FOURTHOUGHT FINANCIAL - Key Persons
Alet is an experienced planner who previously worked with Merrill Lynch on the east coast of Florida. She addresses the full spectrum of client needs, from lifetime income to estate planning, tax strategies and more. She has a special interest in teaching other women about investing and contributing to their success.
Alet is a former tennis professional who ranked internationally with the Association of Tennis Professionals and was invited to participate in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. She still plays tennis and loves other outdoor sports including golf and fishing. She was born and raised in Windhoek, Namibia and earned a degree in finance from Tennessee Technological University.
Job Titles:
- Analyst & Portfolio Administrator
Andrew works on the investment management team to conduct securities research and manager reviews, using a variety of data sources and FourThought's disciplined processes to make recommendations and build model portfolios. He also oversees all trading activity and supports the institutional consulting division with detailed performance reporting.
A graduate of the University of Miami, Andrew was a double major in finance and marketing. Prior to joining FourThought in 2017 as a client associate he worked in destination marketing. In his spare time he enjoys playing basketball, going to concerts and reading.
Job Titles:
- Investment
- Planners at FourThought Signature
- Senior Consultant, Family Office Services
In concert with the planners at FourThought Signature, Betsy works with high net worth, multigenerational families as well as family offices, nonprofits, and businesses throughout the U.S., designing and implementing initiatives for family advancement and organizational growth. She counsels individuals, families, executives and boards on topics ranging from visioning and planning to philanthropy and stewardship. Betsy's experience in this arena is deep. She has consulted, facilitated and trained for more than 20 years, with in-depth experience in philanthropy, governance, and leadership. She has received specialized training from organizations including BoardSource, La Piana and Independent Means, Inc.
Brad has over 30 years of industry experience in insurance, investment management, and financial planning. Prior to joining FourThought Private Wealth, he spent 12 years at USAA Investment Management Company and 15 years at State Farm Insurance. In addition to being a Certified Financial Planner®, he holds designations including Chartered Financial Consultant, Certified Wealth Strategist, Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor and Accredited Asset Management Specialist. He earned a bachelor's degree in finance from Eastern Illinois University.
Brad is a former college golfer who still likes to hit the links. He and his wife Ginger have a grown son and daughter.
Job Titles:
- Director of Employee Engagement
- Support
As the Director of Employee Engagement, Carrie leads and directs the daily Human Resource functions, including recruiting (interviewing and hiring) staff, compensation, benefits administration, payroll administration, as well as employee policies and procedures of the firm. In addition, Carrie is responsible for operational support and ensuring superior service to our clients.
Carrie comes to us with over 35 years of Human Resources experience with Stifel Financial which is headquartered in St. Louis, MO. She held roles as Head of Human Resources for 22 years and most recently as Head of Diversity and Inclusion.
She has recently moved to the Sarasota/Venice area with her husband Jeff and dog Holly. All 3 are enjoying the sunny location and walks on the beach.
Job Titles:
- Client Relationship Manager
A graduate of High Point University, Carter holds a bachelor's degree in business administration and a minor in economics. He spent the past five years working for Bank of America as a relationship manager, where he serviced bank clients and worked on deepening client relationships. In his free time he likes to be with family and friends either boating, fishing or both.
Job Titles:
- Client Relationship Manager
- Compliance & Operations
Casey comes to FourThought with over 5 years of experience in financial services. Prior to joining the team, Casey was a Banking Relationship Specialist at Bank OZK where he dedicated his time to servicing clients and cultivating relationships. Prior to working at Bank OZK, Casey was employed as a Relationship Manager at Bank of America. Casey is originally from Chicago, IL and spent much of his young life growing up in the Venice, FL area. Casey enjoys spending time with his family, exploring his hobbies (gardening and music) and reading educational literature.
Job Titles:
- Service
- Technology and Systems Assistant
Daniel comes to FourThought with over 15 years of experience in IT and provides project and technology support to the FourThought team. Prior to joining FourThought, Daniel worked at Neurotronics as a help desk supervisor, where he provided client support and travelled to setup new installations and train clients. Daniel is originally from Chicago, IL and spent much of his young life growing up in the Venice, FL area. Daniel enjoys spending time with family and friends along with being at the beach, on the water and travelling to new places.
Donna Guinta - Chief Compliance Officer, COO
Job Titles:
- Chief Compliance Officer
- Chief Operating Officer
- Support
As Chief Operating Officer for FourThought Private Wealth and its companion divisions, Donna oversees all company operations including budgets, hiring, training, technology, project management and employee development. She also serves as the Chief Compliance Officer.
Donna moved to Florida from Syracuse, New York, where she spent 18 years as Vice President of Operations, Agency and Systems with Cadaret, Grant & Co., an independent broker-dealer and registered investment advisor with offices in 27 states. She holds multiple securities and insurance licenses. She is married with one daughter in college and enjoys spending time with family, especially in the pool and near the water.
