MERIDIAN - Key Persons


Heather Riggs

Job Titles:
  • Director of Client Experience

Kira Topeka

Job Titles:
  • Support Financial Advisor

Nathan S. Gilbert

Job Titles:
  • Partner
  • Board Member for Leadership Fauquier
Over the course of more than 16 years, Nathan has provided financial advice and wealth management services to hundreds of individuals, families, and organizations. A native of Greenwich, Virginia, Nathan attended nearby James Madison University, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. During college, he worked in several capacities for The Fauquier Bank. An internship in the bank's Investments and Trust department taught him much about the business of investment management - but also important lessons about listening to and dealing with clients' complex situations. After college, Nathan attained FINRA Series 7 and 66 investment licenses and continued to work for TFB's Wealth Management area as a licensed assistant. He supported other advisors in areas ranging from stock and bond trading to presentations on retirement and estate planning. In time, Nathan became a full-time financial advisor and a Vice President for TFB Wealth Management Services. Throughout his career, both as a licensed assistant and as an advisor, Nathan focused on trust planning and investment management, taking a series of courses at Cannon Financial Institute that helped him gain the Certified Trust Financial Advisor (CTFA) designation. Nathan is proud that he and Sarah have employed the best practices of financial planning and investment management in creating Meridian Financial Partners. He brings to the firm a passion for helping clients gain knowledge through clear communication and wholly unbiased advice. Outside the office, Nathan serves as a board member for Leadership Fauquier, Highland School, and Fauquier Family Shelter. He enjoys spending time with his three children and wife Melissa at their home in Haymarket. Nathan is also very active in the Evergreen community, and cherishes his time on the local golf course (or pretty much any golf course).

Sarah J. Yakel

Job Titles:
  • Founding Partners

Tyler Fetherolf

Job Titles:
  • Investment Analyst
Tyler graduated Cum Laude from Averett University in Danville, Virginia, in three and a half years with a double major in Accounting and Marketing Management. Throughout his time at Averett, Tyler learned to love the business field and the many opportunities it provided. During the summer of 2018 he served as an intern here at Meridian Financial Partners where he learned many new aspects of a business while gaining real world experience. Tyler obtained his Masters of Business from Averett University in 2020 and plans to take the CFA Exam in the upcoming years. He is a graduate of Leadership Fauquier's class of 2023. While at Averett, Tyler was also part of the baseball team and plans to further his love for the game as a coach in the future. Outside of the office, and away from his school work, Tyler can most often be found on the water enjoying his love for fishing with his Great Dane, Wilson. One of Tyler's goals for the future is to be able to travel the world to fish in famous locations.