Carl Richards, CFP®
The Behavior Gap
Carl Richards is a Certified Financial Planner™ and creator of the Sketch Guy column, which appeared weekly for a decade in The New York Times.
Carl has also been featured on Marketplace Money, Oprah.com, and Forbes.com. In addition, Carl has become a frequent keynote speaker at financial planning conferences and visual learning events around the world.
Through his simple sketches, Carl makes complex financial concepts easy to understand. His sketches also serve as the foundation for his two books, The One-Page Financial Plan: A Simple Way to Be Smart About Your Money and The Behavior Gap: Simple Ways to Stop Doing Dumb Things with Money (Portfolio/Penguin).
His sketches have appeared in a solo show at the Kimball Art Center in Park City, Utah, as well as other showings at Parsons School of Design in New York City, The Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa, California, and an exhibit at the Mansion House in London. 
His commissioned work is on display in businesses and educational institutions across the globe.
Carl also founded The Society of Advice, a monthly membership that provides access to highly curated conversations between Carl and prominent guests.

Dr. Jeffrey Roach
SVP, Chief Economist, LPL Research
Dr. Jeffrey (Jeff) Roach is the Chief Economist for LPL Financial, while also serving as a voting member of the Strategic and Tactical Asset Allocation Committee (STAAC) where his ability to relate economic conditions to financial market outcomes is highly valued. His broad experiences on an institutional trading floor and in portfolio management, make him an engaging speaker for any audience. Prior to his current role at LPL Financial, Jeff was a Senior Economist with Visa where he focused on macroeconomic forecasting for both internal stakeholders and external global clients. He started his career as a Trading Floor Economist on Bank of America’s corporate trading desk and was also a Portfolio Manager for a 5-star mutual fund. While on Bank of America’s corporate trading desk, his group was responsible for internal economic research that was periodically sent to FOMC officials.
In order to facilitate cutting edge research, Jeff maintains frequent contact with Federal Reserve economists, Wall Street analysts and other leading money managers from around the world. Jeff is a contributor to the financial press, as well as a sought-after speaker, and has presented economic research to international audiences.
Jeff earned both a PhD and a MA in Economics from Clemson University and a BS in Mathematics from Bob Jones University. He also received a visiting research appointment at Harvard University.

Ian Wright
Sr. Principal Consultant & Chief Insights Officer, DDM, Equifax
Ian Wright is a solutions and strategy executive with more than 20 years of experience driving and deploying successful DaaS and SaaS solutions. Currently, Wright leads data strategy and manages the IXI Network for Equifax’s marketing business. Wright previously led product strategy and innovation efforts across marketing, addressable advertising, and identity resolution markets for Experian Marketing Services. Prior to joining Experian, Wright led the development of IXI Services' solutions to fuel the company's growth from a startup entity through its acquisition by Equifax. Wright also led the strategy and development of consumer marketing data products for Claritas. 

Todd Hoover
SVP of Data Driven Marketing, Equifax
​As Equifax’s SVP of Data-Driven Marketing, Todd Hoover leads a team that enables clients to build best-in-class, data-driven marketing capabilities and programs. He also leads go-to-market strategy and partner relationships for Equifax in the marketing space. Previously, Todd led global Sales and Business Development for Equifax’s Data & Analytics team, an incubator lab for leading-edge big data solutions across analytics, marketing and fraud. His prior roles also included Consulting and Solution Sales Leader and Vice President of Professional Services.  Todd’s expertise lies in navigating businesses - large and small – through accelerated growth. He has also held senior leadership positions as the General Manager of private markets at Quantum Spatial, and the Chief Strategy Officer of Marketplace Insights at The GB Group. Todd began his career in technology at S1 and AMS. He holds a Business Degree from Clemson University, and a patent for the Equifax Mobile Commerce Application.