Job Titles:
- Research Analyst
- Research Analyst for FourThought
- Service
As the Research Analyst for FourThought, Jake MacFarlane is responsible for assisting the investment management team in researching securities and participating on the investment committee. Additional responsibilities include assisting in the management of equity portfolios through comprehensive research reports and stock recommendations, developing and maintaining qualitative and quantitative research processes, providing weekly commentary and portfolio reviews to the investment committee, and contributing to key thought leadership marketing materials such as whitepapers, thematic investing articles, and webinars.
Jake is a graduate of the University of South Florida and holds a degree in finance. Prior to joining FourThought, Jake was employed as an insurance agent working in sales. Jake holds several insurance licenses and is Bloomberg Marketing Concepts (BMC) certified.
In his free time, which is currently limited while he studies for the CFA Level 2 exam, he enjoys spending time with his wife and their two Golden doodles, cooking out on the grill, and exercising at the gym or basketball court. He also enjoys volunteering at Bayside Community Church in Sarasota, FL.
James serves the role of senior planner supporting the team with complex case design for FourThought's Signature clients. He builds comprehensive financial plans involving family and business structure integrating elements of advanced investment, estate, and insurance planning strategies.
James has been advising clients and families on their financial plans since 2004 and gained a wealth of experience with industry leaders, Bank of America and Prudential Securities. He also held various senior leaderships positions, most recently as Regional Director overseeing teams of financial planners in multiple high net worth markets. He has special expertise in overseeing complex family and business planning needs to include generational wealth transfer, investment management, and estate challenges.
James grew up in central Kentucky and embarked on a military career early in life. Having the honor to serve in the United States Navy and traveling the world cemented his values and appreciation for the uniqueness of our country.
James has several credentials and professional designations in the investment and insurance planning fields and is a current candidate for the CFP® designation.
Laurie will be welcoming FourThought clients as they connect by phone or visits in the office. Her friendly manner will help everyone feel comfortable as part of the FourThought community. She will be assisting staff with some general office duties as well.
Laurie has many years of volunteer service within her communities and church. She has been on the boards of various organizations, served as an associate pastor and a pastor. Mission trips have taken her to third world countries where she lived among the people she helped. Laurie has assisted in organizing events and conferences ranging in size from 10 to 30,000 attendees.
Her passion is to encourage people, enable them to see beyond their present circumstances and help them to envision a bigger picture filled with many possibilities.
Laurie and her husband have three grown children and four grandchildren; she is very proud of her family. She loves swimming, long walks on the beach and beautiful sunsets.
Ryan provides project and technology support to the FourThought investment team. Ryan is a graduate of Florida Gulf Coast University, where he earned his bachelor's degree in finance and an MBA. Prior to joining FourThought, Ryan worked at Edward Jones as an on-call branch office administrator, where he provided client relationship support. Ryan enjoys spending time with family and friends along with being at the beach, playing soccer, and finding new adventures.
Job Titles:
- Certified Financial Planner
Scott is a Certified Financial Planner® and Accredited Investment Fiduciary® who began his career in financial planning in 1985. He also completed the Certified Investment Management Analyst® program through the Wharton School of Finance, and later became a Certified Private Wealth Advisor® through the Investments & Wealth Institute at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. CPWA® is an advanced credential for wealth managers who work with high-net-worth families and individuals, focusing on the life cycle of wealth: accumulation, preservation, and distribution. In 2020, Scott was named to the Barron's Top 1200 Advisors and the Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors.* He achieved a trifecta of similar recognition in 2019, being named to the same two lists as well as The Financial Times 400 Top Advisors. He has been named to the Barron's list more times in the past 11 years than any other financial advisor who applied on Florida's west coast, from Tampa to Fort Myers. Scott is a longtime philanthropist, deacon in his church and an avid cyclist. He and his wife of more than 30 years, Julie, have three grown daughters and one granddaughter. *The ranking algorithm for Barron's Top 1200 Advisors is based on industry experience, interviews, compliance records, assets under management, revenue and other criteria by SHOOK Research, LLC, which does not receive compensation from the advisors or their firms in exchange for placement on a ranking. Investment performance is not a criterion. The rankings for Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors and Financial Times 400 Top Advisors are based on data provided by thousands of advisors. Factors included in the rankings were assets under management, revenue produced for the firm, regulatory record, quality of practice and philanthropic work. Investment performance isn't an explicit component.
Job Titles:
- Client Relationship Manager
Susan has more than 35 years of experience in private wealth management. Prior to joining FourThought Private Wealth she held several positions with a group of Merrill Lynch financial advisors in Lakeland Florida, including Registered Senior Client Associate and Resident Director Assistant. She holds several industry registrations including the FINRA Series 7, and she is licensed in health, life and variable annuity insurance.
Susan is also a seasoned and committed volunteer. She has volunteered with many faith-based organizations as well as the Polk County Sheriff's Girls Villa program. When not working or volunteering, she enjoys spending time with her daughter and two grandchildren.