support marketing on digital platforms.
As Service Team Manager, Eric oversees the daily operations of the FocusPoint Solutions service team. Prior to his current role, he was a Relationship Manager at FocusPoint for several years. Today, Eric focuses on guiding and cross-training members of the team in all areas of our advisors' back office service needs. His leadership ensures that advisors are consistently receiving a high level of service from FocusPoint-and that there is no disruption of service for advisors in the event their assigned Relationship Manager is out of the office. Eric's extensive experience gives him the unique ability to provide both assistance to the FocusPoint service team and support with advisors' escalated or special items.
Job Titles:
- VP - Director of Advisor Development
A 24-year veteran of the financial services industry, Evan joined the FocusPoint Solutions team in April 2011. Prior to joining the firm, he worked for a boutique Registered Investment Advisor as their Vice President of Institutional Marketing, handling the distribution of the firm's mutual funds and separately managed accounts to fee-based advisors across the country. Prior to that, he spent over 14 years at Fidelity Investments, where he held various positions of increasing responsibility, most recently with the Institutional Wealth Services Group where he sold trading and custody services to fee-based advisors located in the Mid-Atlantic territory.
Today, Evan works with advisors to connect them with the practice development tools and resources offered through their partnership with FocusPoint. He also communicates regularly with advisors so that they are aware of ongoing company initiatives, as well as to make sure the FocusPoint team is properly prepared for any changes they may be making to their business models.
Job Titles:
- Legal Representation of Financial Services Professionals
John T. Carr provides legal representation of financial services professionals to limit, defend and/or deflect liability in regulatory investigations, enforcement actions, arbitrations and court cases pending before Oregon Circuit Courts and the United States District Court for the District of Oregon.
He is experienced in defending clients before federal and professional regulatory agencies across the U.S. and the Pacific Northwest, including but not limited to:
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC")
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA")
Washington Department of Financial Institutions
Oregon Department of Finance and Corporate Securities
Oregon Insurance Division • Washington State Insurance Commissioner
Idaho Department of Finance, Securities Bureau
Certified Financial Planner ("CFP") Board of Standards, Inc.
U.S. Department of Labor
Insurance defense claims involving errors and omissions ("E&O") and commercial general liability ("CGL") policies for insureds within the financial services industry are an area of focus. Mr. Carr's additional practice areas include licensing, mergers and acquisitions, professional discipline, regulatory violations, audit compliance, entity formation, and corporate re-structuring. He is a former intern to the late U.S. Senator Mark O. Hatfield.
Lisanne M. Butterfield developed a litigation practice early in her career when she served as a litigation paralegal, and later a summer associate, in the securities litigation department of a large, national law firm based in New York City. While in law school, Ms. Butterfield served as a judicial law clerk to Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Stephen Herrell.
She later joined a Pacific Northwest insurance defense firm defending policy holders in claims based on professional and municipal liability.
She also worked in the Guam office of a large Honolulu-based firm, which predominantly served Fortune 500 companies and international financial institutions. While in Guam, Ms. Butterfield served as lead trial attorney for commercial litigation, employment law, and insurance defense matters. Her practice included complex litigation, consumer fraud, and maritime/admiralty matters
Ms. Butterfield has represented multinational corporations and small, emerging entities in FINRA, private arbitration proceedings, and state and federal courts throughout the United States. These matters often include the litigation of the defense and indemnity obligations of insurers and business management.
In recent years, the core of Ms. Butterfield's practice has been complex business litigation matters, legal ethics, and exit strategy advice for financial services professionals, departing employees, and business owners.
Job Titles:
- Employee
- Director of Portfolio Data
As the longest tenured employee at FocusPoint Solutions, Matt has performed many roles within the company over the past 14+ years. With over 25 years of experience in the investment industry, Matt's vast financial background includes client-facing retail experience and overseeing entire custodial advisor support teams. Matt is currently responsible for overseeing all portfolio data that FocusPoint receives on a daily basis.
Job Titles:
- VP - Director of Practice Development
Michael began working with FocusPoint Solutions 14 years ago as the firm's first Relationship Manager. In that role, Michael worked with several advisors to handle their operational needs, paperwork processing, and any other assistance necessary to facilitate their daily requests. After years as Supervisor for FocusPoint's Back/Middle Office, he has since transitioned into a Managerial role within the trading team. During his time at the company, Michael has enjoyed gaining firsthand knowledge about the multiple practices that have transitioned onto the FocusPoint platform. Thanks to his unique experience, Michael has the ability to better provide the right solutions and efficiencies to meet the individual trading needs of each firm FocusPoint supports.
Job Titles:
- Senior VP - Business Development & Consulting
Mike has over 29 years of experience working with financial professionals in various capacities such as practice development, business consulting, relationship management, and business development. Prior to working for FocusPoint Solutions, Mike created and headed up the Practice Management Department for a large regional RIA/Broker Dealer. Mike is also an investment advisor and founder for a local Arizona fee-based firm. Today he focuses on consulting and working with new advisors as the SVP of Business Development & Consulting. Mike can be reached at mgoyarts@focuspointsolutions.com or directly on his cell (602) 481-3460.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the FocusPoint Solutions' Investment Policy Committee
- Director of Investments
As Chairman of the FocusPoint Solutions' Investment Policy Committee, Ryan is responsible for management of the firm's portfolios, which include a broad suite of asset allocation strategies. His tenure at FocusPoint has been fully dedicated to investment research and analysis, as well as providing guidance to advisors in unique investment-related situations. Ryan also writes and offers extensive communication to advisors on economic and investment topics through regular releases and ad hoc commentary.
As Chief Operating Officer of FocusPoint Solutions, Sherine is responsible for overseeing all operational aspects of the firm, including advisor transitions, service, trading, and data. Additionally, she works with custodians and various business partners to analyze new programs and initiatives that would benefit advisors. Sherine is dedicated to guiding FocusPoint's teams to achieve the best delivery of the firm's service offering and implementing effective solutions for advisors. Since joining FocusPoint, Sherine has played an integral role in managing the growth and evolution of the firm's personnel and processes.