BIRCH RUN FINANCIAL - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Co - Founder
- Managing Partner
- Managing Partner, Birch Run Financial Financial Advisor, RJFS
Alex began his financial industry career in 2005, and had the good fortune to work with Birch Run co-founder and partner Ed Lambert in 2008 when they were both at Morgan Stanley. Together with the team, they manage portfolios with a focus on supporting clients in confidently pursuing their important goals.
A love of learning has been a constant for Alex, who earned a degree in classics and physics from Washington University in St. Louis. As a Chartered Financial Consultant®, he has completed one of the most extensive educational programs on all aspects of financial planning, adheres to strict ethical standards and is committed to continuing education.
Alex also believes in giving back to the community. He is a member of the board of trustees for Montgomery School in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania, and is chair of the Washington University Philadelphia Area Eliot Society.
Born in New York, he lives in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Patty, and their children, Samantha and Jack. A devoted father, he enjoys traveling and seeking out new experiences with his family. His wide-ranging hobbies include cycling and chess.
With 24 years of experience in the financial services industry, Bernadette brings extensive knowledge to her role. Genuine and dedicated, she handles back-office support and operations while providing timely and seamless support to clients and advisors. Her ability to handle any client request, question or concern with confidence is an asset to the team.
She has been with Birch Run Financial since its beginning in 2012. Before that, she served as chief compliance and operations officer for a wealth advisory firm in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. She began her finance career in 1997 at Morgan Stanley, where she held client service and administrative positions. Her professional background also includes experience in retail management and education. She earned a B.A. in history from LaSalle College in Philadelphia.
She lives near where she was born and raised in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania. In her free time, she enjoys visiting the beach and spending time with her family, including her son, Kenneth.
Job Titles:
- Managing Partner, Birch Run Financial Financial Advisor, RJFS
For more than 20 years, Ed has helped clients pursue their goals and passions in life through thoughtful financial planning. A Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor SM, he maintains a long-term perspective on investing as he helps clients navigate the ever-evolving markets up to and through retirement.
Since 2012, he has helped lead Birch Run Financial as one of its managing partners and founders, drawing on the example of integrity his own father set as an independent business owner. After discovering his talent for finance, he earned a bachelor's degree in economics from Ursinus College in Collegeville, Pennsylvania, and began his career in the capital markets division of Morgan Stanley in 2001. Through the years, he has developed specialties in retirement income planning, employer-sponsored retirement plans, tax planning, retirement cash flow planning and asset management.
He lives in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Rachel, and their two daughters, Avery and Elena. In his free time, you'll often find Ed surf fishing in the early morning hours.
Job Titles:
- CFP® Vice President, Birch Run Financial Financial Advisor, RJFS
Ian remains motivated by what drew him to become an advisor: helping people pursue their goals and dreams. His calm and patient demeanor and knack for explaining complex topics make him ideally suited for his role. A Certified Financial Planner™, he specializes in helping corporate executives with custom strategies and supporting energy industry employees in preparing for and transitioning to retirement.
He joined Birch Run Financial in 2013, drawn by the chance to be a part of a close-knit team. Ian's responsibilities include financial planning and investment management, and he devotes many hours to researching and studying the markets to continuously perfect his craft. He earned dual degrees in economics and Spanish from Ursinus College in Pennsylvania and has also attained CFP® certification, one of the most respected financial planning credentials among consumers and the recognized standard of excellence in personal financial planning.
Originally from New Jersey, Ian now lives in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his fiancée, Cara, and his German Shepherd, Ringo. His hobbies include playing soccer, golfing, snowboarding and playing classical music on the piano.
Birches tend to grow in stands - a continuous family reunion and reminiscent of how close-knit our practice is.
Kayla's personable manner and knack for organization help her fit right in as a client service associate for the team, managing operations, client calls, graphic design and event planning. She thinks outside the box when it comes to creating a personalized client experience and enjoys the family feel the team has created.
She joined Birch Run Financial in 2019, drawn by the chance to help others pursue financial well-being. A creative at heart, she earned a bachelor's degree in graphic design from East Stroudsburg University.
Kayla lives in her hometown of Southampton, Pennsylvania, with her husband, Paul. In her free time, you might find her playing with her Labrador, painting, taking photos, hiking or running.
I do my best to help clients feel at home here. A good day is when I've brightened someone else's day.
Raymond James financial advisors may only conduct business with residents of the states and/or jurisdictions for which they are properly registered. Therefore, a response to a request for information may be delayed. Please note that not all of the investments and services mentioned are available in every state. Investors outside of the United States are subject to securities and tax regulations within their applicable jurisdictions that are not addressed on this site. Contact your local Raymond James office for information and availability.
Job Titles:
- Business Development Analyst, Birch Run Financial Financial Advisor, RJFS