David Bresler, CFP®, CRPC®
Advisor Business Development Group, Ameriprise Financial
David Bresler leads a team of 75 business coaches helping advisors grow their net flows, client acquisition and advice businesses.  Separately he also has responsibility for a number of Ameriprise’s cutting edge client experience capabilities including proprietary meeting prep technology, next best action capabilities and predictive analytics.   David also spends meaningful time telling the Ameriprise story to internal audiences as well as external recruits considering Ameriprise.
​He has been with Ameriprise for 19 years starting in the field in Boston as an advisor, advisor coach and branch leader before pivoting to a regional leadership role in New England.  In 2011 David made the decision to sell his practice, leave the field, join the corporate office and move to Minneapolis where he has held a number of different leadership roles prior to his current role.
​David is a CFP® and CRPC® and has dual Bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and Journalism from Boston University.   Prior to his time at Ameriprise he worked in politics in the UK and the US including on the 2004 presidential primary where he spent time in Iowa, Michigan, Wisconsin and Ohio.  Outside of work David is married with 2 kids (10 and 7) and lives in South Minneapolis.  In his spare time you’ll find him on the golf course at 6 am before work on Fridays and crafting cocktails at home once the day is over. 

Chris Spates
Director of Institutional Marketing, Partner, VIP Insurance
Meet Chris, a dedicated advocate in the financial services sector with a remarkable 20-year journey of success. Beginning his career in 1999, he ventured into the insurance industry, offering invaluable life insurance advice to both professional and private pilots.
In 2003, Chris played a pivotal role in establishing VIP Life, which rapidly grew to become an industry leader in point-of-sale insurance planning advice across the nation's financial institutions. In 2012, he co-founded a cutting-edge firm that specializes in state-of-the-art Wealth Transfer, Hybrid Long-Term Care, and pioneering Annuity products for financial institutions. Today, Benefit Bank Distributors, Inc., proudly holds the distinction of being the largest privately owned provider of Life Insurance and Annuities in the Banking Channel.
Chris's expertise and captivating speaking style have made him a desired speaker and presenter for numerous banks and credit unions nationwide. In his current role as Chief Distribution Officer for VIP Holding, he leads all aspects of Sales and Marketing for this innovative company, steering it towards new heights in an otherwise archaic industry.
Educationally, Chris holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and a Masters Degree in Management, both earned at St. Edwards University in Austin, TX. Beyond his professional endeavors, he cherishes quality time with his beloved wife and two boys in the charming town of Georgetown, TX.
Through two decades of dedication, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, Chris continues to make significant strides in the financial services landscape, leaving an indelible mark as a leader, advocate, and family man.

Eric Armstrong
Owner, Compass Consulting
Eric grew up in rural Nebraska. He spent two years at the University of Nebraska before transferring to the University of California San Diego where he graduated in 1988 with an economics major and minor in history.  After college, Eric married, spent five years serving in the Marine Corps which brought five overseas deployments, one combat tour, and one divorce.  After the Marine Corps, Eric worked in corporate America for a few years before starting his own consulting firm in 1997.  Eric has completed hundreds of projects working with banks, credit unions, law firms, capital markets firms, and wealth management firms.  In 2019, Eric consolidated his consulting practice to solely serve community banks and credit unions, supporting their efforts in offering comprehensive private wealth, securities, insurance, trust, and other wealth management and advisory services.
 For 25+ years, Eric has been keenly aware of knowing “where the puck is headed” and making sure his audience, clients, and associates get this information and know how to stay in front of the change events. He has presented to dozens of associations, boards, and fortune 500 companies covering many topics of interest.  He combines his life experiences with his passion for the work product he supports to deliver an unconventional message in a fun, engaging way to his audience.
 Eric remarried in 2000. His wife Beth owns a landscape design company. They have one daughter who is in college studying animal science.

Kelly Corah
President, Program Director, Addison Avenue Investment Services
With more than 30 years in the financial services industry, Kelly brings extensive management experience and hands-on knowledge of leading successful investment and insurance programs within financial institutions. In her current role as President and Investment Program Director, Kelly leads a team of highly engaged and talented professionals with expertise in all aspects of effective investment program management and strategy execution. In addition, she has overall responsibility for the insurance related services available through First Tech Insurance Services, one of the largest credit union-owned agencies in the country. She is a past board member of BISA (Bank Insurance Securities Association), as well as a former member of the CFS (CUSO Financial Services) Advisory Council. 
Kelly serves as a member of First Tech's Executive Leadership team and is active in community philanthropy. She is the current Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Oregon/SW Washington where she was the 2018 recipient of the Board Outstanding Engagement Award. She volunteers for other organizations like Children's Miracle Network, Habitat for Humanities, Gonzaga Alumni Mentor program and more. She is also a current member of CHIEF, a private network for women in leadership. 
Born and raised in Oregon, Kelly loves the Pacific Northwest and everything it offers: Hiking, biking, kayaking, and anything outdoors-especially in Central Oregon. She loves to travel and spend as much time as possible exploring with family and friends. 
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Registered Address: 5100 NE Dawson Creek Drive, Hillsboro, OR 97124 I 855.744.8585 
Financial Advisors offer securities through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC and securities are not insured by credit union insurance, the NCUA or any other government agency, are not deposits or obligations of the credit union, are not guaranteed by the credit union, and are subject to risks, including the possible loss of principal First Technology Federal Credit Union and Addison Avenue Investment Ser­vices are not registered broker/dealers and are independent of Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Raymond James is not affiliated with any organizations mentioned herein. 

Nancy Almond
SVP, Program Manager, Numerica Financial Services
Award-winning leadership is a central theme of Nancy's wealth management career. Bank Investment Consulting Magazine named her one the country's top program managers - twice, once in 2013 and again in 2016! A 150-branch regional bank honored her as its "Leader of the Year" in 2013. She served on a national industry advisory board. She is a recognized speaker and subject matter expert.
At Numerica, Nancy is all those things plus one: Home. She is part of a family 
that traces seven generations in Coeur d'Alene. In addition to her degree from Oregon State University, leadership posts in western Washington added to her breadth of experience. But the communities served by Numerica are particularly close to her heart. As the leader of Numerica's talented financial services team, available through Cetera Investment Services, she is energized to prioritize solutions that help individuals, families, and businesses in the Tri-Cities, Wenatchee, Spokane, and North Idaho. 
Befitting her roots, Nancy enjoys golfing, hiking, bike riding, and fishing. 

Numerica Financial Services is a marketing name of Cetera Investment Services. Securities and insurance products are offered through Cetera Investment Services LLC (doing insurance business in CA as CFG STC Insurance Agency LLC), member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services are offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC. Cetera is not affiliated with the financial institution where investment services are offered. 

Chad Waddoups
VP, Wealth Management, Mountain America CU
Chad Waddoups has been with Mountain America Investment Services since 2008. He brings more than 25 years of financial planning, sales, compliance and business management experience to the team.
Prior to joining Mountain America Investment Services, he was employed by Fidelity Investments, where he held a number of management positions. Waddoups holds the following registrations through LPL Financial: FINRA Series 7, 63 and 9/10 securities licenses, as well as a life and health insurance agent’s license.
He received a Bachelor of Science degree in finance from Utah State University and a MBA from Brigham Young University.
Chad currently resides in Fruit Heights, Utah, with his wife and five children. He enjoys running, boating, camping and motorcycle riding.

Kemal Kvakic
VP, Head of Innovation, Raymond James Financial
Kemal Kvakic is VP, Head of Innovation for Raymond James Financial.  He is responsible for driving the development and implementation of innovative initiatives within the organization. This includes identifying and evaluating new opportunities for innovation, as well as overseeing the development and implementation of new products, services, and processes. Kemal works closely with teams across the organization to develop and test prototypes. To be effective in this role, Kemal has strong leadership and management skills, as well as a track record of successfully identifying and pursuing new opportunities for growth and development.
 
He is a member of the Technology Review Board providing oversite on business or technology strategy, technology selection, and direction. Kemal brings over 20 years of experience in the IT space ranging from development to leadership.
 
Before joining Raymond James, Kemal was working for a local firm, Health Plan Services, later acquired by Wipro Limited. As a Sr. Director, he was responsible for all front-facing applications with clients such as Human, Aetna, AIG, and other industry-leading health providers. After 12 years, he decided to leave the healthcare industry and join Raymond James Financial.
 
Kemal has a BS in Computer Science and BS in Computer Engineering, from the University of South Florida. He holds a minor in mathematics and is a recent graduate of the Regional Leadership Forum, nationwide SIM chapter. Kemal is inspired daily by his wife and their two kids. In his free time, even though he is tall, he does not play basketball but instead enjoys long rides on his bicycle, reading (or listening to) good books, and occasionally golfing.